Willie Williams IV is using his story to help other kids feel seen.
Earlier this school year, the 10-year-old Louisiana student, honor roll scholar, and multi-sport athlete was diagnosed with anxiety. WAFB reports that Willie, who goes by Willie IV, turned that experience into a children’s book about managing anxiety and big emotions.
The book, Brave Hearts, Big Feelings, grew out of Willie’s own journey learning how to understand his emotions, express what he was feeling, and ask for support. According to WAFB, Willie came home from school with the idea for the book, and his mother, Jasmine Williams, helped him and his sister, Willow Grace, bring the project to life.
What started as one young boy processing his own feelings has grown into something much bigger. The book encourages children to talk about their emotions, reminds them that big feelings are normal, and helps parents better understand what their children may be experiencing.
Willie has also helped extend that mission beyond the page. WAFB reports that the family started The IV & Grace Foundation with a mission to help other children feel seen, heard, and understood. The foundation’s social pages describe Willie IV and Willow Grace Williams as youth advocates and co-founders of the child-led nonprofit.
As conversations around mental health continue to grow, Willie’s story represents something especially meaningful: a young Black boy using his voice, vulnerability, and leadership to help other children feel supported.
His story is not only about becoming a published author at 10 years old. It is about resilience, emotional wellness, literacy, and the power of children to create impact far beyond themselves.
Congratulations, Willie IV!
