JAMES CITY — As a sixth grader, Geremiah DelValle began writing a book that starred himself and a few friends as superheroes.
But Geremiah soon decided their superpower wouldn’t be anything as predictable as strength, invisibility or flying ability. Instead, their gift would be teaching science lessons to younger readers.
This week, Geremiah, now 15, is promoting that book, “Lands of Scientia” — and innovation in children’s literature in general — at two area events to mark Read Across America Week. The annual campaign is run by the National Education Association.
A sophomore at Lafayette High School, Geremiah will speak to students Wednesday during Homeschool Day at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. On Friday, he is scheduled to address a meeting of the Virginia Association of School Librarians at Old Dominion University.
“Books can be a fun way to learn that’s really different from textbooks or being in class,” Geremiah said. “Also, writing helps kids with reading, so I think it’s important for librarians to encourage them to write, too.”
Geremiah finished “Lands of Scientia,” a 118-page adventure story, in about five months when he was at James Blair Middle School. After a series of COVID-19 related delays, the paperback was released in May 2022 by Hongry Wolves Publishing, his father’s independent company; it sells for $15 online at geremiahdelvalle.com.
Since then, Geremiah has given talks at schools and churches and done more than 25 book signings along the East Coast. Those included a trip to last year’s Essence Festival in New Orleans, a multiday celebration of Black culture.
This February, Geremiah received recognition from Gov. Glenn Youngkin at a Black History Month reception, where he gave Youngkin a copy of his book. “That was such an honor,” he recalled. “I’m getting better at being in front of people and talking about literacy.”
Written for ages 8 to 13, “Lands of Scientia” follows the Freedom Trio, three middle school friends who work together to save an island from evil. During their journey, they pass through different biomes, or geographical regions with specific climates, wildlife and vegetation.
Readers can learn about icy tundra, grasslands, forests and more, as Geremiah matches animals and plants to their correct environments. He also describes the shapes and parts of different cells. “I did it because I love science,” Geremiah said. “You can work a lot of facts into the elements of a story. I want to expand children’s literature like that to better prepare kids.”
The book was a 2022 finalist in the education category of the Black Authors Matter Children’s Books Awards. Last year, Geremiah received a Youth Entrepreneur Award from the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.
The oldest of five children, Geremiah juggles writing with academics, soccer, track, acting and clubs for students interested in business. He also raps, sings, dances and volunteers with his four siblings — Gervel, 14, Keziah, 12, Germain, 10, and Gershon, 6 — as part of Angel Armies, a performance group, and LOVE Association Inc., a community service nonprofit.
Geremiah’s parents, Gerron and Kenya DelValle, have always stressed education with their kids. Gerron, who has a master’s degree in instructional design and diversity education, owns a technology company and is an author and filmmaker; Kenya has a Doctor of Health Science degree and specializes in gerontology, or care for seniors.
The two describe Geremiah as a kind, energetic person who is so full of dreams that they sometimes have trouble keeping up.
“Our child is so creative and bursting with so many ideas, plans and talents to share with the world,” Kenya DelValle said. “As his biggest fans and his parents, our goal is also to keep him organized and on track so he can be successful.”
Added Gerron: “Even though he has a lot of talents, one thing we love about Geremiah is he cares about everyone. He likes to credit others and encourage others. He’s just a fan of other people, which I think is why people take to him when he’s speaking.”
Currently, Geremiah is working on an audio version of “Lands of Scientia,” which should be released by this summer, and has written five chapters of a sequel book that he aims to publish sometime next year.
Another ongoing project is a children’s book called “Big Boy’s True Dream,” about a boy who gains superhuman strength by eating cereal. That project draws from a four-page picture story that Geremiah wrote at age 7; his sister Keziah, an artist, is the illustrator.
After high school, Geremiah hopes to attend either Howard University or Virginia Commonwealth University — possibly majoring in business — and write a novel and record his own music. Keeping up with his classes hasn’t been too hard yet, he reports.
“I just find the time,” he said, “and I’m excited about everything I’ve been able to do.”
Want to go?
Geremiah DelValle will read from and speak about his book at the Virginia Zoo at 12 p.m. Wednesday during Homeschool Day. The event is included with regular zoo admission.
Alison Johnson, ajohnsondp@yahoo.com
