An Author Spotlight Interview with Willie Williams IV

Photo Credit: Willie Williams IV

Reading Time: 5 Minutes

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to feature Willie Williams IV in my latest Author Spotlight. At just ten years old, this talented student-athlete is already a published children's author. In our interview, Willie shares the inspiration behind his book, Brave Hearts, Big Feelings. His work serves as a powerful reminder to children that they are never alone, while giving parents valuable insight into their children's emotional world. Willie hopes his story brings comfort and reassurance to children navigating anxiety.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: Please, would you tell our readers about yourself? 

Willie Williams IV: My name is Willie Williams IV, and I am 10 years old. I am a published author, student, athlete, and co-founder of The IV & Grace Foundation, a nonprofit organization that my sister and I started to help others in our community. I am going into 5th grade and enjoy playing flag and tackle football, and baseball. 

I also enjoy helping people whenever I can. One thing that is important to know about me is that I have anxiety. Even though anxiety can be challenging, it has helped me become more understanding of what other children may be going through, and it inspired me to write my book.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: What is your motivation for writing your children’s book, Brave Hearts, Big Feelings?

Willie Williams IV: I wanted to write this book because I know what it feels like to have anxiety and big emotions. There have been times when I felt worried, nervous, overwhelmed, or afraid to talk about how I was feeling. I realized that there are probably other children who feel the same way. I wanted to write a book that would help children know they are not alone and help parents better understand what their children may be experiencing. If my story can help even one child feel seen, understood, or supported, then it was worth writing.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: Would you tell us what your book is about?

Willie Williams IV: Hearts, Big Feelings is a book about understanding anxiety and learning how to work through big emotions. It follows a child, me, who experiences worries and fears but learns healthy ways to cope and communicate those feelings. The story reminds readers that it is okay to ask for help, talk about their emotions, and take things one step at a time. Most importantly, it shows that being brave does not mean you are never scared; it means continuing to move forward even when you are.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: What are the benefits that readers will obtain from reading your book, and how will their lives be transformed?

Willie Williams IV: I hope readers learn that their feelings matter and that they do not have to keep everything bottled up inside. Talking about your emotions can help you feel better and help others understand what you are going through. I also hope children with anxiety will realize they are not alone and that there are people who care about them and want to help. My goal is for readers to feel encouraged, supported, and a little more confident about sharing their feelings and asking for help when they need it.

 If readers walk away knowing that they are not alone and that it is okay to ask for help, then I think the book has done its job.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: Thank you so much, Willie, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your inspiring story behind your book and also for everything you do in the way of helping our children understand anxiety and learn how to work through their emotions. Our readers: we invite you to share your questions or reflections regarding Willie's children's book in the comments section below. Please don't forget to build your children's home library with his book Brave Hearts, Big Feelings.