I’deyah Ricketts (CBS)
CHICAGO (CBS) – I’deyah Ricketts is a published author and believe it or not she’s only eight years old.
Her mission in life is to encourage other children to love reading. CBS 2’s Harry Porterfield says she’s someone you should know.
I’deyah wrote her first book at age four. Her latest is entitled “Where Are the Animals,” 24 published pages of animals in funny places, along with her descriptions. That and a companion coloring book are now on sale.
Able to read and write before pre-kindergarten, I’deyah is a student in a public school gifted and enriched academic program. Her father Mike says she started reading the first day home from the hospital.
“I held I’deyah in one arm and I picked up a children’s picture book, and I read to her,” he said. “Every word that I read to her she followed, and I was amazed.”
In appearances before groups at schools, churches and libraries, the young author stresses the importance of reading.
Thus far she has written three books. Of the two unpublished books, one is about a tree on which books are growing, and the other is a 100-page guide on how to teach reading.
“I want to inspire them to read and (know) that anything is possible if they know how to read and write,” I’deyah said after a recent presentation before grade school students.
I’deyah dreams of being a teacher and a doctor.
18 Comments
What a wonderful story! I hope to read her book with my children and have her and her wonderful parents visit our southside Chicago neighborhood. She is truly a STAR!
December 10, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Thanks so much for your kind words! For more information on I’deyah please visit her website @ http://www.ideyahbooks.com
December 11, 2010 at 3:01 am
Mr. Jones,
Thank You so much! For more information or to contact us please visit I’deyah’s website at http://www.ideyahbooks.com
December 13, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Please have I’deyahs parents to contact Ms Patricia Polk @ 815-685-9220
to purchase books and to speak at ALL ABOUT ME mentoring group
December 10, 2010 at 5:55 pm
We will be in touch with you Patricia! Please visit I’deyah’s website @ http://www.ideyahbooks.com
Thank You.
December 11, 2010 at 3:04 am
Please have I’deyahs parents to contact Ms Patricia Polk @ 815-685-9220
to purchase books and to speak at ALL ABOUT ME mentoring group
December 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm
I’deyah I am so proud of you, keep up he good work and may God bless and wach over you
December 10, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Please cancle reply wrong spelling
December 10, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Gerri D Murphy
I’deyah you are doing a wonderful job as a young lady keep up the great work!
believe children all across the world are looking up to you! stayed blessed
December 10, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Mr. Murphy,
For more information on I’deyah or to contact her parents please visit her website at http://www.ideyahbooks.com.
Thank you so much.
December 13, 2010 at 5:50 pm
I’DEYAH YOU’RE DOING JUST GR8T, AND GOD WILL ALWAYS BLESS YOU… PROUD 2 B UR UNCLE LUV YA ! ! ! ! !…
December 11, 2010 at 8:33 am
Thank You so much Uncle Tzaddi,
Love You.
December 13, 2010 at 5:51 pm
I’deyah I could not be prouder………
You are truly a blessing
Keep up the good work
Love Always
Aunt Betty
December 13, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I’deyah you brought tears to my eyes. You are truly an inspiration not only to kids, but, to grown-ups as well. I am proud of your parents for their due diligence.
Uncle Michael.
December 14, 2010 at 6:31 am
Thanks Uncle Michael
Love I’deyah
December 15, 2010 at 10:35 am
Congrats I’Deyah, I knew you could do it…. many people say they can do it and never accomplish it, but you did it for every boy and girl to see… I luve you!
December 16, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Dear I’deyah,
I worked with your Grandmother Derean. Derean has shared many wonderful pictures and stories of your success. I remember when I first met you when you were very young. You spelled the word “xylophone” for me. I was very impressed with how smart you were. I knew right then that you were a very gifted child. I am very proud of you especially since you are now an author. You are not only any inspiration to children your age and are truly an inspiration to me. May God bless you forever and always.
January 8, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Karen, thanks so much for your kind words. I’deyah was almost 2 years old at the time when she visited your office. We appreciate your support.
Karen Ricketts
January 21, 2011 at 5:04 pm