Guinness World Record TM Grants Designation to 7-foot-tall I AM TEXAS!

Book dedicated to the students, their families, the faculty of Robb Elementary and the Uvalde community

HOUSTON – Representatives from the Guinness World Records™ officially decreed I Am Texas “the largest published book in the world” in Houston, Texas. An ode to Texas from the perspective of a child, the seven-foot book captures what the Lone Star State means to 1,000 young Texans in grades 3-12 from more than 80 school districts through short and long stories, poetry, and artwork.

The iWRITE Organization and The Bryan Museum, along with The New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team, Brad Meltzer, and Christopher Eliopoulos, creators of theOrdinary People Change the World Series, published I Am Texas with the help of Phillips 66, the official sponsor of its production. The team has dedicated the book to the students, their families, the faculty of Robb Elementary and the Uvalde community at the book signing and Guinness World Record announcement. The record was last set in 2007 in Brazil.

“With all that is happening in the world right now, this project and this event reminds all of us of stay focused on our youth,” said Melissa Williams Murphy, iWRITE founder and executive director of The Bryan Museum. “We must elevate them and allow them to have pride in themselves, their work, who they are, and where they are from because perception of self matters and will shape our country’s future.”

The young authors will become part of Meltzer and Eliopoulos’s, Ordinary People Change the World series. Editor’s Choice, Featured Artists, and Regional Winners received prize money up to $2,000 and a $20,000 scholarship (over 4 years) to Schreiner University. Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation awarded three Texas Schools ($5,000) and fifteen classrooms ($250) book awards for having their students participate in the contest. For a full list of winners including authors, artists, schools and classrooms click here.

“At Phillips 66, we invest in education and literacy because an educated workforce drives the world’s economy,” said Phillips 66 Manager of Social Impact Claudia Kreisle. “We’re excited to participate in I Am Texas and to provide an opportunity for kids share their own unique stories — and to break a world record while doing it.”

The book’s cover was unveiled late last year, showcasing the illustration by Eliopoulos that highlights the diversity of Texas, featuring Texas heroes Barbara Bush and Bessie Coleman, among others.

“H-E-B is proud to partner with a nonprofit that aligns so well with our mission of diversity and inclusion. We love that this contest gives all students the opportunity to share their story and celebrate the unique diversity of Texas through their writing,” said Senior Director of Public Affairs, H-E-B Houston, Lisa Helfman.

The “largest book in the world” will be displayed at The Bryan Museum in Galveston to celebrate the story of Texas from our next generation’s diverse perspectives after it makes its public debut at the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 24^th. It will be in residence at the museum Nov. 28 through Jan. 8 followed by a tour of Texas. Tour stops include:

• Phillips 66 Headquarters, Houston (Jan. 9 – 23)
• Taste of Texas, Houston (Jan. 24 – March 7)
• Press Conference on the South Steps of the Capitol, Austin (March 8 at 8 a.m.)        
• The Alamo, San Antonio (March 9 – April)
• Schreiner University (Sept. 4 – Oct. 2)
• Dallas Historical Society (Nov. 20 – Dec. 1)

Thank you to I Am Texas sponsors: PHILLIPS 66, Title Sponsor; H-E-B, Publishing Contest Sponsor; The Texas Center at Schreiner University, Education Sponsor; McCoy’s Building Supply, Book Tour Sponsor; Taste of Texas Restaurants, Texas Committee Sponsor; Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, School Book Grant Sponsor; The Summerlee Foundation; The Hamill Foundation; SHESPACE; Bella Becho, Book & Print Bindery; Houston Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club; Foxmark Manufacturing Branding Solutions.

ABOUT IWRITE – iWRITE Nonprofit Organization builds student confidence through writing. Founded in 2009 by children’s author, Melissa Williams Murphy, iWRITE professionally publishes 3^rd-12^th grade students through its annual competition and provides writing programs and leadership opportunities to youth. The organization’s mascot, “i” The Guy, visits elementary schools across the Houston area to encourage students to become writers and can be found within the pages of the elementary writing curriculum. The iWRITE youth club gives middle school and high school students the opportunity to volunteer at the organization and write for and produce the iWRITER Magazine. Visit iWRITE.org to learn more.

