Zaila Avant-garde

Random House builds an IP around teen star Zaila Avant-garde

The publisher is working on a book series and other franchise plans for the 16-year-old spelling bee champ and record-holding b-ball prodigy.
January 20, 2023

New York’s Random House is counting on its new book series starring multi-hyphenate teen talent Zaila Avant-garde to be a big S-U-C-C-E-S-S.

The 16-year-old phenom is the first Black American to win the country’s prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee, as well as a two-time Guinness World Record-setting basketball player. And Random House is planning to turn her life story and impressive achievements into a publishing franchise, starting with It’s Not Bragging If It’s True: How to Be Awesome at Life and Words of Wonder from Z to A.

Aimed at kids ages eight to 12 and co-written by Marti Dumas (Jala and the Wolves), It’s Not Bragging introduces Avant-garde’s story, with personal anecdotes and her best advice about pursuing goals with authenticity and perseverance. It will be released in the US on May 2.

Words of Wonder from Z to A features alphabet illustrations by Keisha Morris (Hair Story), along with Avant-garde’s favorite motivational phrases and quotes from famous thought-leaders. It also has an epilogue with the meaning of different words. This title will go on sale June 27 in the US.

Random House is gearing up to build a mini-franchise around Avant-garde, who will be included in its Step into Reading program for early readers and the Little Golden Book biography series that has already showcased US politician Kamala Harris, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and country music legend Dolly Parton.

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