A 10-year-old girl hailing from East Cambridgeshire, Hephzibah Akinwale, has made an impressive literary achievement by publishing a novel spanning 58,000 words.
Her mother hopes that this feat will serve as an inspiration for other children to pursue their creative passions.
Hephzibah Akinwale, a student at Little Thetford C of E Primary School, is the author of the middle-grade fiction book titled “Chronicles of The Time Keepers – Whisked Away.”
The story revolves around Hephzibah herself, who takes on the role of the main character. She has been haunted by enigmatic dreams that are so vivid they feel like an integral part of her reality.
Little does she realize that her dreams hold the key to an extraordinary adventure that transcends her wildest imagination. Hephzibah’s remarkable achievement is particularly noteworthy because, according to the International Book of Records, the current record for the longest fiction novel penned by a child exceeds 44,000 words.
Not only has Hephzibah exceeded this record, but she has also established a new benchmark that can inspire aspiring young authors worldwide.
Her mum, Chika Akinwale, said:
“In light of Black History Month (October), I feel her achievement can inspire other children, especially children of colour as she is a young girl of colour herself.
“Furthermore, in recognition of her talents and contributions, my daughter was recently selected as one of the top 20 young people to help East Cambridgeshire District Council celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, contributing to her positive influence in the local community.”
She added:
“I believe Hephzibah’s story offers a unique and timely narrative.”
