Poem hits 'Highlights'

More than 2 million people will soon know how Jacob White counts with bugs.

The Blue Ridge Elementary School fourth grader's poem Many Bugs has been featured in the national children's magazine, Highlights for Children.

"They sent us the letter and I got really excited and started calling everyone," said Jacob.

Jacob, the 9-year-old son of Michael and Susan White of Martinez, enjoys collecting things, writing stories, building with interlocking blocks, drawing cartoons and creating video games. He said he plans to be a video-game writer or an Army general when he grows up.

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His poem was featured on page 36 of the April issue. More than 2 million copies of Highlights are issued 12 times a year to homes, schools, libraries and professional offices.

Jacob said this is the first thing he's ever had published. Writing poetry is one of his pastimes.

"I just sit and think until something comes up," he said. "Then I get a piece of paper and write it down, after I think it's a good idea."

Highlights receives about 35,000 submissions a year. Because they plan so far in advance, it often can take up to a year for the selected entries to appear in the magazine. Founded 56 years ago, the magazine attracts readers ages 2-12 around the world.

"I get these Highlights books every year and I haven't seen one kid from Georgia in it," said Jacob, proud to be one of the chosen few.

Many Bugs

One dragonfly fluttering through the air.

Two spiders catching their share.

Three bumblebees ready to sting.

Four grasshoppers ready to spring.

Five waterbugs float.

Six flies on a boat.

Seven katydids with legs that are sharp.

Eight fish bugs attacked by a carp.

Nine fireflies make a bright light.

It's been a long day, so I might...

Say to ten crickets,

"Good night."

by Jacob White