Baking cake pops with his mom is nothing new for 10-year-old Jayce Hamilton of Alabaster, but what it’s doing for him has changed quite a bit for the 5th grader with an autism diagnosis.
Seeing Jayce’s food aversions manifest into a budding love for cooking “has been amazing,” said Jayce’s dad, Joshua. “He also gets a lot of joy out of the process and keeping his space clean.”
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His mom, Larissa, shared how cooking is a new fascination for Jayce and that interest has now landed him his first published book, “Chef Earl.”
“The book is about a man who dreams about being a chef,” said Jayce, who entered a young writer’s competition sponsored by his church in April.
The competition, a first for Zion Church in Birmingham where Jayce’s grandfather, Joseph, serves as pastor, was organized by author Reginald “Reggie” Thomas.
Platform for young voices
Thomas said he wants to “give children a platform for their voices to be heard” and built the competition around the theme “Where you see yourself in the future.”
Children entering the “I Am the Future: Children’s Book Contest” were instructed to pitch an original story, written or typed, which could include graphics if they wanted.
‘Going above and beyond’
The winner would have their book idea developed and published on Kindle Direct Publishing and receive 10 free copies and a website to promote the book.
What set Jayce apart was his commitment, Thomas shared with The Alabama Baptist. “The bright young man” submitted a full manuscript complete with original illustrations, “going above and beyond,” he said.
Thomas said the success of this first competition has motivated him to introduce it “to as many schools and churches as I can.”
What’s next?
And Jayce, the oldest of three boys, is already planning for next year’s entry.
A gifted mathematician, illustrator, and according to book’s “About the Author” section, a lover of thin crust pizza, Jayce received a recent shoutout from Alabaster City Schools on Instagram.
An excerpt from the post says, “Jayce’s book, Chef Earl, is a testament to his creativity and determination. We’re proud to see one of our students pursuing his dreams and inspiring others to do the same … Congratulations, Jayce!”
“Chef Earl” is available for purchase on Amazon. Learn more about Thomas at authorreginaldthomas.com.
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