12-year-old author donates book proceeds to charity
Posted May 9, 2022 1:51 pm.
Last Updated May 10, 2022 11:00 pm.
At just 12 years old, author Shreya Gupta is determined to change the world.
Gupta is passionate about helping kids overcome bullying, and after publishing her second book this March, she decided to donate all the book’s proceeds to charity.
The book, The Flip Side, takes place in Toronto where a girl named Autumn finds herself being cyberbullied after moving to a new school.
Gupta told CityNews that she didn’t want to spoil the whole book, but that, “Autumn must learn to overcome the negative comments and focus on the flip side — the people who love and care about her.”
The proceeds are going to support Kids Help Phone, a 24-7 e-resource for kids dealing with bullying, mental health issues, or abuse. The organization serves young people with trained crisis responders and professional counsellors for kids to call or text.
Gupta said she has also experienced bullying in school, and that by supporting Kids Help Phone she feels like she’s making a difference.
“It was really heart breaking,” she said, “and that was one of the main reasons why I wrote this book. I thought it would be a great way for me to help kids in my country because [Kids Help Phone] can help kids with so many things.”
Gupta’s first book, Flamingo Feet, also touches on bullying when a young ballet dancer drops out of a competition because of bullies’ mean comments.
The title helped Gupta visit the LA Times Festival of Books, an experience she said she will never forget.
“It was an amazing experience to see kids being inspired by my book, and it was a great opportunity to promote my work,” said Gupta.
Gupta also posed in photos with the likes of Kal Penn and Terry Crews while signing copies of her book.
In an interview with CityNews Gupta encouraged young people to change the world in whatever way they can. “You don’t have to write a book to make a difference,” she said. “Organizing a fundraiser, spreading awareness, or raising money for charity are things that people of all ages can do.”
In February of this year, Gupta raised $1,000 for the SickKids Foundation and she said the books she writes in the future will also be geared towards public service. “I want all of my future books to raise awareness about bullying because it’s such an important message,” she said.
Gupta’s feelings are making waves in Toronto’s education system, and she said she’s glad that her school organizes mental health clubs and assemblies for students. “In our diverse community, everyone can feel welcome there, and it’s a really important topic which we have to talk about,” she said.
Gupta’s work will continue to inspire young readers, and her donation to Kids Help Phone will directly impact those affected by bullying. Her books are available on Amazon and at Indigo.
