Children Spotlight of the Week: Hephzibah Akinwale
This week, we are thrilled to spotlight Hephzibah Akinwale, a remarkable 11-year-old girl who has recently broken the world record for the longest fiction novel written by a child. Hephzibah’s novel, “Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away,” consists of an impressive 58,000 words, surpassing the previous record held by Manikya Sanghi, whose novel had 44,000 words. This extraordinary achievement showcases Hephzibah’s dedication, creativity, and passion for storytelling.
A Remarkable Achievement:
“Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away” is a middle-grade fiction adventure that follows the lead character, played by Hephzibah herself, as she experiences mysterious dreams that feel as real as everyday life. This captivating story has not only set a new world record but also captivated the hearts of many readers.
Early Beginnings:
Hephzibah Theodora Anuoluwa Chiamaka Shekinah Deborah Akinwale began her writing journey at the tender age of 8, on December 2, 2021. Encouraged by her mother, Chika Akinwale, Hephzibah embarked on this literary adventure, proving that her mother’s advice to “make this into a book” was indeed spot on. Hephzibah’s achievement serves as a beacon of inspiration for other children, particularly children of color, encouraging them to pursue their creative interests.
Family and Life:
Born in Cambridge, England, United Kingdom, on the very first day of the year, Hephzibah’s life has been one big adventure. She shares her fun-filled house with her parents and her two theatrical sisters – Beulah, the 9-year-old Drama Queen, and Sovereign, the 6-year-old Boss Queen. Her household is a vibrant tapestry of stories waiting to be told.
A Girl of Many Passions:
Hephzibah is a girl of many talents and passions. Whether she’s splitting in gymnastics, splashing around in swimming class, singing at the top of her lungs, dancing like nobody’s watching, playing different roles in acting, running like the wind, trapping her sisters in chess, or getting lost in a world of sketching, Hephzibah embraces every moment with enthusiasm and joy. Her vibrant personality shines through in everything she does, including her writing.
Sharing Her Journey:
In addition to her literary accomplishments, Hephzibah shares some of her funny moments on her YouTube channel, @AkinwaleSisters. Through her channel, she invites others to join in her adventures and witness the creativity and fun that define her life.
Conclusion:
Hephzibah Akinwale’s record-breaking achievement and her zest for life make her a standout young individual. Her dedication to her passions, combined with her vibrant personality, serves as an inspiration to children everywhere. We are proud to recognize Hephzibah Akinwale as our Children Spotlight of the Week and celebrate her incredible achievements and contributions to the world of literature and beyond.