8-year-old Arkansan girl pens her own book to help fight bullying | THV11.com
JACKSONVILLE, Ark. (KTHV) - An 8-year-old in Jacksonville is taking a stand against bullying with her very own book. The third grader penned "Twinkle" about her own experiences through fictional characters and she's hoping to inspire people of all ages.
Akire Williamson may be small in size, but has a big heart and loads of personality. She, like many others, has experienced being bullied by her peers. Now, she's doing something about it and hopes you do too.
She’s using a skill her mother and grandmother engrained very early on.
"My Nana used to read to me while I was eating and mommy used to read to me when I was about to go to sleep”, Williamson said.
She is wise beyond her years.
"You do not have to talk bad about others just because they talk bad about you,” she said.
Her grandmother, Mary Ousley, said Williamson has tons of stories inside just waiting to be told. They're all stories, Ousley hopes will inspire the world.
“The book she wrote is pretty much about her being the main character and being bullied and knowing how to not become a bully,” Ousley said.
“Twinkle” is a book about a star who ran away from home, but now Williamson's star is shining brighter than ever before.
"Even though she's being bullied, she's not a coward,” her grandmother said.
Ousley is proud of her granddaughter for standing up for herself and others alike.
8-year-old Arkansan girl pens her own book to help fight bullying | THV11.com
"It makes me feel like I don't mean anything to anybody, like I’m just a nobody,” said Williamson, recalling when she was bullied.
Despite her experiences, she’s an 8 year old a on a mission.
"I want to inspire people to not think about what other people think about them, they can be themselves,” the young girl said.
Williamson is now using what others say makes her different, to make a difference.
Her book also comes with a coloring book as well as a journal. Ousley said the journal is a good way for a parent or teacher to help understand a child's needs. Many times children are too afraid to seek help when being bullied and this book can aid in conversations that may be difficult to have.
The book should be released sometime this summer.
Williamson is scheduled to speak at the Jacksonville School District city hall meeting in April. You can also follow her on Facebook, at Author Akire Williamson.
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