gsnetx Book Club: The Little Lily

June 09, 2023

"The Little Lily" marks the literary debut of 16-year-old Rida S. Ahmed. This captivating story follows Dakota and her two best friends, Autumn and Noor, living in California. Every week, the trio explores the woods, enjoying the wonders of nature. However, a single incident alters their lives irrevocably, leading them to unexpected destinations as they unravel a complex and intriguing history.

Drawing from her personal friendship and memories of Girl Scout Camp, Rida skillfully crafted characters and infused their outdoor exploration with authenticity. With passion and resilience, her characters navigate obstacles and celebrate triumphs together, making the book a reflection of the larger Girl Scout journey.

When Rida started working on "The Little Lily" in December 2020, it was a fun way to pass the time during the difficult days of COVID-19. As she continued writing, she saw an opportunity to use her book to share a profound message to all Girl Scouts. So, Rida set out to create a story that would empower her readers, showing them that regardless of what they look like or choose to wear, life's possibilities are boundless, and everyone possesses the power to shape their own meaningful narrative.

Rida advises aspiring young authors to seize every opportunity Girl Scouts offers to develop their writing skills. She credits the organization for equipping her with the skills to transform her knowledge, emotions, and experiences into written words. Most importantly, Girl Scouts gave her the confidence to believe she could achieve anything, including her dream of becoming an author.

"Writing a full-length book was difficult. It took dedication, passion, and ambition," Rida recalls. "But Girl Scouts helped me develop all those things. It has given me an outlet for my creativity and shown me how to take action and make things happen."

Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low once said, "To be inspired is great, but to be an inspiration is an honor." With a deep sense of honor, Rida invites readers to embark on a literary adventure alongside the characters of her book. She hopes its pages will ignite their imaginations and inspire extraordinary outdoor adventures this summer!

About the Author: Rida S. Ahmed is a high-school student and a Girl Scout with a passion for writing and reading. Before moving to Texas, she lived in California, where she was the president of her Service Unit. Currently, Rida is working on her Gold Award project as a Juliette. Rida's grandfather, Jameel Shaidai, was an esteemed poet, author, and playwright. His work was widely published and broadcast across India, motivating her to pay tribute to his legacy and carry it forward.

Rida is also a spirited speech and debate competitor and community leader. She was selected to participate in the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at the University of North Texas this summer, and earlier this year, she joined Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, on Inside DFW. Watch complete interview where they delve into the impact of Girl Scouting and the cookie entrepreneurial program online here.