12-year-old Kuzo Kezo’s debut book ‘The School of Bullies’ released

Kezo, 12, became a published author on Saturday with the release of his book ‘The School of Bullies’, which he apparently started writing when he was in the first grade.

KOHIMA— In recent years, Nagaland has seen a few age-defying authors who surprised everyone by writing books at ages when most children hardly read anything beyond their school textbooks, the most recent of whom is Kuzo Kezo.

Kezo, 12, became a published author on Saturday with the release of his book “The School of Bullies”, which he apparently started writing when he was in the first grade.

The book was released by Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, general secretary, NBCC, at KINDRED, Beit’s Plaza, Secretariat Road, Kohima, in the presence of Kezo’s friends, classmates, teachers, family members, and well-wishers.

A student of class 7 at St. Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School, Kohima, and the eldest among four siblings, Kezo credited God for the gift of writing while delivering the author’s note and said the book is clearly from his imagination and not from his experiences.

He, however, claimed to have seen people bullying others for fun and for other reasons. He asked the audience to love one’s neighbour as oneself and to love one’s enemy, quoting the Bible.

Keyho, the special guest for the occasion, said in his speech that the book will go a long way in building up families and children, teaching parents how to do parenting, institutions how to run schools and impart education, and building personalities.

He praised the publisher, PenThrill, for the platform and stated that the book is the need of the hour because it allows people to think beyond what is written and helps develop personalities.

Keyho also emphasised the importance of living a purposeful, God-fearing life on the occasion.

Vishu Rita Krocha recounted in her publisher’s note how, in 2017, there were no books written by Naga children except ‘Suki’s Magic Box,’ written by a 10-year-old girl, Suki, who was recognised as Nagaland’s youngest author at the time.

Nonetheless, she maintained that it fueled a greater interest in writing, particularly among children, and that in the years since, more children storytellers have emerged. Another young girl made her debut in 2021 at the age of 7, and in just two years, she has four books to her name, Krocha said.

She noted that the launch of Kezo’s book reminded her of the fact that children are natural storytellers.

She emphasised that bullying can have devastating effects on a child’s academic performance as well as his or her physical and mental wellbeing and added that “The School of Bullies” does not necessarily tell the story of the school environment in Nagaland, but it definitely delves into the subject of bullying, which everyone knows is a reality and needs to be addressed.

She exuded hope that the book will also serve as an eye-opener and enable people to become more sensitive to the needs of children, who deserve to learn and grow in a safe and healthy environment.

Dr. Rükulü Puro, assistant professor, department of English, Capital College Kohima, and chief instructor, CUE Academy, Centre of Writing Skills, delivered the book review on the occasion.

“The School of Bullies” marks the 75th publication of PenThrill. Its cover art was designed by Chavine Isabel Krocha.

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She emphasised that bullying can have devastating effects on a child’s academic performance as well as his or her physical and mental wellbeing and added that “The School of Bullies” does not necessarily tell the story of the school environment in Nagaland, but it definitely delves into the subject of bullying, which everyone knows is a reality and needs to be addressed.