Turning Lemons Into Lemonade: How 9-Year-Old Tiana Akoh-Arrey Turned Bullying Into a Beautiful Bestseller

When life handed young Tiana Akoh-Arrey lemons, she didn’t just make lemonade—she wrote a book about it.

According to Ebony magazine, Tiana’s mother, Dorothy Akoh-Arrey, shared that her daughter’s love for storytelling started remarkably early. “She was writing full sentences when she was only four,” Dorothy recalled. By six, that love of words had flourished in the classroom—but so had a painful experience that would later inspire her powerful debut book.

“One day at school, a kid made fun of my Afro and said that it made me look like a lion,” Tiana told Ebony. “That made me really sad, so I asked my mom to straighten my hair to look like my other friends who didn’t have an Afro.”

A Mother’s Lesson in Pride and Self-Love

Dorothy refused to let her daughter’s self-esteem be defined by teasing. She gently explained that her daughter’s natural curls were not something to hide—they were something to celebrate. “I told her our hair is beautiful, unique, and part of who we are,” she said in an interview with BBC News (source: BBC).

Those affirming words sparked something powerful in young Tiana. Instead of internalizing the hurt, she decided to write about it—turning pain into empowerment. Her short story, which began as a school project, was later submitted by her mother to Conscious Dreams Publishing, a London-based company known for supporting diverse and underrepresented voices in children’s literature. To everyone’s surprise, the publisher loved it—and at just seven years old, Tiana became a published author.

“My Afro: Twin Best Friends” — A Tale of Love, Identity, and Friendship

Tiana’s debut book, My Afro: Twin Best Friends, tells a touching story about learning to love one’s natural hair. It follows two best friends—one with thick, coiled hair and the other with long, straight locks—who decide they want to look alike for picture day. What unfolds is a heartwarming exploration of friendship, identity, and self-acceptance, celebrating the beauty of differences while emphasizing unity.

As Tiana explained to The Guardian (source: The Guardian), “I wanted to show that even if you look different, you can still be best friends. It’s not your hair or skin that makes you who you are—it’s your heart.”

Now nine years old, the young author hopes her story will help other children embrace their own uniqueness. “I want other Black girls to feel proud of their hair and love who they are,” she said. “I want them to know they don’t need to change anything about themselves to fit in.”

From the Classroom to the Bestseller List

What started as a small project between a mother and daughter quickly became a global phenomenon. My Afro: Twin Best Friends climbed the ranks of Amazon’s Bestsellers List, outperforming expectations for a debut children’s book. It has since become a favorite among parents and teachers for its empowering message and has been praised by educators for promoting diversity and confidence among young readers (source: CNN).

Tiana’s achievements didn’t stop there. She was named one of The Week Junior’s “Heroes of the Year” for 2022, joining a list of young changemakers making a difference in their communities. Her book has inspired thousands of readers worldwide—and even touched the heart of the classmate who once bullied her.

A Story of Redemption and Healing

In a remarkable twist, Tiana’s former bully reached out after reading her book, sending her a handwritten apology for the hurtful remarks. The moment, both emotional and redemptive, reflected the very message Tiana’s story aims to convey—understanding, empathy, and growth.

“I was really proud of myself,” Tiana said. “It confirmed what my mom told me—that I should never feel small. Now I’ve helped other girls feel confident wearing their Afro hair in all shapes and styles without feeling embarrassed or caring what people say.”

Her mother, Dorothy, echoed that sentiment, telling Ebony that their journey shows how important it is for parents to affirm and uplift their children, especially in moments of self-doubt. “We must constantly remind our daughters of their worth,” she said. “Representation matters—and so does reassurance.”

Beyond the Pages: Inspiring a Movement

Tiana’s story is part of a growing movement of young authors challenging stereotypes and advocating for inclusion through children’s literature. Experts say books like My Afro: Twin Best Friends play a crucial role in helping kids understand cultural diversity from an early age. “When children see themselves positively represented in books, it nurtures self-esteem and empathy,” said Dr. Maryanne Okonkwo, a child development researcher quoted in The Independent (source: The Independent).

A Bright Future Ahead

While Tiana continues to attend school and enjoy her favorite activities—reading, drawing, and writing poetry—she’s already planning her next book. Her dream? To write a series that celebrates different aspects of Black identity, friendship, and resilience.

For now, Tiana remains focused on spreading her message of confidence and kindness. “If I can make even one person feel proud of themselves, that’s all that matters,” she told BBC.

Her journey—from being bullied for her natural hair to becoming an award-winning author before age ten—is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the hardest moments can lead to the most inspiring outcomes.

As her mother proudly puts it: “Tiana didn’t just write a story. She started a conversation.”