ABOUT THE BRYAN MUSEUM – After a careful restoration of the old Galveston Orphans Home in Galveston, Texas, The Bryan Museum opened its doors in 2015. With 20,000 square feet of exhibit space and lush, manicured grounds, it has become a Texas destination.  The permanent collection, assembled by J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan, is one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West. The collection spans more than 12,000 years and over 70,000 items in total, with pieces ranging from ancient Native American cultural artifacts to modern twenty-first century art. The mission of The Bryan Museum is to bring the history of Texas and the American West to life. Through its world-class collections, exhibitions, and educational history and literacy programs, students of all ages get a chance to experience the stories of yesterday and write the stories of tomorrow. For more information, visit thebryanmuseum.org.

ABOUT THE ORDINARY PEOPLE CHANGE THE WORLD SERIES

Ordinary People Change the World is the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos that focuses on well-known figures in history. The inception for the series, which currently has more than 3.5 million copies in print, came from a personal place for Brad Meltzer: he wanted to give his own children heroes of character, kindness, and compassion – he did not want his children to think that someone “famous for being famous” on social media constitutes someone to emulate. From his love of history, Brad knew there were inspirational heroes for his children to look up to, and he decided to write about them. The series, which has 25 heroes and counting, includes figures like Billie Jean King, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Leonardo da Vinci, Anne Frank, and in Fall 2021, Oprah Winfrey and I. M. Pei will be welcomed into the series.

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1000 Student Winners Announced for the Guinness World Records Largest Published Book in the World – “I Am Texas!”

Houston, TX – May 16, 2022 ​- ​iWRITE Literacy Organization​ and The Bryan Museum just announced the 1,000 student winners (3^rd-12^th graders) whose writing or artwork will be published in I Am Texas, a 7 ft. book and attempt to publish the largest book in the world by kids, earning a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title.

The publishing contest, sponsored by H-E-B, gave students the opportunity to enter short stories, poetry and artwork that told their Texas story. 72 school districts and thousands of students across the state of Texas and beyond participated in the contest. The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation gave book grants in the amount of $5,000 each to the top three schools with the most participation and to fifteen additional classrooms in the amount of $250 each.

The 1,000 winning authors and illustrators will come together for the Phillips 66 I Am Texas Book Signing at the Hilton Americas in Downtown Houston on November 5, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. Guests will be invited to attend the book signing and a gala later that night and have their own copy of the book signed by the student authors and illustrators.

The I Am Texas book will become a part of the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team Brad Meltzer and Chris Eliopoulos’ Ordinary People Change the World Series. “We hope to inspire kids to become true leaders and the heroes in their own stories. That’s why we created books like  I Am Sacagawea and I Am Neil Armstrong and why we are excited to release I Am Texas with 1,000 kids this fall,” said Meltzer.

Students will get the chance to take pictures with the massive 7 ft. book on display, autograph smaller editions of I Am Texas and even walk a red carpet. Immediately following the book signing, guests will have the chance to bid on the top art pieces published in the book at a donor reception and art auction. During the gala, selected student writers will sit on the Author Panel and answer questions about their work and inspiration (an annual tradition and audience favorite). During the program an official Guinness Book World Record judge will announce if the record was broken.

Featured winners, like the Editor’s Choice recipients will be announced in September by  Brad Meltzer. Those students will read their work on stage. The featured student artists will be chosen by illustrator, Eliopoulos, who is the cover artist of the 7 ft. book. Regional Winners will also be awarded and given four-year scholarships to Schreiner University whose Texas Center college students and faculty came together to judge the contest entries.

“iWRITE has been professionally publishing kids for 13 years, so we wanted to give students a chance to be a part of something BIG! When iWRITE came together with The Bryan (Texas History) Museum, we were able to combine both non-profits’ missions – build student confidence through writing about your Texas story,” said Melissa Williams Murphy, iWRITE Founder and Executive Director of The Bryan Museum. “Something this big was going to take multiple partnerships. After we joined together, the other partnerships fell into place, proving that everything is bigger and better in Texas because we know how to work together to achieve great things!”

Fundraising at the event will support the educational partnership between iWRITE and The Bryan Museum. I Am Texas will become the annual theme for the writing and art contest between the two organizations and the 7 ft. book will go on tour giving students in selected areas of Texas the chance to participate at public readings held at tour locations.

