At the young age of 8, Anaya Lee Willabus will go down in US history as the youngest published female author of a chapter book. She was born in Brooklyn, NY to Guyanese parents, Dimple and Winston Willabus of Georgetown. Anaya’s book, The Day Mohan Found His Confidence, tells the story of a young boy named Mohan and the many challenges he faces at home and at school.
On June 9th, 2015, Anaya was recognized by Guyanese-born New York State Assemblywoman, Roxanne Persaud, and received a proclamation recognizing her work. Anaya has been invited to over 10 different events locally and internationally for book signings and a bigger initiative, which is to promote reading and giving back. Anaya’s book is currently available on www.amazon.com in paperback.
Anaya recently hosted her first book signing event at the Bergen Beach Youth Organization in Brooklyn New York and has been invited to over 10 different events locally and internationally to read, sign and promote her book and other initiatives, including giving back. Anaya stories has also been covered by several new outlets throughout the USA, Canada and Guyana. Anaya will be traveling to Guyana at the end of July, 2015 for her official book launch, where she plans to donate several copies of her book to the Public Library in Georgetown.
Here’s Anaya’s Story..
Anaya Lee Willabus is an eight year old author and visionary who enjoys reading and playing sports.Anaya was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York where she resides with her parents and two siblings.At the age of two, Anaya was taught to read by her father. Thereafter, she began to memorize books, demonstrating an acutely photographic memory. Anaya immerses herself in reading books of all genres throughout the year.
During the Summer, she grew very fond of the summer reading initiative promoted by then Assemblyman, Alan Maisel. Mr. Maisel’s “Summer Reading Program” of which her school supports, proved to be a motivational challenge, as each year she sought to surpass the previous year’s book total.
Although Anaya thoroughly enjoys reading, she believes that it is incredibly important to have a balanced and fit lifestyle! She enjoys spending time playing her favorite sport, soccer. She also practices Shotokan Karate. In her free time, she plays with her dolls, goes to the park and spends time with her family. Anaya aspires to be a well known author and teacher when she grows up.
Anaya’s book, “The Day Mohan Found His Confidence”, was written after her inaugural trip to her parents homeland of Guyana, South America in April of 2014. Upon her return, she started jotting notes from her visit, documenting cultural differences. Her composition of writings seemed worthy of her parents attention and was thereafter drafted on the computer. For over a year, Anaya’s writer’s-flow, which happened at any time, continually developed into her first published chapter book.
Anaya still believes in the old-fashion way of learning. She asserts that this generation, while seemingly overwhelmed by technology, is full of children like herself, who still believe in the traditional ways of learning and entertainment…the reading and writing of a good book!
You can follow Anaya’s book signing activities and accomplishments via her Facebook Page.
You may also support Ayana via her GoFundMe.com Campaign.
Congratulations Miss Anaya, You Rock!
impressive!
its interesting
Lovely!
Good job young lady the stars are all your keep on reaching
Proud of her
The title is misleading. She isn’t Guyanese she is American. The fact she came from Guyanese parents doesn’t really determine her ability or level of achievement.
Your comments are not uplifting to a family who is proud of their original heritage. Just as other folks are proud to be called Irish Americans, Italian Americans and so on, so this family should be proud of their origin. Of course, Anaya is American but she is also Guyanese American. Got it?!! Stop putting a damper on this child’s achievements – no matter who her parents are.
Well said!! Hold your head high young lady and be proud to embrace your Heritage!
She makes us proud! Go Anaya!
Awesome
The fact that her parents are both Guyanese is of significance. However, she has done both America and Guyana proud. In fact she has done her peers from across the world proud.
Best wishes to you Ms. Willabus.
Continue to follow Anaya’s progress and bigger initiative which is to promote reading and giving back….
https://www.facebook.com/AnayaTheAuthor
Keep up the good work …little Miss Ayana Lee Willabus.. Awesome!!!
Thank you all for your support!
Ok
I think you are just another offspring of another blessing to mankind
Congratulations a job well done I would also like to let you know that my daughter shanica williams wrote a book at 8 years old too in st maarten the name of the book is Amy Goes Shopping For School the book was publish at Authors House keep it up Anaya
Congratulations to Shanica. Please send us a link to her book.
Forget to let you know that Shanica parents are both guyanese too but Shanica was born in st maarten what a co incident
Maybe it’s not a coincidence at all that Anaya and Shanica’s parents are Guyanese. Perhaps the people of Guyana know what it takes to get ahead in this world and focus on their children’s education.
Anaya.
Never give up on your dreams. Strive for excellence and live life to the fullest.
[…] Anaya Lee Willabus may be the youngest published author in the U.S. The 8 year old Guyanese-American writer has published her first chapter book called The Day Mohan Found His Confidence. […]
i admire her
absolutely she is an amazing person just think of it congratulations anaya lee willabus great job
congratulation anaya lee willabus
great job keep it up don’t matter what people say your great and you will always be okay keep it up
So very refreshing, indeed a very bright young lady, a Hats off to you Anaya….keep on keeping on! We are very proud of you!
Amazing…As a self published author I am excited at your accomplishment and I my young authors follow in your steps.
Congratulations!!!! This is wonderful news!!! I wish you could meet my daughter who is also a published author . She published her 1st book at 10yrs old last year .http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Handlers/ResizeImageHandler.ashx?ImageUrl=%7e%2fContent%2fSite301%2fProductImages%2fSKU-000988147.gif&Width=220
Congratulations on Jai’s accomplishment. She may connect with Anaya via her Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/AnayaTheAuthor/