9-year-old authors book with grown up message
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- A fourth-grader in Fayetteville has already accomplished more than many grown-ups.
Alysia Allen, 9, co-authored a children's book called "Mommy Says... I Can Be Anything." It's a book with a very grown up message.
"This book is basically about... not rushing your whole life," said Alysia.
Alysia's mom, Archita Allen-Graves, helped write down her ideas then got the book published. It's about dreams and encouragement.
"My hope is that children will know they can truly be anything and that parents will start telling their child that they can be anything," said Allen-Graves.
Last Monday night, Alysia was recognized by the Fayetteville mayor and city council. She's creative and compassionate.
For the past three years, Alysia has collected and donated blankets to the homeless. She has a Facebook page called "Blankets of Faith," and once a week, Alysia volunteers at the Salvation Army kitchen. On top of all that, she's an honor student too.
"It feels good, and I am here for a purpose," she said.
Her book can be ordered online. Proceeds will help fund a faith-based young girls' mentoring program.
"They are school age girls, from 5-18 years old, and basically our goal is to encourage and empower them, and let them know their worth at an early age," said Allen-Graves.
It's that inspiration and faith that's passed from mom to daughter -- to give back.
"It means I can like really be anything," said Alysia. "I can do anything with my life."
Alysia is already thinking about writing a second book.
