Story perspectives

Teen Author Rutendo Shadaya Makes Time's 'Girls of the Year'

8/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rutendo Shadaya, a 17-year-old from Tokoroa, started writing at age 9, inspired by her friend.
She has self-published two books and was featured on Time's "Girls of the Year" list.
Rutendo's writing reflects her Zimbabwe-New Zealand heritage, and she aims to pursue writing alongside her studies.

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Story summary

Rutendo Shadaya, a 17-year-old from Tokoroa, started writing at age 9, inspired by her friend.
She has self-published two books and was featured on Time's "Girls of the Year" list.
Rutendo's writing reflects her Zimbabwe-New Zealand heritage, and she aims to pursue writing alongside her studies.