Aadya Yeramalla, a seventh‑grader at Hopkinton Middle School, has added a fresh voice to young‑adult literature with her debut novel "The Final Shot." The book, now available on Amazon and Kindle, follows Alexia, a 14‑year‑old soccer player who must adjust to a new school while confronting family expectations and personal doubts.
A Young Author's Journey
Yeramalla began drafting the story in a notebook, mapping out an outline before spending four months polishing the manuscript and an additional month overseeing its release. She credits the process with sharpening her discipline, a trait she says she honed on the soccer field from the age of four through the Hopkinton Youth Soccer KickStart program.
The narrative weaves themes of teamwork, determination and discipline, echoing the values that have guided Yeramalla both on the pitch and in her writing. Her mother, Radhika Gupta, played a pivotal role in bringing the book to readers, coordinating with Barnes & Noble and local libraries for author meet‑and‑greets and securing shelf space for the title.
Beyond the page, Yeramalla’s passion for soccer has taken her to community events, including a World Cup watch party in Boston where she cheered for Spain’s championship run alongside her mother. While she remains focused on her studies and club soccer, she has hinted at future writing projects, suggesting that the blend of sport and storytelling will continue to shape her creative path.