It's Not Bragging If It's True

How to Be Awesome at Life, from a Winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee

By: Zaila Avant-garde, Marti Dumas

Narrated by: Zaila Avant-garde

Kids will be inspired to embrace their inner weirdness and persevere through obstacles after reading this empowering collection of true stories from teenage Scripps National Spelling Bee champ and Guinness World Record holder Zaila Avant-garde!

After Zaila Avant-garde became the first African American student to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2021, she turned into an overnight sensation. People wanted to know who she was and how she'd achieved so much while so young.

In this nonfiction book, Zaila shares the personal anecdotes that have shaped her life and extends advice to readers on living authentically. While Zaila is an exceptional and inspiring young woman, she has fears and anxieties just like everyone else; what makes her remarkable is the way she chooses to move through the obstacles in front of her.

Zaila shares about her family, her accomplishments, her experience of being homeschooled, and so much more in order to motivate and uplift other kids who have small-, medium-, and even big-sized dreams.

Critic reviews

★ "With intelligence and insightful humor, Avant-garde delivers an inspiring how-to manual that compels readers to lean into what makes them different and to never be ashamed of acknowledging their wins." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Avant-garde’s advice is solid, and her peppy, casual tone will speak to readers. An upbeat volume that encourages young people to reach for the stars." —Kirkus Reviews

"Divergent thinkers will relate most to Avant-garde's story and keep-it-weird tips in this inspirational guide." —Booklist

Great Motivation with Accessible Steps

I loved this quick lesson from a brilliant, enthusiastic child that is just beginning to change the world. Our school will probably purchase multiple copies of the text version for our middle school and even high school. I’m looking forward to what this young lady continues to produce.

Great motivation!

Wish I had some of her insight when I was her age. Still a great motivation for me at my age.
Good job.

Awesome read with a plethora of life lessons

Zaila Avant-garde nailed the title of her book metaphorically by stating facts without being braggadocios. She has inspired me to chip away at my goals and to never quit on anything in life. I enjoyed listening while taking notes to quote her a few times in an upcoming speech to a girls basketball team at my alma mater. Thank you fir writing and sharing your story.
Best,

Janice

Awesome Advice in this book

This book is awesome because the author gives such great advice. I would highly recommend this book to kids and adults. Everyone and anyone can take something from this, and apply it to their own life.