Why did Rumpelstiltskin want a first-born child? The Brothers Grimm fairytale never gave a reason. A fascinating explanation is revealed in “Rumpelstiltskin and His Husband,” a twist on the classic story written by Eva Nemirovsky for the Twist Fate Challenge, an international art and writing challenge for 13 to 17 year olds that published a book featuring the best entries.
“This is a great explanation,” author Sara Ryan said this week in an Educator Innovator webinar on the challenge. “Because he is not allowed to adopt with his husband because of oppressive laws, he needs to get a kid because they want to be dads.”
Ryan was one of four editors who selected the finalists’ work that got published. She and another editor, Antero Garcia, Stanford University assistant professor of education, participated in the webinar, hosted by Christina Cantrill, assistant director of national programs for the National Writing Project. The trio explained the challenge, discussed how it connected to learning, reflected on its success and offered advice. Watch it below.
For young people interested in writing and art, keep it up, Garcia said. “Go make something,” he said. “Go draw something. Go build something, but be productive.”
Related posts:
- “Twist Fate” Showcases Teen Creations
- Highlighting Young Producers by Twisting Fate
- Reflections on Youth Efficacy in the Twist Fate Challenge
Twist Fate website: clalliance.org/twist-fate
Banner image: “Gangsters of Zootopia” by Amberlina-Chan
Editor’s note: Watchworthy Wednesday posts highlight interesting resources and appear in DML Central on Wednesdays. Any tips for future posts are welcome. Please comment below or send email to mcruz@hri.uci.edu.
