Ellington

At 19 years old, most individuals are still trying to figure out how to transition into adulthood, but Rachel Burson of Rossville has already accomplished something many adults long to achieve — she’s published her first children’s book.

“I was scared; I think a lot of kids are, but life is short and I’ve jumped ahead of so many people that I’ve got to make the best of it,” Burson said. “How many 19-year-olds realize that?”

Burson’s first composition, “Aalayah’s New Hope,” was released nationwide March 27. The book introduces readers to Aalayah, a fun, friendly, furry grey kitten who learns valuable lessons from her best friend, Tabby. After waking from a broken leg, Aalayah discovers that Tabby is missing. Eventually, young readers will learn whether she’s able to find her friend or if she’ll be lonely forever.

“When I first saw the book I was so excited, grateful and in shock,” Burson said.

Writing is Burson’s first and only job. After she got her GED she started thinking about career options, and prayers led her vivid imagination to becoming an author, what she thought could make a great career, she said.

“I feel blessed to be put in a position like this, but it’s strange how fast it happened,” said Burson.

Her first manuscript was handwritten, and after typing it up and submitting it online to Tate Publishing, Burson said she received a phone call from a Tate Publishing director the next day.

Burson writes from her own personal experiences and models her characters after herself — who she is and who wants to be.

“People are shocked to find out I’m only 19 years old, it’s something unique and different,” she said.

Burson said there is a negative stigma around getting a GED, but added that for people to get their GED it takes a lot of discipline and maturity.

“It’s good to show kids you can still get a job with a GED,” Burson said. “It doesn’t matter if life goes down hill, you can always get back because success comes from all areas of life.”

Burson goes to local libraries and elementary schools and reads her book to the children and said they love it.

“They really seem to gravitate and be able to relate to me, and it’s funny because some of their teachers even taught me,” she said, adding she has plans to continue writing more children’s books and has aspirations to write novels, she said.

“I’ve been a big dreamer my whole life. This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” Burson said.