VRYHEID — Eleven‑year‑old author Mylee‑Grace Merkle has published a motivational student diary designed to remind learners of their self‑worth and to celebrate differences, the young writer said on Wednesday.
From picture book to diary: a message that grows
Just a year after releasing her children’s book, Smiley and the Magic of Her Curls, the Vryheid pupil has expanded her work with a diary that combines practical school organisation with daily motivational prompts. The project, described by Merkle as more than a diary, aims to support children to "be true to themselves and choose themselves, no matter what," she said.
Since the publication of her first book, Merkle has reached audiences beyond Vryheid. She has appeared on national television and social media platforms, and travelled to places including Cape Town and Eswatini to share her story and meet readers, the reporting said. Those experiences influenced her decision to create a tool that learners can use every day at school.
Family support and local pride
Her mother, Kayla Merkle, praised her daughter's determination and creativity. Kayla described the experience of watching her child pursue ideas and turn them into tangible projects as both humbling and inspiring. She said that Mylee‑Grace has a "remarkable, positive and determined attitude" and that seeing her grow has been a rewarding experience.
"It has been such a rewarding experience, not only watching her grow but also learning from her along the way," Kayla Merkle said, according to the report.
The diary is intended for learners and carries the central theme of self‑acceptance that featured in her earlier book. By pairing motivational messages with space for notes and planning, the product seeks to help pupils manage school life while reinforcing positive self‑talk.
What the diary offers
- Daily or weekly motivational prompts designed for learners.
- Sections for school planning and personal reflection.
- Visual and written reminders about self‑worth and embracing differences.
Although details such as the diary's retail price and wide distribution were not provided in the report, the release follows a trajectory of growing public exposure for the young author and may attract interest from local schools, libraries and community groups that promote literacy and positive self‑image among children.
| Author | Mylee‑Grace Merkle |
| Age | 11 |
| Previous book | Smiley and the Magic of Her Curls |
| New project | Motivational student diary |
| Noted outreach | Cape Town, Eswatini, national TV and social media |
Local context and possible impact
Vryheid schools and parents continue to seek resources that support learners' emotional as well as academic development. Materials that promote self‑esteem are often used alongside life‑orientation and school counselling programmes. Local educators may find a homegrown resource like Merkle's diary helpful when reinforcing messages about diversity and self‑respect in classrooms and after‑school clubs.
Community book events, libraries and youth organisations in and around Vryheid could be potential partners to showcase the diary and the author's broader work, providing platforms for reading and discussions about identity and confidence. The young author's travels and media appearances suggest she is already building relationships beyond the town, which could support wider distribution if organisers choose to incorporate her project.
For now, the release stands as a point of local pride: a reminder that children from Vryheid are contributing creatively to conversations about how learners see themselves. The report did not include information on where the diary can be purchased; readers interested in copies or school visits may wish to follow up through local bookshops or community noticeboards for further details.
As Merkle continues to develop projects that centre on self‑acceptance, her work may encourage other young people to express ideas in writing and to use creative projects to support peers in their schools and neighbourhoods.
