Grade 6 Student Bailey Dekker Publishes Her First Book After 3 Years of Work!

Photo Credit: St Mary's DSG, Kloof

Bailey’s story began on an exam pad when she was just 10 years old. After a three-year labour of love, it is now a published book she has dedicated to her school friends!

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (13 November 2026) – Writing a book is a labour of love. Only true storytellers make it to the end. A book comes to life at a snail’s pace, over months and often years of hard work.

That is why we are so impressed with young Bailey Dekker, a learner at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof.

Bailey began writing her book when she was only 10 years old. She was in fourth grade when she first started writing the story. A wonderful world, inspired by African folktales she had explored in her English lessons at school.

The story soon grew into the idea of a book. One she’d write for her school friends to enjoy.

Bailey is in sixth grade now, heading into grade seven. For the past three years, she has been writing that same story she started for her friends. After a massive labour of love, and with help from her mom, this young lady has published a book! A real one. A story about friendship.

Bailey wrote, edited and helped create the illustrations for her book, titled ‘The Seeking Seven: The Lava Lamp’

This week, she finally got to share the story with her school friends.

“It was exciting to share something I had created with my friends and let them experience the story for the first time,” said Bailey, as per her school.

Her hope is that her book will inspire other girls to value friendship, believe in themselves and support one another.

Bailey’s wish is for her book to one day become a class reader. The young lady wants to continue writing, with dreams of a book series in the future! She has a message for her fellow young dreamers.

“Anything can happen. Follow your heart as a child of God.”

Bailey’s school posted her story on social media this week, sharing its pride in her incredible commitment and ambition.

“We are incredibly proud of you, Bailey! What a wonderful reminder that big dreams can start
with a simple idea, an exam pad and the courage to keep going. We can’t wait to see where your writing journey takes you next!”