Daughter of US-based Guyanese, 9, launches 2nd chapter book

Jun 26, 2016 News

By Rehanna Ramsay

Nine year- old Anaya Lee Willabus and her new book

Self-confidence, bullying and peer pressure may be issues that many young children or even teenagers are dealing with silently. But for nine-year-old Anaya Lee Willabus, these are all topics of a new book.

Anaya, the daughter of United States-based Guyanese television personality Dimple Singh-Willabus made headlines last year after she published her first chapter book ‘The Day Mohan Found His Confidence.’

This book was based on her inaugural visit to Guyana where her parents Winston and Dimple were born.

With her last piece, Willabus captured many titles including ‘Brooklyn’s youngest author of a chapter book.’

But the lass does not stop there; she continues to be inspired to write and she has done it again with her latest addition titled ‘A Bully’s Disguise.’

The book talks about the main character of her last book, fourth grader ‘Mohan’, his friends and the daily challenges they face, including bullying, peer pressure, friendship and more.

In this piece, Mohan is faced with tough decisions when an old friend from Georgia plans to come to live in Brooklyn and attend the same school.

Mohan’s current friends are not so happy with the news. Mohan has to decide if he will risk losing his new friends or will he stand up for what is right?

In this book, the nine-year-old writer effortlessly addresses the topic of the often controversial issue of bullying.

She said that the book was essentially written with the influence of many fans, who suggested that the topic will assist children to understand how to stand up for what they believe in.

“Also, many programmes at local school were promoting ways for children to speak up if someone tries to bully them.”

“I decided to write on this topic since there are many other ways children are bullied and some examples are in my book. This book can teach parents what children have to deal with in school,” said Anaya.

‘A Bully’s Disguise’ has since been launched before a well attended crowd at the historical building, Brooklyn Borough Hall-Court Room on Friday.

Her beaming mother noted that it was a historical date for Anaya. She launched her second book crowning her the United States of America’s youngest author to publish two chapter books at age nine.

Mrs. Willabus said that to date her daughter has earned six awards for her writing and poetry.

Also, Anaya is a monthly writer for Forum Teens/ Kids magazines; a magazine founded in New Zealand and popular in Poland and England.

“Anaya is one of the writers from representing the US,” Mrs. Willabus said.

Anaya Lee Willabus currently lives in Brooklyn with her parents and two siblings. She is also a brown belt in Shotokan karate and an ardent lover of soccer.  Speaking with Anaya, she often expresses her love and passion for the game.

The ‘forward’ has been playing soccer (football) for four years and encourages all youngsters to have balance in life. “I do not spend all my time reading. I do enjoy spending time with my family and playing sports, as well,” Anaya said.

Anaya holds a high academic standing at her school while in the ‘Gifted & Talented’ class. She also spends part of her lunch hour once a week, tutoring a first grader who is behind in reading.

Anaya promotes giving back to others. This year marked three years since Anaya was one of the top earners at her school for raising the most money for St. Jude’s Cancer Research Center.

She raised US$2,835 this year, making her number one earner for her school.

At Anaya’s book launch on June 24, in Brooklyn she was presented with a certificate of appointment Youth Editor in Chief and Coordinator for Forum Teen/ kids Magazine from Christine Cyriacks, Editor in Chief and Global Coordinator for the US & Canada chapters of Forum Teen/ Kids Magazines.