Dubai's diversity, school teacher, and author encounter inspire 10-year-old UAE student to publish first book

 Gulf Network

At just 10 years old, Hannah Varghese, a student at Jebel Ali School in Dubai, has achieved what many aspiring authors dream of—publishing her first book. Undercover Mischief Tales of the Homework Club takes readers on a delightful adventure of fun and friendship, set against the familiar backdrop of school life.

Hannah’s journey into storytelling began when she was in Year 2. She recalls the pivotal moment when her teacher, Miss Hyde, encouraged her writing skills by reading out her poem to the class. “I enjoyed the process of writing and was very proud of my work,” Hannah shares. “Miss Hyde liked it a lot, and her encouragement motivated me to write more.”

Her love for reading also played a significant role in shaping her passion for storytelling. “After reading so many books, I felt that storytelling was my passion,” she says. One key moment that cemented her dream was meeting David Walliams, a renowned children’s author, at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. “I have read most of his books, and it inspired me to write my first book,” Hannah adds.

In Undercover Mischief Tales of the Homework Club, Hannah brings to life the adventures of a group of school friends, blending humor and heart in a way that resonates with young readers. The story reflects not only her imagination but also the vibrant diversity she’s encountered growing up in the UAE. The book captures her own experiences and observations of school life, showcasing a natural talent for weaving relatable narratives.

“The characters in my book are inspired by the people I see around me every day,” says Hannah. “Living in the UAE and attending a school like Jebel Ali, where students come from all over the world, has been amazing. It gave me so many different personalities to imagine and bring into my story.”

Hannah’s story is a testament to the power of encouragement and creativity. From a teacher’s words of praise to meeting her literary idol, her journey reflects how nurturing young talent can spark extraordinary accomplishments.

Readers can find Undercover Mischief Tales of the Homework Club available online at bookworlduae.com and in-store at mybooktopia.com. Hannah is already planning her next book. She dreams of continuing her journey as an author, one story at a time.