Anaya Lee Willabus

MEET 15-YEAR-OLD AWARD WINNER AUTHOR, POET & Nonprofit Founder!

Anaya Lee Willabus

"IF You Wish To Be Inspired, Be Inspiring!"

By ALW

Anaya Lee Willabus is a fifteen-year-old author, poet, and visionary who enjoys reading and playing sports. Anaya was born and raised in Brooklyn, where she resides with her family.

At the age of two, Anaya was taught to read. 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.

Anaya reads in excess of forty books during the Summer. To maintain her comprehension skills, her parents challenged her to write detailed essays on many of the books she enjoyed and to illustrate her favorite part. With such development, Anaya enjoyed writing and expressing her opinion of her findings and further build on her literacy skills.

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 on May 30, 2015. This development crowned her as the first child in US history to write and publish a chapter book at eight years old from Brooklyn, New York.

In the Summer of 2015, Anaya went on an extensive three-week book tour which included Canada and Guyana and several elementary schools around the USA to promote and motivate other children to continue to 'read' and 'give back.' Also, over 500 books were donated to less fortunate children in Guyana, South America.

In June 2015, Anaya received a 'legislative resolution,' from New York State's Assemblywoman Roxanne Persaud in Albany for her achievement, a 'Citation' from New York City Councilman Mr. Mathieu Eugene. On August 30, 2015, Anaya received a certificate of achievement from the Guyana Day of Brooklyn Association. September 2, 2015, she went on to earn the Guyana Cultural Association Award for her literary contribution to Guyanese heritage. (New York Chapter). On February 25, 2016, Anaya was recognized for her literary contribution by Brooklyn Borough President Mr. Eric Adams. This award was part of the Black History celebrations in highlighting African Americans who play a significant role in Brooklyn.

Anaya appeared in many newspapers, as well as on radio and television shows, both nationally and internationally. She appeared on the most watched Television Show in New York, 'The Tonight Show' with Jimmy Fallon, Fox 5 News, PIX 11 News, NY Daily News, News 12, BRIC TV, HOT 97 (Ebro In The Morning), WGN Radio 720, Chicago, WSYR 570 Radio- Canarsie Courier, and many more. Also, many celebrities including Kelly Rowland, Yandy Smith, Amy Poehler, Debra Cox, and many more shared Anaya's achievements. Many blogs: Huffington Post, Atlanta Black Star, Brown Girls Collective, Guyanese Girls Rock and countless others posted, shared and supported Anaya's initiative.

Upon the first lady of Guyana, South America's request, Anaya met Mrs. Sandra Granger. Since the publication of her book, Anaya was able to meet with many political leaders, social activists, community leaders and more to speak on the importance of literacy which starts with the basic reading and writing skills.

However, Anaya's goal is to inspire other children, like herself, to strive for success and to never give up on their dreams. She believes that children should always incorporate reading into their daily lives.

Anaya wrote for 'Forum Kids' magazine from 2015-2016 which was published in New Zealand, Poland and England monthly and can be viewed online.

In speaking with Anaya, she emphasizes that this generation, while seemingly overwhelmed by technology, is full of children like herself, who still believe in the traditional way of learning...the reading of a good book!

Anaya Lee Willabus' mottos are, "Reading and Writing Will Always Be A Part Of Life" and "Continue To Dream Big"!

Bookings for Anaya Lee Willabus to appear at your school or event, please email AnayaTheAuthor@gmail.com

You can follow Anaya on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/AnayaTheAuthor