Aria’s new book : “I.D.E.A” – Good read for kids
IDEA Superstar: Aria K.’s Journey to Empowering Change
For most kids, starting 3rd grade is an exciting milestone—a new class, new lessons, and new opportunities to grow. But for Aria K., this transition brought a challenge she wasn’t prepared for. “When I moved up, I got separated from all my friends,” Aria recalls. “We had been together for three years, and being apart from them was just a horrible feeling.”
Suddenly, the familiar faces she had come to rely on were gone, replaced by the daunting task of building new friendships. While Aria quickly made new friends, the initial experience of loneliness and disconnection left a strong impression on her young mind. It made her think deeply about her other classmates, especially those who might have it even harder—international students from faraway places, who were not only new to the school but possibly new to the country.
Empathy and Inspiration: The Birth of an Idea
At The Village School, where students come from all over the world, Aria began to consider how isolating it must be for these new international students. “If I felt that way, and I’m from the area, I couldn’t even imagine how the new international students must feel,” Aria reflects. “Especially if they’re not familiar with the school culture or the language.”
These thoughts planted the seeds of an idea in Aria’s mind—an idea centered around inclusion, a concept that would ensure no child ever felt the way she did during those first few lonely weeks of 3rd grade. When the opportunity arose to present a school project, Aria knew exactly what she wanted to focus on. Her presentation on inclusivity was so powerful that it sparked something bigger: the inspiration to write a book.
“I.D.E.A Superstar”: A Book with a Mission
At just nine years old, Aria turned her thoughts and feelings into something tangible: a book titled “I.D.E.A Superstar.” The acronym stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness—values that Aria believes are crucial for every child to understand and practice. “An I.D.E.A Superstar is someone who embraces inclusion and diversity and understands the difference between equality and equity,” Aria explains with the wisdom of someone far beyond her years.
Unlike many children’s books that center around a single hero, Aria’s book is different. It’s not about one character’s journey but about how every child has the potential to be a superstar by embracing these principles. Through engaging stories and relatable scenarios, Aria’s book teaches kids to practice inclusion, appreciate diversity, and truly understand what equity means. Her message is clear: Every child has the power to make a difference, to be an agent of positive change in their community, and to create a world where everyone feels valued and respected.
Aria’s Leadership: Making a Difference Beyond the Pages
Aria’s efforts didn’t stop at publishing her book. The impact of her work was felt immediately, starting right within her school. Amy Melton, Cultural Acclimation Specialist at The Village School, expressed her pride in Aria’s leadership. “It’s truly remarkable for a nine-year-old to publish a book; it’s an incredible achievement,” Melton says. “We believe in fostering a growth mindset in our students, encouraging them to believe in their potential and capabilities. It’s important to give children ownership and the confidence that they can achieve more than they might initially think possible.”
Aria’s classmates responded enthusiastically to her book. Within the first month of its release, she sold over 100 copies. But Aria’s motivation wasn’t just about selling books—it was about making a real difference. All the proceeds from her book sales were donated to Save the Children, a charity that focuses on helping children around the world. “This book is mostly for children, and that charity supports children, so I thought it would be a perfect charity to send the money to,” Aria explains. Her decision to support Save the Children reflects her deep commitment to the well-being of children everywhere, aligning perfectly with the message of her book.
Empowering Peers: A Role Model in the Making
Beyond her book, Aria plays a significant role in her school’s Cultural Acclimation Program (CAP). This program is designed to help new students, especially those from outside Houston, adjust to the city and the United States. As one of the CAP leaders, Aria mentors new students, helping them feel welcome and develop a sense of belonging. She understands firsthand how difficult it can be to feel like an outsider, and she’s determined to make sure others don’t have to face that alone. “Aria plays a significant role in this program as one of the CAP leaders, mentoring new students and helping them feel welcome,” says Melton. “We are so proud of her.”
Aria’s impact on her peers is undeniable. She’s not just a student; she’s a leader, a mentor, and a role model who is showing others what it means to care, to include, and to lead with empathy.
Looking Ahead: The Power of Books and Ideas
As for the future, Aria has big plans. “I believe that books have the power to teach us amazing things,” she says thoughtfully. While she’s already accomplished so much, she’s not done yet. “I have a few ideas bouncing in my head, but you never know.” Whether it’s through writing more books or continuing her work with new students, one thing is clear: Aria’s journey is just beginning.
Aria K.’s story is a powerful reminder of how one child’s experience, empathy, and creativity can spark a movement for change. Through her book, her leadership at school, and her commitment to helping others, Aria is making the world a better place—one idea, one act of kindness, and one book at a time.