OC Catholic Schools Alum Publishes First Book

Evan Vargas, a graduate of St. Angela Merici Parish School in Brea, released his first book, “Penny & Six,” this past May. The story follows a cat named Penny and a sentient hamster named Six as they navigate the world with their caretaker, Evan. Vargas based the characters on his own pets.

The 14-year-old author, who currently studies in the writing conservatory at the California School of the Arts in Duarte, wrote the book to teach children about morality and good behavior. Vargas credited his parents and his former parish school with providing the moral foundation that shaped him.

Vargas is currently planning a sequel to turn the book into a series that follows the characters as they grow.