Sarasota County Elementary Educators Self-Publish Children's Novels Ahead of 2023-2024 School Year

Two Sarasota County elementary educators have self-published their own children’s novels in time for the 2023-2024 academic year. The authors, both fifth grade teachers at Tuttle Elementary School in Sarasota, worked separately this past summer on their respective stories and contracted The Peppertree Press, a Sarasota-based publishing company, to produce and print their books. Justine Holcomb, a fifth-grade science and social studies teacher, wrote her debut book “Cutie Pie the Pumpkin and Her Pollinating Pals.” The story centers around a grandmother and granddaughter duo who use scientific thinking and their problem-solving skills to grow their own pumpkin in time for Halloween. Eric LoStorto, a fifth-grade mathematics teacher, wrote his second novel “Unlikely Superheroes” with unlike fractions in mind. The story encourages young readers to become “mathematical superheroes” by keeping “the right attitude and effort.” Both books are available for sale on Amazon. Mrs. Holcomb is also selling her books independently through her website, JustineHolcombAuthor.com.