At only 10 years old, Hephzibah Akinwale from Cambridgeshire, England, published her debut novel, Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away, which broke the Guiness World Record for the longest fiction novel written by a child. Published on September 21, 2023, the novel contains a remarkable 58,000 words, surpassing the previous record holder 11-year-old Manikya Sanghi, who wrote the award-winning Wizard of Sansanadia with 44,000 words.
Hephzibah kicked off her writing journey when she was just 8 years old. With her mother, Chika Akinwale urging her on, Hephzibah began to hone her imagination and storytelling skills. Growing up with two creative younger sisters, Hephzibah fell in love with blending reality and fantasy in her tales.
Life for me is one big adventure, whether I’m splitting in gymnastics, splashing around in swimming class, singing at the top of my lungs, dancing like nobody’s watching, playing different roles in acting, running like the wind, trapping my sisters in chess, or getting lost in a world of sketching. Oh, and did I mention I write too? I guess you could say I’m a girl of many passions.
Hephzibah’s debut novel is a real page-turner with its imaginative storyline and depth. It tells a fictionalized version of her own journey through a fantastical world where dreams and reality intertwine. Her storytelling and vivid imagery have won accolades from people of all ages.
Hephzibah is an inspiring figure for young writers, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds. Her novel truly showcases her creativity, determination, and raw talent. But Hephzibah’s magic doesn’t stop at writing. She’s a fervent advocate for diversity and inclusion in literature. Her project, “No Approval Needed,” aims to empower young girls with illustrations of ethnic minority characters paired with uplifting quotes. It’s all about making sure kids from all backgrounds see themselves in the stories they read.
Hephzibah Akinwale’s story is more than just personal success; it’s a beacon of inspiration for young people everywhere. By shattering records and championing representation, Hephzibah is paving the way for the next generation of young authors. Her work highlights the importance of diversity in literature, encouraging children, regardless of their background, to dream big and share their own stories.
Sources:
African Vibes, “Breaking Records Meet Hephzibah Akinwale, the 11-Year-Old Literary Prodigy”, By sheilaoile, Jan. 27, 2025. https://africanvibes.com/hephzibah-akinwale-the-11-year-old-literary-prodigy/ Accessed: Feb. 22, 2025.
Vanguard, ” Meet Hephzibah Akinwale, Guinness record holder for longest novel written by a child”, Feb. 10, 2025. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/02/meet-hephzibah-akinwale-guinness-record-holder-for-longest-novel-written-by-a-child/ Accessed: Feb. 22, 2025.
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