ECU grad publishes storybook for young adults

East Carolina University alumna Richelle Smallwood has published a book for young adults to encourage self-esteem and self-acceptance, particularly in the face of bullying and peer pressure.

Smallwood began work on the book, “Lost and Found: Journey to Self-Discovery,” as an assignment for an integrative seminar course with ECU professor Dr. Paige Averett in the School of Social Work.

Smallwood

She said she hopes the book will motivate her readers and the ECU students who hear about her accomplishment.

“I hope that youthful readers will become inspired and encouraged to be confident in who they are and only harbor positive thoughts about themselves,” she said.

At the same time, she said, “I would love to inspire current students by letting them know that their experience at ECU can go beyond the walls of a classroom.”

Published by Xulon Press, the book is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

Smallwood is a native of Bear Grass.