To schedule an interview with any of the 2022 published student authors and illustrators or organizations involved please contact Nicole@iWRITE.org | 713-893-1461 to learn more visit iamtx.org.

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Phillips 66 joins iWRITE and The Bryan Museum in attempt to break GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™

I Am Texas! – the Largest Published Book in the World by kids for kids will stand seven feet tall.

Houston, TX – The iWRITE Organization and The Bryan Museum, along with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, are set to publish the largest book in the world by kids for kids, earning a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title. Phillips 66 has joined the effort as the official sponsor of the production of the book, titled “I am Texas!”, and the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ adjudication event on November 5th, 2022 in Houston, where the more than seven-foot-tall book will be presented to the public. The book’s cover was unveiled late 2021 showcasing the illustration by Eliopoulos that highlights the wonderful diversity of Texas, featuring Texas heroes Barbara Bush and Bessie Coleman, among others. The book will be displayed permanently at The Bryan Museum to celebrate the story of Texas from our next generation’s diverse perspectives beginning November 13th.

“At Phillips 66, we invest in education and literacy because an educated workforce drives the world’s economy,” said Phillips 66 Manager of Social Impact Claudia Kreisle. “We’re excited to participate in “I Am Texas!” and to provide an opportunity for kids share their own unique stories — and to break a world record while doing it.”

“I am Texas!” is a compilation of more than 1000 authors and artists from grades 3-12 who will make history as big as Texas with their stories, poetry, or art that follow the “I am Texas!” theme. All authors will become part of Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos’s, Ordinary People Change the World series and will walk the red carpet at the organization’s annual book signing event in the fall. Editor’s Choice, Featured Artists, and Regional Winners will receive prize money up to $2,000 and a $20,000 scholarship (over 4 years) to Schreiner University.

“iWRITE has been professionally publishing kids for 13 years, and now, with the help of our partners, we are giving kids a chance to be a part of history,” said Melissa Williams Murphy, iWRITE Founder and Executive Director of The Bryan Museum. “With the support of Phillips 66, we are able to offer a BIG opportunity while using the power of writing to connect the next generation to Texas history.”

The contest, which launched July of 2021, invites students to share “their Texas story” from grades 3 – 12. Submissions are due no later than March 2, 2022 (Texas State Independence Day). Brad Meltzer and Illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos will announce the Editor’s Choice Award Winners and Featured Illustrator. Contest rules and resources can be found at iamtx.org.

Media Contacts:

ABOUT IWRITE – iWRITE Nonprofit Organization builds student confidence through writing. Founded in 2009 by children’s author, Melissa Williams Murphy, iWRITE professionally publishes 3^rd-12^th grade students through its annual competition and provides writing programs and leadership opportunities to youth. The organization’s mascot, “i” The Guy, visits elementary schools across the Houston area to encourage students to become writers and can be found within the pages of the elementary writing curriculum. The iWRITE youth club gives middle school and high school students the opportunity to volunteer at the organization and write for and produce the iWRITER Magazine. Visit iWRITE.org to learn more.

ABOUT THE BRYAN MUSEUM – After a careful restoration of the old Galveston Orphans Home in Galveston, Texas, The Bryan Museum opened its doors in 2015. With 20,000 square feet of exhibit space and lush, manicured grounds, it has become a Texas destination.  The permanent collection, assembled by J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan, is one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West. The collection spans more than 12,000 years and over 70,000 items in total, with pieces ranging from ancient Native American cultural artifacts to modern twenty-first century art. The mission of The Bryan Museum is to bring the history of Texas and the American West to life. Through its world-class collections, exhibitions, and educational history and literacy programs, students of all ages get a chance to experience the stories of yesterday and write the stories of tomorrow. For more information, visit thebryanmuseum.org.

ABOUT PHILLIPS 66 – Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a portfolio of Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses, the company processes, transports, stores and markets fuels and products globally. Headquartered in Houston, the company has 14,100 employees committed to safety and operating excellence. Phillips 66 had $56 billion of assets as of Sept. 30, 2021. For more information, visit www.phillips66.com or follow us on Twitter @Phillips66Co. 

