Teenage author writes to entertain, educate
Lafayette High student advocates children’s literature
JAMES CITY — As a sixth grader, Geremiah DelValle began writing a book that starred himself and a few friends as superheroes.
But he soon decided their superpower wouldn’t be anything as predictable as strength, invisibility or flying ability. Instead, their gift would be teaching science lessons to younger readers.
Geremiah, now 15 and a sophomore at Lafayette High School, is promoting that book, “Lands of Scientia” — and innovation in children’s literature in general.
“Books can be a fun way to learn that’s really different from textbooks or being in class,” Geremiah said. “Also, writing helps kids with reading, so I think it’s important for librarians to encourage them to write, too.”
Geremiah finished “Lands of Scientia,” a 118-page adventure story, in about five months when he was at James Blair Middle School. After a series of COVID-19 related delays, the paperback was released in May 2022 by Hongry Wolves Publishing, his father’s independent company; it sells for $15 online at geremiahdelvalle.com.
Since then, Geremiah has given talks at schools and churches and done more than 25 book signings along the East Coast. Those included a trip to last year’s Essence Festival in New Orleans, a multiday celebration of Black culture.
In February, Geremiah received recognition from Gov. Glenn Youngkin at a Black History Month reception, where he gave the governor a copy of his book.
“That was such an honor,” he said. “I’m getting better at being in front of people and talking about literacy.”
Written for children 8-13, “Lands of Scientia” follows the Freedom Trio, three middle school friends who work together to save an island from evil. During their journey, they pass through different biomes, or geographical regions with specific climates, wildlife and vegetation.
Readers can learn about icy tundra, grasslands, forests and more, as Geremiah matches animals and plants to their correct environments. He also describes the shapes and parts of different cells.
“I did it because I love science,” Geremiah said. “You can work a lot of facts into the elements of a story. I want to expand children’s literature like that to better prepare kids.”
The book was a 2022 finalist in the education category of the Black Authors Matter Children’s Books Awards. Last year, Geremiah received a Youth Entrepreneur Award from the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.
The oldest of five children, Geremiah juggles writing with academics, soccer, track, acting and business clubs. He also raps, sings, dances and volunteers with his four siblings — Gervel, 14, Keziah, 12, Germain, 10, and Gershon, 6 — as part of Angel Armies, a performance group, and LOVE Association Inc., a community service nonprofit.
Geremiah’s parents, Gerron and Kenya DelValle, have always stressed education. Gerron has a master’s degree in instructional design and diversity education, owns a technology company and is an author and filmmaker; Kenya has a Doctor of Health Science degree.
The two describe Geremiah as so full of dreams that they sometimes have trouble keeping up.
“Our child is so creative and bursting with so many ideas, plans and talents to share with the world,” Kenya DelValle said. “As his biggest fans and his parents, our goal is also to keep him organized and on track so he can be successful.”
Another ongoing project is a children’s book called “Big Boy’s True Dream,” about a boy who gains superhuman strength by eating cereal. That project draws from a four-page picture story that Geremiah wrote at age 7; sister Keziah, an artist, is the illustrator.
Geremiah hopes to attend Howard or Virginia Commonwealth universities, write a novel and record music. Keeping up with his classes hasn’t been too hard yet.
“I just find the time,” he said, “and I’m excited about everything I’ve been able to do.”