KINGSTON TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Northeastern and central Pennsylvania seem to have no shortage of children who excel. Among them are some young authors, including one this week who branches out into the teen romance genre, with a twist.
What sounds like a prayer inside Cross Creek Community Church in Luzerne County's Back Mountain actually is in a way.
Colbi Cox is reading a line from a book called Keep the Faith.
"I thought, there's not a lot of clean, young adult romance stories out there, and I thought, 'I'm going to write one,'" Colbi explained.
That is exactly what the Dallas Middle School Eighth grader did.
Mind you, this is no average teen romance book.
"I wanted it to be faith-based. I wanted it to be romance. I wanted it to be sad, because I think I'm better at writing sad stories than I am at writing happier ones," Colbi shared.
Colbi got to talk about her book to the congregation at Cross Creek Community Church.
"I'm just so proud of Colbi. Sharing her faith so boldly, being able to put her creativity to use to influence others as they walk through their faith. Her story is just so thoughtful," family friend and Colbi's former teacher Jen Baker said.
11-year-old writes, publishes superhero fiction book
Baker has known Colbi since she was a little girl.
"She is tenacious in everything she does. She is such a creative person. She has always been involved in writing, performing, singing as long as I've known her," shared Baker.
Colbi honed her creative talents as a child thespian, reader, and writer. Total, she says she has written dozens of short stories, poems, and even song lyrics.
"I kind of moved into more writing as I got older, and my writing really, really improved. I went from stapling notebook pages together to actually having my own book," Colbi explained.
Colbi even self-published her book. The 104-page publication debuted June 1, 2025.
Baker considers the book an inspiration to all who read it, thanks to what she calls "honest characters" and "exceptional writing."
"She brings their heart out in a way that I feel most young people can relate to wrestling with big questions, especially about faith and how to just persevere through life's storms knowing that trusting is important and that they're going to be okay," said Baker.
"I'm glad that my book has that kind of motivation and it's that impactful and it can tug into actual emotions," said Colbi.
Baker says Colbi is a prime example of why children and even adults should not lose sight of their dreams.
"Setting these goals and achieving them has just been amazing to watch, and I have no doubt God is going to use her to do great things," Baker shared.
Colbi's book Keep the Faith is not yet available in book stores, but she hopes it will be early next year.
In the meantime, you can find Keep the Faith in paperback for $5 on Amazon.
Here's to you, Colbi.
If you have a kid you think should be featured on Here’s To You Kid!, send in a nomination online.
