14-year-old Leila Phoenix Alexander from Mitchell's Plain has done it again; she will be launching her second book next month.
Barely 18 months after launching her first book, her second, titled: Invisible Teen Truth Hurts, on April 27, on Freedom Day.
Leila's first book, Young Mind Unspoken Thoughts: A Collection of Poems, brought her into contact with renowned authors and earned her recognition through a nomination for the 6th AfriCAN Annual Global Honoree Authors Awards, which featured 18 authors from the Western Cape.
Leila's mother, Karen Alexander said the latest book focuses on mental health, race, drug abuse and other issues.
The book is a compilation of poems and will be part of a series.
Extract: Addiction
Thinking it was a one time thing. Then it turned into a daily routine. Sniffing, puffing, smoking, choking.
Until it's just the right amount of zing.
Alexander said they were proud of Leila's maturity and desire to spread positivity and a message to other
youths.
"Although her first book was inspired by her grandmother, this opened up a new world for her," she said.
Invisible Teen will be a series of books she is writing whether it's poetry, short stories or art.
"Her poetry touches on race, drug abuse, mental health, discrimination, and helps boost confidence. It will help many realise that they do not need validation to see who they are.
"She also shares some background on what inspires her writing, including her artwork."
Alexander added Leila was writing her second portion for Invisible Teen.
Leila is currently in Grade 8 and is part of an online school academy.
"As parents, we are proud of her," added Alexander. She inspires young people to write and to be themselves.
"Everywhere she goes, she always finds a way to brighten someone's day even with a simple compliment."
Alexander said she could relate to the second book's poetry despite it being written by a child author which meant it would appeal to a wider audience as well.
"My opinion on this book is that it is stronger than her first," she said.
"Her voice is growing and one day it will be heard by many."
Leila explained she wanted her writing to have an impact on people's lives.
"I like the book because it has meaning and it has purpose," she said.
"It is something I did for myself and others, and I want to share whether one person reads it or millions."
To find out more about the book, contact Alexander.