ABOUT THE ORDINARY PEOPLE CHANGE THE WORLD SERIES – Ordinary People Change the World is the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos that focuses on well-known figures in history. The inception for the series, which currently has more than 3.5 million copies in print, came from a personal place for Brad Meltzer: he wanted to give his own children heroes of character, kindness, and compassion – he did not want his children to think that someone “famous for being famous” on social media constitutes someone to emulate. From his love of history, Brad knew there were inspirational heroes for his children to look up to, and he decided to write about them. The series, which has 25 heroes and counting, includes figures like Billie Jean King, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Leonardo da Vinci, Anne Frank, and in Fall 2021, Oprah Winfrey and I. M. Pei will be welcomed into the series.

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I Am Texas, the Official Attempt for the Guinness World Record ^TM for the Largest Published Book in the World by kids, for kids!

Call for entries is open now until March 2^nd, students in grades 3-12 encouraged to apply

Houston, TX – The iWRITE Organization and The Bryan Museum, along with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, are set to publish the largest book in the world by kids for kids,earning a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title. Students in grades 3-12 are encouraged to enter their fictional or nonfictional stories, poetry, and illustrations via iamtx.org by March 2, 2022.

Phillips 66 has joined the effort as the official sponsor of the production of the book, titled “I am Texas!”, and the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™adjudication event on November 5^th, 2022 in Houston, where the more than seven-foot-tall book will be presented to the public. “At Phillips 66, we invest in education and literacy because an educated workforce drives the world’s economy,” said Phillips 66 Manager of Social Impact Claudia Kreisle. “We’re excited to participate in “I Am Texas!” and to provide an opportunity for kids share their own unique stories — and to break a world record while doing it.”

The publishing contest sponsor H-E-B has been behind the competition for the last four years. I am Texas! is a compilation of more than 1000 authors and artists from grades 3-12 who will make history as big as Texas with their winning stories, poetry, or art that follow the “I am Texas!” theme.

“H-E-B is proud to partner with a nonprofit that aligns so well with our mission of diversity and inclusion. We love that this contest gives all students the opportunity to share their story and celebrate the unique diversity of Texas through their writing,” said Senior Director of Public Affairs, H-E-B Houston, Lisa Helfman.

The book’s cover was unveiled late 2021 showcasing the illustration by Eliopoulos that highlights the wonderful diversity of Texas, featuring Texas heroes Barbara Bush and Bessie Coleman, among others. All authors will become part of Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos’s, Ordinary People Change the World series and will walk the red carpet at the organization’s annual book signing event and official adjudication in the fall. Editor’s Choice, Featured Artists, and Regional Winners will receive prize money up to $2,000 and a $20,000 scholarship (over 4 years) to Schreiner University. Education partner, Texas Center at Schreiner University has put together a judging committee to select the pieces of writing. Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation will award three Texas Schools ($5,000) and fifteen classrooms ($250) book awards by having their students participate in the contest.

“iWRITE has been professionally publishing kids for 13 years, and now, with the help of our partners, we are giving kids a chance to be a part of history,” said Melissa Williams Murphy, iWRITE Founder and Executive Director of The Bryan Museum.

Submissions are due no later than March 2, 2022 (Texas State Independence Day). Brad Meltzer and Illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos will announce the Editor’s Choice Award Winners and Featured Illustrator. Contest rules and resources can be found at iamtx.org. The book will be displayed permanently at The Bryan Museum to celebrate the story of Texas from our next generation’s diverse perspectives beginning November 13th.

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ABOUT IWRITE – iWRITE Nonprofit Organization builds student confidence through writing. Founded in 2009 by children’s author, Melissa Williams Murphy, iWRITE professionally publishes 3^rd-12^th grade students through its annual competition and provides writing programs and leadership opportunities to youth. The organization’s mascot, “i” The Guy, visits elementary schools across the Houston area to encourage students to become writers and can be found within the pages of the elementary writing curriculum. The iWRITE youth club gives middle school and high school students the opportunity to volunteer at the organization and write for and produce the iWRITER Magazine. Visit iWRITE.org to learn more.

