By Carrie McLendon 

A 10-year-old student from Troy Elementary School, Avah Ringstaff, has written and published her own book called “Avah’s World”.

“Avah’s World” is about grief and it is dedicated to her grandfather, Melvin McClain, who recently passed away unexpectedly.

“My book is about grief for kids my age that had to deal with a family member passing away,” said Ringstaff. “It describes my feelings about my grandfather and the cherished memories that we have. He will always live in Avah’s World.”

Avah’s grandmother, Andrena McClain, offered words on the journey of helping her granddaughter write this book and get through her grief.

“It’s just something that she will always have to remember her Pawpaw by and to keep the memories close to her heart,” she said. “She can say that ‘I did this, my Pawpaw would be so proud.’ I know he’s very proud of Avah right now because we are.”

Ringstaff also shared how it feels to be able to publish this book.

“It makes me feel happy and also lets me know that I’m not alone,” she said.

Andrena McClain shared that she hopes that this book can go around the world and comfort others who may be going through a similar situation as Avah.

“I would want people to take away that grief is a common denominator amongst all of us,” she said. “Anyone can get something out of this book, they can see that this little 10 year old girl has taken this pain and turned it into something that is so sentimental and so encouraging.”

Avah said that she would like to write more books in the future as writing is something that she has a passion for. She also shared big dreams of where her writing may take her.

“She said that she wanted to be on the Jennifer Hudson Show,” said Andrena McClain. “I told her the sky’s the limit.”

Avah will be having her first book signing on June 15 at 2:30 p.m. at Saint Peter Missionary Baptist Church in Troy. At the signing, a preorder list will be available for anyone who did not get a chance to buy the book in the first print.

“Avah’s World” can be purchased for $20 by contacting Andrena McClain at 334-589-3147 or by email at andrena.mcclain@aol.com.