Young Author Tackles Hunger Crisis Through Children’s Literature: The Inspiring Story of Aya Daali

By: Isra Ibrahim

You’re never too young to make a difference.

When I think about what it means to be a leader, I used to picture someone older, maybe a teacher, an activist, or someone with a big platform. But that all changed when I met Aya Daali. Aya is a young author who wrote her first book, Hunger Savers Club, at just 11 years old. Not only is she a talented storyteller, but she’s also someone who genuinely cares about her community and wants to make the world a better place.

In her book, Aya tackles the serious issue of hunger, something many people don’t realize affects kids and families right in their neighborhoods. But instead of just pointing out the problem, she uses storytelling to offer hope, teamwork, and practical ways young readers can help. What impressed me the most wasn’t just that Aya wrote a book at such a young age, but how thoughtful, honest, and determined she is.

I had the privilege of interviewing Aya to learn more about her writing process, her inspirations, and her message to other kids who want to make a difference. Her answers were not only inspiring but also a powerful reminder that leadership can start with a story and that no one is too young to lead.

I wanted to share my energy with people all over the country.

When I asked Aya what made her want to write a book about helping others and building community, her answer was simple but meaningful. “I always had a love for sharing good energy amongst people my age,” she said. “And when I saw this opportunity, I took a shot at it because I wanted to share my energy with people all over the country.”

This resonated with me. In a time when a lot of young people feel overwhelmed by what’s happening in the world, Aya chose to lead with love and hope. Her book isn’t just about hunger; it’s about showing others that kindness, collaboration, and care can spark real change.

A spark from third-grade.

Aya shared that the original idea for Hunger Savers Club was inspired by a book she read back in third grade about Senator Paul Wellstone. In that story, the main character notices a problem in her community and works with her family to solve it. Eventually, she even writes a letter to the senator to help create change.

Even though Aya doesn’t remember all the details of that book, the message stays with her: kids can identify problems, take action, and get adults involved too. That early inspiration helped shape the foundation of Hunger Savers Club, where a group of young characters band together to make a difference in their community.

Writing with both fun and purpose.

Aya said writing the book was fun, especially when it came to using her imagination to build characters and the storyline. “I love the way they turned out,” she told me. “And I might use them again in the future.”

But writing about hunger wasn’t always easy. Aya explained that she was also very serious while working on the book because hunger is a real issue that affects people in her country and around the world. “I wanted to shed some light on what’s going on and what we can do to help.”

I admired how Aya balanced creativity with responsibility. It takes courage to write about tough topics, especially when you’re still learning about them yourself. But Aya didn’t shy away from the seriousness of hunger; she faced it directly and turned it into something hopeful and empowering.

“If we slip up, we get on our feet and try again.”

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was when I asked Aya what message she hopes readers take away from her book. Her answer was inspiring: “That we should work together to solve hard problems. And if we slip up, we get on our feet and try again.”

This simple but powerful message speaks to so many areas of life, whether it’s fighting hunger, writing a book, or even learning something new. Aya’s words remind us that making a difference isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, working together, and being willing to try again after setbacks.

Discovering the truth about hunger.

Aya shared that writing the book taught her a lot, especially during the research phase. “I realized that a lot of people are suffering from hunger. And they have it way worse than I thought,” she said. That realization gave her a new sense of urgency and responsibility. “I had the urge to help them, and I hope this book can do something.”

This part of Aya’s journey shows how powerful storytelling can be, not just for the people who read the book, but for the author too. Through writing, Aya didn’t just raise awareness; she became more aware herself. And that growth is part of what makes her book so authentic and meaningful.

Support systems matter.

When I asked Aya who helped or inspired her the most, she immediately mentioned her third-grade book but also made sure to shout out her parents. “My mother and father came up with ideas for the book, and they also encouraged me to keep writing even when I had writer’s block.”

Aya’s parents played an important role in her creative process, not just by helping her brainstorm but by reminding her to keep going when things got tough. That kind of encouragement can make all the difference, especially for young writers who are just starting to believe in their voices.

“Just because they are kids doesn’t mean their voices shouldn’t matter.”

When I asked Aya if she believes kids can make a big difference in their communities, she didn’t hesitate. “Yes,” she said confidently. “If they put their heads together and keep trying, they can and will change the world. Just because they are kids doesn’t mean their voices shouldn’t matter.”

I couldn’t agree more. Aya’s story is proof that young people have incredible potential and that their ideas, experiences, and creativity can lead to real change. Her words are a call to action for other kids who might be unsure about whether they can make a difference. The answer is: yes, they absolutely can.

Advice for young writers: “Go for it!”

I ended the interview by asking Aya what advice she would give to other kids who want to write books or tell their own stories. Her answer was enthusiastic: “Go for it! I mean, I wasn’t even sure I was going to win the competition. I just pulled whatever I had in my brain and let my creativity flow. So if you have a story to tell, don’t be afraid to write it down and share it with others.”

This piece of advice really stuck with me. It’s easy to doubt yourself when you’re just starting out. But Aya shows that you don’t need to be 100% sure or have it all figured out; you just need to try, and let your creativity lead the way.

What’s next for Aya?

Right now, Aya doesn’t have any official plans for another book, but she says she still writes short stories for fun and for school. “I’ll write for whatever comes along,” she told me. And I believe she will. Whether or not Aya publishes another book soon, one thing is clear: she’s already made an impact. Her words, her heart, and her imagination are already inspiring readers, including me.

“Aya’s writing is both inspiring and easy to connect with. Her book sends a strong message: you’re never too young to care, to help, or to lead. Hunger Savers Club is a powerful reminder that even small actions can create real change.”

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