Latest update November 23rd, 2024 1:00 AM
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8-yr-old girl Guyanese hailed as youngest female author
She is just eight-year-old, an impressionable age when many girls would rather be playing with dolls or dressing up. But Anaya Lee Willabus is not any ordinary girl…not by any stretch of the imagination.
She has written a book from her vacation in Guyana, has had it published and is now making waves in the New York area and on Amazon.com where the book is being sold.
Earlier this month, she was recognized by the New York State Assembly and even had a proclamation recognizing her work.
Anaya’s face and name have been splashed on the front page of the Canarsie Courier newspaper and she has even made the evening news. According to her mother, Dimple Willabus, an official launching of “The Day Mohan Found His Confidence” was held on Friday in Brooklyn.
Anaya from an early age showed that she loved reading. As a matter of fact, she boasts of having read more than 500 books. She started keeping notes in her little book when she was five.
When asked what she wanted to do with the notes, she made it clear it was for a book. Now three years later, it seems Anaya has done the impossible. The people of Brooklyn remain sure she is the youngest female author from that area.
The New York State Assembly has taken it even further…she is the youngest published author anywhere.
Her mother, Dimple, is not unknown in Guyana either. She was the host of a TV programme, Rhythm Nation, before she migrated to the US a few years ago.
Anaya’s book was inspired by her visits to Guyana.
Her prominence seems to have had the right nudge by Guyanese-born Assemblywoman, Roxanne Persaud, the first female to represent the 59th Assembly District, on the New York State Assembly. The Assemblywoman was present on Friday during Anaya’s book launch,
Earlier this month, the young author visited the New York State Assembly chamber where she was recognized and welcomed by loud round of applause. The visit to the chamber would have been a major boost to her confidence.
According to Amazon.com, the online store where the book is being sold, it is a must read for all children.
“It sheds light on how you can overcome challenges at school as well as at home. Explore a different culture and dive into a world of realistic fiction.” The book is being sold for US$6.99.
Anaya, one of three siblings, already has her own Facebook page, Anaya The Author.
She is hoping to visit Guyana in early August. Already, her school in Brooklyn has honored her for her book.
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