This 10-Year-Old Author Just Changed How Kids Think About Anxiety

Willie Williams IV didn’t let his anxiety diagnosis stop him. The Louisiana honor roll student and multi-sport athlete decided to transform his personal struggle into something that could help other children. Working alongside his mom, Jasmine, Willie wrote and published“Brave Hearts, Big Feelings,”a children’s book designed to help kids understand their emotions and manage anxiety. The book normalizes big feelings and gives parents and educators a powerful tool for opening conversations about mental health with the children in their lives.

What started as a personal project quickly became something bigger. Willie and his sister Willow Grace co-founded The IV&Grace Foundation, a child-led nonprofit dedicated to helping children feel seen, heard, and understood. The foundation extends Willie’s mission far beyond the pages of his book, positioning him as a youth advocate focused on emotional wellness and mental health awareness. At just 10 years old, Willie is demonstrating that age is no barrier to creating meaningful social impact.

Willie’s story resonates in a moment when youth mental health challenges are at the forefront of national conversations. By speaking openly about his own anxiety and channeling it into action, Willie is showing young people everywhere that vulnerability can be a source of strength and leadership. Have you or someone you know used a personal challenge to help others? We’d love to hear your stories.