Writing a book and having it published seems like an extraordinary feat for most people — especially a fifth grader.

Pittsfield Elementary fifth grader Natasha Jenkins said that at first it felt like it was something she couldn't do.

“I’m really happy because when we first started, I kept saying ‘I can’t do this, it’s too hard.’ People kept encouraging me to work hard.”

First among those giving encouragement was her fifth grade teacher, Jenny Barcelata.

Previously a high school Spanish teacher, Barcelata said she was inspired by a fifth grade teacher from the Los Angeles area, Rafe Esquith, whose book, “Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire” is a guide to teachers everywhere. Part of his annual curriculum is having his students write and publish a book.

Barcelata decided to integrate this into her curriculum as well. Through brainstorming characters, conflicts, climax and resolutions her students were able to use their imagination or pull from real life experiences to create a book that was to be 18 to 24 pages long.

Once the writing was finished, the students sent their stories to studentpublishing.com and received a free paperback copy of their stories. Students are also able to send in a form for additional copies.

Barcelata said she wanted her fifth-graders to experience the satisfaction of following through with something from start to finish.

“It is such a pivotal time in their lives and I wanted them to leave with a great accomplishment,” she said.

All of the students were recognized on Friday, June 3 during a publishing party. Family members were invited to come and celebrate their student's accomplishments. Some students read excerpts from their books.

Many of the students said they were proud of the work they had done and the efforts they put into accomplishing the project.

Barcelata said many of the students found the assignment challenging. She said that getting the students to understand that each story was meant to have a purpose was most difficult.

Using excerpts from authors such as Roald Dahl, Natalie Babbitt, Madeline Ingall and J.K. Rowling helped the students decide what they wanted their readers to come away with from the story.

Kelsie Molter said having a deadline was the most challenging part.

“At first, I didn’t know if I was going to make it before the deadline,” she said.

Molter said that her family her family helped her get through the process.

“They told me to keep doing it because they wanted to see my book when I was done with it,” she said. “They said I’d be a good author one day.”

Barcelata said the students had a difficult time coming up with their own ideas and realizing that it could be any genre.

Jenkins said that she wants people to know to never give up even if it’s hard.

“Always try your hardest, do your best and have a good attitude,” she said. “Never say never. It’s great to try new things.”

Barcelata said that she feels privileged that she got to teach these kids at this age.

“I’ve learned so much about who they are as individuals,” she said. “I want them to know that if they set their minds to something and persevere, they can do anything."

Michelle Meunier is an intern for AnnArbor.com. Have a community news tip? Email community@annarbor.com.