When a young writer shares a story, it has the power to spark someone else’s imagination—to inspire another reader to begin writing their own. Over time, that kind of sharing creates a domino effect, where creativity moves from one person to another.
In the Creative Youth Collective, we believe that sharing our work is an act of generosity. That’s why we’re always creating opportunities for our members to share their stories with a wider audience.
Today, I’m delighted to share that five additional Creative Youth Collective books have been added to the permanent collection at the San Mateo Public Library. There is something deeply meaningful about a young writer seeing their work enter a public library collection. The stories these writers imagined and carefully crafted are now available for readers in the community to discover and enjoy for years to come.
And the best part is, as we celebrate this milestone, each of these writers is already hard at work on their next book project!
One Day Till Winter
by Amruth Settipalli (Age 13 at publication)
Amruth Settipalli is a 13-year-old author and visual artist from Palo Alto, California. His first novel, One Day Till Winter, follows Swiss, Nalgene, and Banana—three squirrel siblings forced into danger after a devastating fire—and Sterling, Noa, and Brynn, three human siblings homesteading in the wilderness. When their paths collide, both families discover that courage and kindness can change everything.
Amruth was recently recognized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers and received a 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Silver Key Award for his novel.
Check it out at the San Mateo Public Library
Purchase a copy
Amruth’s first published book of poetry and visual art, Nature, is also available for checkout at the San Mateo Public Library. He is currently hard at work on his second novel, Life on Mars.
Loyal to the Last
by Rafael Popowitz (Age 14 at publication)
Rafael Popowitz is a 14-year-old author from Woodside, California. His debut novel, Loyal to the Last, reimagines Rubeus Hagrid’s third year at Hogwarts—exploring friendship, magical creatures, and the courage it takes to stand up for the truth when the world turns against you. Rafi wrote the book to dive deeper into Hagrid’s untold backstory, crafting a coming-of-age adventure that expands the wizarding world in an imaginative way.
Check it out at the San Mateo Public Library
Purchase a copy
Rafi is currently writing an historical fiction / sci-fi short story titled, The Tip of the Iceberg.
The Heist
by Amar Ahuja (Age 13 at publication)
Amar Ahuja is a 13-year-old writer from Los Altos Hills, California. His debut novel, The Heist, follows Grayson and his three best friends as they attempt the impossible—steal Julius Caesar’s crown from the Smithsonian during their seventh-grade class trip. An avid reader and lifelong reader storyteller, Amar blends real-life moments with unexpected twists to create a fast-paced mystery adventure.
Check it out at the San Mateo Public Library
Purchase a copy
Amar is currently working on the sequel to The Heist—stay tuned!
Tuck and Henry Go To…
by Millie Lynch (Age 12 at publication)
Millie Lynch is a 12-year-old author from Woodside, California. Her latest book in the Tuck and Henry series follows two chaotic dog siblings through vortexes, persimmon wars, and a cast of unforgettable sidekicks. The story celebrates curiosity, loyalty, and the joyful unpredictability of a wonderfully weird world.
Check it out at the San Mateo Public Library
Purchase a copy
Millie’s first published book, Cucumbery Corndog, the Injurius, is also available for checkout at the San Mateo Public Library. She is currently working on a wild mystery adventure featuring twin blob fish detectives, Phil and Bill, and an aspiring marine biologist who happens to be a pangolin named Clementine.
Room 7
by Leah Morris (Age 10 at publication)
Leah Morris is a 10-year-old writer from Palo Alto, California. Her first published story, Room 7, follows twins Rose and Robert as they race to save their hidden elevator home after curious neighbors stumble upon their secret. Leah came up with the idea after seeing a very large elevator and imagining what it would be like to call it home.
Check it out at the San Mateo Public Library
Purchase a copy
Since publishing Room 7, Leah has gone on to publish its companion book, Room 2. She is currently working on an imaginative story featuring lightning bolts as characters titled The Last Strike.
CYC Scholarship Applications Close March 21
There’s just one week left to apply for the Creative Youth Collective scholarship.
The scholarship supports young writers ages 14-21 who are eager to develop an ambitious creative project through the Collective’s mentorship and publishing program.
If you know a student who might benefit from this opportunity, please share the link below and encourage them to apply!
Warmly,
Kathryn