OKEECHOBEE — An Okeechobee woman recently published her second book. Apolonia Nunez is the author of two children’s books — All Grandmas Go to Heaven and I Am Indigenous.

Nunez, who is recognized as  the youngest Seminole tribe member to ever graduate from both high school and college at the same time, was only 15 when she received her AA degree. Though, she clarified she was 16 when she walked.

Describing her book, I Am Indigenous, as a little poem/short story, she said it is intended mostly for children. “It is to explain our culture,” she said. Nunez is from the Seminole tribe but did not make the book specific to any one tribe. “The purpose was representation. You’ll notice the young girl on the cover does not have Seminole patchwork. It was intended to be more broad.”

Recently, Nunez had the opportunity to read to children at the Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School out at Brighton. “It was such an honor,” she said. “I enjoyed every minute.”

Her first book, All Grandmas Go to Heaven, was also for children. “I wanted to write something to honor my grandma.” She wrote this book when she was about 22 years old.

Although her older sister has written a workbook, Nunez is the first children’s book author in the family. She considers it a hobby, an outlet for creativity.

Majoring in criminal justice, Nunez is working on her bachelor’s degree. “I love legal and really want to go to law school.” Due to a family emergency, she took a break from this but hopes to go back one day.

During her break, she is working in construction. She is studying for and plans to test for her general contractor’s license. Her father is a general contractor as well, and her mom is in real estate. “She is an entrepreneur as well though and has many interests.”

Currently, Nunez is working with some of the students Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School, helping them to fulfill their own dreams of writing and publishing. “I’m trying to show them they can express themselves through their own art.” One of the students is creating his own comic book and Nunez said it is amazing!

Nunez had to figure out on her own how to publish a book. “We are only one YouTube video away from anything now.”

Both of her books can be found on Amazon, and the new one can be purchased in Walmart or in Target. Soon, Nunez hopes to read her book at the Okeechobee County Public Library and sign copies for visitors.