2021 Scripps Spelling Bee Winner Zaila Avant-garde Is Becoming a Children’s Book Author — See the Covers!
John Raoux/AP Photo
Zaila Avant-garde is now adding “author” to her outstanding résumé!
PEOPLE Exclusively reveals that the Scripps National Spelling Bee winner in 2021, Louisiana, will make her debut this year as an author of children’s books with a pair published by Random House Children’s Books.
Her first title — a nonfiction book titled It’s Not Bragging If It’s True: How to Be Awesome at Life — will hit the shelves on May 2. The second — a picture book titled Words of Wonder from Z to A — will be released on June 27.
PEOPLE hears from Zaila that she “loved” being an author.
RELATED: Meet the History-Making Scripps Spelling Bee Winner, Who Also Has Impressive Basketball Skills
In a press release, she stated that “I’m very excited to have my first book published, and that they’re for children,” “As a child, I knew all my favorite books well and know the joy that reading can bring.
Courtesy Random House
In collaboration with Marti dumas, It’s not bragging, if it’s true According to Random House Children’s Books, it is “an inspiring collection of true stories” about Zaila’s story.
For readers aged 8-12, the book features personal anecdotes to show how Zaila has achieved so much in her young years. She hopes that her book will inspire and encourage other children to pursue their dreams.
In Words of Wonder, Z to A, illustrated by Keisha Morris, Zaila uses some of her favorite motivational words — including “kindness,” “hope,” and “resilience” — to create her inspiring piece of work. Each page includes a quote by a prominent thought leader.
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In Wednesday’s press release, Zaila stated that these books were for readers who know their favorite stories forward and backward. She also challenged their parents to read to them at night (like me).
They are dedicated to children who are afraid of picking up books and reading them, or who don’t want to read them because they aren’t good at it. “I’m here for you to do it too,” she said.
Courtesy Random House
Zaila doesn’t stop there. The young author is working on a second picture book. Step Into Reading Titles and a Little Golden Book will be available as part of the current program.
PEOPLE has Zaila telling us that she looks forward to writing more books, especially for children.
RELATED: Zaila Avant-garde Attends ESPY Awards, Says She ‘Still Can’t Quite Believe’ Spelling Bee Win
Additionally, the talented teenager has been focusing on her basketball skills as she works toward her goal of playing college basketball — and maybe one day, becoming an NBA coach. She hopes to work in neuroscience, forensics and molecular biology.
PEOPLE: “I’m very interested in how the human mind works,” she told PEOPLE. “I want to at least help solve the almost unsolvable puzzle of how the human mind works, or maybe solve it all together.”
John Raoux/AP Photo
Zaila was 14 years old when she became a famous author. first Black American winner Scripps National Spelling Bee 2021 (She was also named SportsKid of the Years by Sports Illustrated Kids, and won the Stan Musial Award for Extraordinary Character In 2021.
PEOPLE’s Zaila says that she was overwhelmed by the support from her community following her victory. Her hometown even organized an “awesome parade”, to celebrate her victory.
As she explores her passion, she looks forward to sharing her knowledge with others.
In Wednesday’s press release, Zaila stated that “When I was little, if I had been told that I would be writing books in ten years, I wouldn’t have believed it.” “This is an incredible feeling.