Made history as youngest published author in USA
By Frederick Halley
IN 2015, at the tender age of eight, Anaya Lee Willabus rose to fame, becoming the youngest published author of a chapter book in the United States of America.

Born to Guyanese parents, Winston and Dimple Willabus, the now 17-year-old award-winning author has since blazed a trail of her own, which includes authoring another three books, being a Youth Journalist and a prolific soccer player, which saw her representing Guyana at the Youth level, among other outstanding qualities. The dedicated and energetic teenager is also the recipient of numerous prestigious awards.

According to Anaya, she credits storytelling in her West Indian home and being an avid reader as having helped propel her to be highly successful at such a young age.
She, however, pointed out that “it would be great if there were more readers to support my effort as I promote literacy. In fact, I challenge parents to encourage the reading of books by their children. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher and whatever you expose them to is exactly what they will follow.”

Anaya’s first book, ​”The Day Mohan Found His Confidence” ​was written after her inaugural trip to her parents’ homeland of Guyana in April 2014. According to her, upon her return, she started jotting notes from her visit, documenting cultural differences. She said her composition of writings seemed worthy of her parents’ attention and was thereafter drafted on the computer.
For over a year, Anaya’s ​writing flow,​ which happened at any time, continually developed into her first published chapter book on May 30, 2015.

In the summer of 2015, Anaya went on an extensive book tour, which included Canada, Guyana, and several schools and churches both nationally and internationally. Anaya’s goal was to promote and motivate other children to continue to read and give back.
Anaya has since written ​“A​ Bully’s Disguise​”​ which was published in May 2016., ​“​Checo & the Homework Passes”​ ​ in May 2017 and ​“Make it Happen”- part of a series with several other inspirational authors in December 2018.

Anaya explained that her uncle Mohan Singh’s name was used in her first two books- The Day Mohan Found His Confidence and A Bully’s Disguise! He still resides in Guyana.
Currently a Youth Journalist with the Canarsie Courier newspaper for the past three years, Anaya founded her nonprofit The Stalwarts Youth in 2016 to promote literacy and to empower the youth.

Commenting on her stint with the Canarsie Courier, Ayana said, “I can’t believe how the years went by so quickly. When I started writing for the Canarsie Courier back in 2020, I did not envision myself writing long-term. The journey has been a very rewarding and fulfilling experience.”
During the pandemic, her organisation, The Stalwarts Youth, donated over one million pounds of food throughout Brooklyn and other boroughs. Additionally, it donated a record-breaking 60 thousand face masks and other well-needed resources to the community.

Anaya travels nationally and internationally to speak about the importance of reading and the benefits of a quality education.  She also has many other titles which she earned, including being President of First Responders Leo Club, soccer player, track star and violin player.
As a Leo, Anaya is the recipient of the Robert J. Uplinger Award for her leadership and community work, Knights of the Blind- Distinguished Award for her exemplary service and stellar leadership as the Leo President of First Responders Leo club, Lions International President Brian Sheehan recognition and Club Pride Award for outstanding performance during the year as the Leo President.

Anaya pointed out that although she thoroughly enjoys reading, she believes that it is incredibly important to have a balanced and fit lifestyle! She enjoys spending time playing her favourite sport, soccer. In her free time, she spends time with her family and friends.
Anaya has appeared in many newspapers and on radio and television shows, locally, nationally, and internationally.  She was a guest on the ​Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Fox 5 News, PIX 11 News, NY Daily News, Caribbean Life, The West-Indian, News 12, BRIC TV, HOT 97 (Ebro In The Morning), WGN Radio 720, Chicago, WSYR 570 Radio- Canarsie Courier, and most recently Color Magazine.

Also, many celebrities, including Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s Child), Yandy Smith, Amy Poehler, Debra Cox, and many more, follow and support Anaya’s achievements.
Since the publication of Anaya’s first book, she has met with many political leaders, social activists, and community leaders to speak on the importance of literacy.
According to Anaya, over the past nine years, she has crossed paths with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries – House Minority Leader and Leader of the House Democratic Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives and have been recognised by his office for her participation in the Juneteenth event in her community.

She has also been selected by the NYPD Guyanese American Law Enforcement Association – GALEA as last year’s NYPD Detective Randolph Holder, Jr. Scholarship recipient and by NYC Mayor Eric Adams for the Citation recognition for her eight years of community service.
Among her many other cherished awards is the Golden Arrowhead Award of Achievement and Distinction at the Cooperative Republic of Guyana 52nd​ Independence Anniversary celebration presented by the Guyana Tristate Alliance Inc., Acknowledged as a Leader of Tomorrow.

Councilman Matthew Eugene awarded Anaya with special recognition for her dedication and service to her community at the Guyana Tri-State Alliance Inc.- ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ Golden Arrow Head Ceremony in 2018
Anaya was born and raised in Mill Basin, Brooklyn. At the age of two, Anaya was taught to read. Thereafter, she began to memorise books, demonstrating an acutely photographic memory. She immerses herself in reading books of all genres.