By Lucy Smith
A 12-year-old girl from Samoa has become a published author on the world stage.
Lupe Va'ai has travelled to London to launch her book The Voice of an Island which focuses on the impact humans can have on the environment.
The journey took three plane trips over two and a half days but Miss Va'ai had no complaints.
"Last year I was invited to New York to receive a gold medal but was unable to go," she said, and seeing her story become a published book was incredibly exciting.
"Her island use to be her grandma's paradise and seeing it in a terrible state is very concerning to her." Lupe Va'ai explains her story. Photo: Supplied/Lupe Va'ai
The young author said she wanted to raise awareness and educate others about how special the world is.
"I was inspired to write this story because, as a young Samoan and Pacific islander, we are growing up in one of the most beautiful places on earth, with a unique natural environment, but also the most vulnerable and threatened by climate change."
The book focuses on a young Samoan girl called Katalina who is concerned about the state of the environment she is living in.
"Her island used to be her grandma's paradise and seeing it in a terrible state is very concerning to her. So she tries to do all she can to help save her grandma's paradise"
Lupe Va'ai launched her book called "The Voice of an Island" in London. Photo: Supplied/Lupe Va'ai
Miss Va'ai said her school friends and teachers are very supportive of her journey and writing and she's already looking ahead to what the future may hold.
"I want to become an environmental lawyer, or continue writing these stories about the environment, or just bring awareness to people that little things you are doing have a big impact on our environment."