10-Year-Old Author Shares Self-Love Message at Alton Elementary School

ALTON - A local young author gave a special presentation at West Elementary School in Alton.

Ten-year-old Amoriah Gray is no stranger to book signings and music video shoots. But she got a special opportunity to engage with her peers on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, when she presented her book “Amoriah’s Magic Afro Puffs” to the girls’ group at West Elementary. Amoriah’s brand is all about self-love, and it was a powerful message for the kids — and a chance for the author to make new friends.

“I want people to remember that you don’t have to change anything for anyone,” Amoriah shared. “You could just love your hair.”

Amoriah made headlines in 2022 when, at age 7, she published “Amoriah’s Magic Afro Puffs.” Since then, the author has expanded to a music video, a plushie, and a second book that’s in the works. Her story centers around self-love and respect.

When Amoriah’s mother, Angela Gray, was contacted by an old colleague at Alton Community Unit School District #11, she was happy to set up Amoriah’s visit to West Elementary as part of their Black History Month programming. Social worker Sonja Collins and librarian Steve Doering, who runs the girls’ group, were eager to welcome Amoriah so she could speak to their students.

Not only did Amoriah share her story and remind the students about the power of self-love, but she also made new friends. She enjoyed getting to know her peers at Alton.

“It was really fun,” she said. “It feels good because I get to make more friends. Yesterday, whenever my uncle took me and my cousin to McDonald’s, I saw one of the girls there. We played with each other on the playground."

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Looking ahead, Amoriah is preparing for another book signing at Barnes & Noble in the Galleria soon. At her last signing, she sold out of books in 30 minutes. Angela and Amoriah’s father are proud of her hard work.

“She handed out flyers to people walking past, and she was talking about her book to people,” Angela remembered. “She was her own little entrepreneur.”

Angela is also stepping into the author space, with plans to soon host a seminar for other parents about self-publishing books. But above all, Angela hopes her daughter has internalized these lessons about self-love.

Amoriah enjoys empowering other kids through her brand, and she is eager to continue to share her message. As she reminded the girls on Feb. 27, she wants her peers to remember that nothing is out of their reach.

“I just want people to know that not only adults can make books,” she added. “Kids can make books, too.”

For more information about Amoriah, including how to order “Amoriah’s Magic Afro Puffs,” visit her official website or her official Facebook page.

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