Hudson High School student authors inspirational children’s book

HUDSON, Mass. — It’s a dream come true for Jake Marrazzo.

The 17-year-old Hudson High School senior authored and published his first children’s book.

The book is called ‘One Wants To Be A Letter.’

“He tries to be a letter, but in the end, he realizes he loves being a number and being unique is a good thing, being yourself is a good thing,” Marrazzo said.

Marrazzo said writing has always been his passion. He’s wanted to author a children’s book since he was a child.

In the book, the numbers and letters come to life and also spread a pretty powerful message. “What I really want to get across to kids is that it’s okay to be yourself, it’s okay to be unique. Who you are is great and you should be that,” Marrazzo said.

Marrazzo said he’s always been true to himself, even while facing some pretty big health challenges.

When he was eight, Jake was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It’s a rare, progressive disease that causes the muscles to weaken. It has been referred to as ALS in kids.

Jake has lost his ability to walk and now needs a wheelchair. “The fact that he wrote this book so that other kids who are dealing with other things, not necessarily with the disease but life in general, to let them know embrace who you are, be who you are. Being unique is just amazing and he’s a prime example of it, being amazing because he’s unique,” said his mother, Sheryl Marrazzo.

Unique, amazing, and a published author before he even graduates high school, Jake said, “I think the book can be understood by anyone, not just with a disability because I’m sure all of us tried, have wanted to be like other people and then we realized, in the end, we are ourselves and that is a good thing."

Jake will have his first book signing Sunday, October 18 at Kith and Kin Hudson from 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

A portion of the book’s proceeds will go to the non-profit the Marrazzo’s established called 4 Jake’s Sake.

The foundation helps families living with Duchenne and strives to make their lives more accessible.

Cox Media Group