Powerless is Powerful by Avery

Powerless is Powerful by Avery - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies...The man who never reads lives only one" (George R.R. Martin). Reading has been an important part of my life since I was in 6th grade. And one book made an impact on me more than other books I've read. The book Powerless by Lauren Roberts is about a girl named Paedyn Gray who is 'powerless', hinting at the book's name. Paedyn is different from everyone else, yet she overcomes the feeling of being an outcast and instead embraces it. Paedyn has other qualities that make her stronger than most people who have physical powers. She is brave, selfless, physically strong, confident, and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and for what she believes is right.
Most people who have read the book might say that Paedyn is considered vulnerable because she doesn’t have powers like everyone else. However, I say having no powers makes her stronger. Thus bringing up what I learned from her. I learned from Paedyn Gray that being different from everyone else doesn’t define who you are, and you aren’t weak to speak, no matter the circumstances. Even if you are considered “weaker” than others. Paedyn voices her opinions to everyone and doesn’t give up on trying to show everyone what really matters in the world. And her “vulnerability” just makes her stronger in the end. She uses her brain more than her fighting, yet still a good fighter. Paedyn Gray is an inspiration. And I know that if I were in a book, I’d want to have her qualities. She’s unique, and in my opinion, being unique speaks louder than being like everyone else.