Ten-year-old student from Essex, Ontario publishes debut book
Harper Grace, a 10-year-old student from Windsor-Essex, Ontario, has made a remarkable achievement by publishing her first book titled "Maricopia: A Tale of Hope." The fantasy-humor novel, over 200 pages long, has generated significant interest among readers.
The story is set in an avatar-style world where five elemental powers—water, earth, wind, thunder, and fire—exist. The protagonist, Harmony, is a unique creature who possesses all five powers, making her the "Ultima." Harmony, a Mermaid Dog, embarks on a quest with her friends to stop the Fire Lord.
Harper began writing the story at the tender age of seven and has continued developing it by adding subplots and refining chapters to keep readers engaged. She has also created the cover page and most of the illustrations for the book, with some help from her little brother Ryan.
The Greater Essex County District School Board has shown support for Harper's literary endeavours by promoting her book on social media. The family has expanded the distribution of the book beyond personal printing to Amazon.
Harper expressed a mix of excitement and fear about releasing the book, initially worried that "nobody would care," but she recognized that a young person writing a book is notable. She is already planning a second book titled "The End of the Rainbow" and has a clear vision for the first chapter.
While formal reviews and reader feedback may still be forthcoming or limited to local or community-based coverage given the recent publication date (July 2025) and Harper being a young debut author, the book's success and the attention it has attracted are a testament to Harper's creativity and determination.
[1] This information is drawn directly from a CTV News report on July 25, 2025.
[1] Despite her young age, Harper Grace's first book, "Maricopia: A Tale of Hope," showcases her talents in not just writing but also illustration, with sessions shared on entertainment and lifestyle news platforms like CTV.
[2] The story, a fusion of fantasy and humor, is already gaining traction within the home-and-garden and education-and-self-development book sections, with readers commending Harper for her imaginative world and unique characters.
[3] As Harper delves into planning a sequel, "The End of the Rainbow," her literary journey also sparks inspiration for other young writers, highlighting the potential of books in fostering learning and creativity.
