Ravina Thakkar, 14, has been writing since she was six years old.
''My first grade teacher was really encouraging, and we had this time called 'free write' where we would just write about anything we wanted,'' Thakkar said.
Thakkar says that helped jumpstart her writing career.
Seven years later, Ravina's book, ''The Adventure of a Lifetime'' was published.
The book, Thakkar says, is about a girl named Betty, who always wanted some kind of adventure because her life was boring.
''She has this book that has her favorite character in it and she aspires to be this character named Amber,'' Thakkar said.
Ravina says writing is an outlet .
Thakkar was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was born. She says the lung disease makers it hard to breathe at times.
During one of her hospital visits, Ravina learned about the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
''I put my name down on the list and I didn't think it would really amount to anything,'' Thakkar said.
Patti Bernhard is from Make-A-Wish Foundation, and says
''Ravina's wish was different to be published, that's difficult,'' Bernhard said.
Berhhard said the Make-A-Wish Foundation first attempted to get the book published by contacting publishers in New York.
''We didn't hear anything back from them, so Cindy and I contacted Sourcebooks out of Naperville,'' Bernhard said.
Thakkar said it was like a dream come true that didn't quite hit her until she had the book in her hand.
"I've been to Anderson's for a book signing and then I went to Plainfield Public Library for a book signing, but mostly I visit schools,'' Thakkar said.
''The Adventure of a Lifetime'' is recommended for children 8 to 12 years old. The book is available at Anderson's Bookstore in Naperville and online.
For more information:
http://wish.org/
www.sourcebooks.com
www.andersonsbookshop.com
