Facebook photo Madyson Ann Evans, left, poses with Baraga teacher Mariah Dunham, holding a copy of Evans' book "Lost Freedom." The book, published this week, is available online and at Walmart.

BARAGA — A Baraga High School student’s first book was published Wednesday. “Lost Freedom” is the work of, 15 year-old Madyson Ann Evans. That talented teen, has already won multiple writing awards and has work published work before the release of her novel.

Evans said the creative process behind her first book was stressful but deeply rewarding. “I get my ideas from a lot of places, but usually, it’s kind of like a hyper-fixation,” she said. “Like if I see something, I’m like, ‘ooh, that sounds cool. That would make a really good idea.'”

“Lost Freedom” is reminiscent of the Golden Age of young adult dystopian fiction popular in the 2010s (Divergent, Mazerunner, etc). Madyson said the theme of found family runs throughout the book. “Greed can control a mind like no other, especially those with the power to do as they please,” the back cover reads. “Charlie Utinew was one of hundreds of children locked away into a dark and forsaken lab. Kids taken away or given to a cruel government by their own parents.”

Once she finished with a draft of the book, the next step was deciding how to publish it. Evans’ mother, Emily Evans, said she helped out with the logistical ends of publication. “I researched some publishing companies online and we found one near us in case we had to go to them,” she said.

Last week the Baraga community had an opportunity to meet with Madyson and support her work. Emily said she was moved with the amount people cared about her daughter’s work.

“We probably had half a dozen come to her book launch on Saturday,” she said. “Just to watch all those people come and support my daughter, it just brought tears to my eyes.”

Madyson said her teachers at Baraga High School encouraged her to keep writing and fostered a welcoming, creative environment. “I’ve had a lot of people support [me], and it’s been a lot of fun,” she said. “It’s been like an experience, like a journey.”

Madyson’s father, Aaron Evans, said he read one of the first drafts before it was sent out before the editing process began and was thoroughly impressed.

“She’s been working. She jots down ideas all the time. She has journals and journals of ideas that she just jots down,” he said. “She’s constantly keeping the creative motion going.”

Madyson said her goal is to continue writing and continue her creative output.

“I really want to be an inspiring author to the younger generations,” she said. “Like, it doesn’t matter what kind of writing it is — just get it out there.”

Publishing a book at age 15 is a tremendous feat, especially for someone from a small rural area. When asked what was next, Madyson simply said, “probably more books.”

“Lost Freedom” is available for online through Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, as well as Walmart.