ONF Serial Stories for Young Readers

The Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation is pleased to provide three serial stories to OPA members for publication at any time. Each story is comprised of eight chapters and newspapers usually publish one chapter per week. Each story will entice readers of all ages, and they'll anticipate reading the next chapters. All three historical fiction stories were written by Carolyn Estes, a former ONF Trustee who worked at the Oologah Lake Leader and co-produced the children's weekly feature "For the Kid in You."

The quarter-page features, which include artwork, are available in camera-ready PDF format. You’re welcome to recruit a local advertiser to sponsor the story. Simply place the advertiser’s information at the bottom of the chapter with your newspaper’s logo. All we ask is that the advertiser’s business not be inappropriate for children (i.e. liquor store).

We hope your readers enjoy these stories. If you have questions, please contact Lisa Sutliff (or 405-499-0040 or 1-888-815-2672).

Trail of Tears Story

"They Cried on the Trail" that follows two Cherokee Indian children as they journey to Oklahoma on what would become the Trail of Tears. It tells the fictional story of John Whitefeather and his parents’ six-month trek after being forced to leave their home in Georgia. They find a new friend, Sally, during the 1,000-mile journey to Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

A press release and promotional ads are also available if you want to introduce your readers to the story when the first chapter is published. The first chapter is a bit longer, so it is slightly wider than a quarter-page. Available in 9p and 11p widths. Debuted in 2011.

Will Rogers Story

“Will Rogers: Childhood Adventures with an Oklahoma Legend” is about the famous newspaper columnist and entertainer, often remembered for his famous quote: “All I know is what I read in the papers.” The story follows ten-year-old Will Rogers and his friend, Frank, as they herd cattle, sleep under the stars, swim in the Verdigris River and battle a prairie fire. They also learn about the arrival of a new railroad that will split the Rogers ranch in half and form the new town of Oologah, Okla. Each chapter download includes three sizes. Debuted in 2010.

Oklahoma Centennial Story

The Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation originally provided the following serial story for member newspapers to publish in fall 2007 in recognition of Oklahoma's Centennial. "Journey to a Brand New State: A Tale of Two Whippersnappers" follows two young brothers on a journey with their parents to their new home in Guthrie, Okla. The boys travel in a covered wagon, live in a dugout, discover buffalo bones and celebrate Oklahoma's statehood on Nov. 16, 1907. Each chapter has one size available. Debuted in 2010. Debuted in 2007.