ABOUT THE BRYAN MUSEUM – After a careful restoration of the old Galveston Orphans Home in Galveston, Texas, The Bryan Museum opened its doors in 2015. With 20,000 square feet of exhibit space and lush, manicured grounds, it has become a Texas destination.  The permanent collection, assembled by J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan, is one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West. The collection spans more than 12,000 years and over 70,000 items in total, with pieces ranging from ancient Native American cultural artifacts to modern twenty-first century art. The mission of The Bryan Museum is to bring the history of Texas and the American West to life. Through its world-class collections, exhibitions, and educational history and literacy programs, students of all ages get a chance to experience the stories of yesterday and write the stories of tomorrow. For more information, visit thebryanmuseum.org.

ABOUT THE ORDINARY PEOPLE CHANGE THE WORLD SERIES – Ordinary People Change the World is the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos that focuses on well-known figures in history. The inception for the series, which currently has more than 3.5 million copies in print, came from a personal place for Brad Meltzer: he wanted to give his own children heroes of character, kindness, and compassion – he did not want his children to think that someone “famous for being famous” on social media constitutes someone to emulate. From his love of history, Brad knew there were inspirational heroes for his children to look up to, and he decided to write about them. The series, which has 25 heroes and counting, includes figures like Billie Jean King, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Leonardo da Vinci, Anne Frank, and in Fall 2021, Oprah Winfrey and I. M. Pei will be welcomed into the series.

July 15, 2021

Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos, iWRITE, and The Bryan Museum are making history as BIG as TEXAS!

Houston, TX – The iWRITE Organization and The Bryan Museum are partnering with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team, Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest published book in the World called I Am Texas!

To break the record, they’ll be creating a massive book (over 7 feet tall!) that will be
displayed at The Bryan Museum, alongside its Texas and American West collection of historical artifacts, books, and artwork. One-thousand students will have the chance to be published and become part of Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos’s, Ordinary People Change the World series.

Students are invited to share “their Texas story” from grades 3-12. These stories (fiction or nonfiction), poetry, and illustrations are due no later than March 2, 2022 (Texas State Independence Day). Students will be invited to the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudication and book signing event in Houston, TX. Brad Meltzer and Illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos will be announcing the Editor’s Choice Award Winners and Featured Illustrator!

For more information, please visit iamtx.org or call (409) 497-4209.

Media Contacts:

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Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, is dedicated to its mission of nourishing a universal passion for reading by connecting authors and their writing with readers everywhere. The company, which employs more than 10,000 people globally, was formed on July 1, 2013, by Bertelsmann and Pearson. As of April 1, 2020, Bertelsmann is full owner of the company. With more than 300 imprints and brands on six continents, Penguin Random House comprises adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital English- German- and Spanish-language trade book publishing businesses in more than 20 countries worldwide. With over 15,000 new titles, and more than 600 million print, audio and eBooks sold annually, Penguin Random House’s publishing lists include more than 80 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors.

ABOUT THE ORDINARY PEOPLE CHANGE THE WORLD SERIES:
Ordinary People Change the World is the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos that focuses on well-known figures in history. The inception for the series, which currently has more than 3.5 million copies in print, came from a personal place for Brad Meltzer: he wanted to give his own children heroes of character, kindness, and compassion – he did not want his children to think that someone “famous for being famous” on social media constitutes someone to emulate. From his love of history, Brad knew there were inspirational heroes for his children to look up to, and he decided to write about them. The series, which has 25 heroes and counting, includes figures like Billie Jean King, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Leonardo da Vinci, Anne Frank, and in Fall 2021, Oprah Winfrey and I. M. Pei will be welcomed into the series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Heroes for My Son, Heroes for My Daughter, a dozen suspense novels like The Escape Artist, and nonfiction books like The Lincoln Conspiracy. He is also the host of the History Channel television shows Brad Meltzer’s Decoded and Brad Meltzer’s Lost History (which he used to help find the missing 9/11 flag). He is the co-creator of Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum – and of course, the inspiration for Brad. He lives in Florida with his wife and their three children.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Christopher Eliopoulos began his illustration career at Marvel Comics, and has worked on thousands of comics, including Cosmic Commandos, Monster Mayhem, Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius, Pet Avengers, and Cow Boy, all of which he wrote and illustrated. The Yawns Are Coming!, Christopher’s first picture book as both author and illustrator, is on sale now, with The Giggles Are Coming available on 7/6/2021. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and their identical twin sons (when the boys are home from college).

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