Jayce Joyce, an eight-year-old from Birmingham, has made history by becoming the youngest male editor of a published anthology. Guinness World Records officially recognised his achievement on February 13, 2026, when he was 7 years and 290 days old.
Jayce edited Our Stories, Our World, a collection featuring writings from 20 children aged 6 to 10 across the UK. This project was part of the Books From Children To Children initiative, which promotes literacy by encouraging young authors to share their stories with a wider audience.
Early Literary Achievements
Jayce's passion for books began early. At just four years old, he published his first two books, Jayce's Sweet Tooth and A Beach With No Sea, releasing them on World Book Day in 2023. He continued writing children's books, including Jayce's Alphabet Rules, while becoming an advocate for literacy among young children.
Transition to Editorial Role
Moving beyond authoring his own stories, Jayce embraced a new role as an editor. His work on Our Stories, Our World involved curating and shaping the contributions of other young writers, helping to bring their voices to publication.
Recognition and Impact
- Jayce is a Mensa member and active literacy advocate.
- He has received media attention, awards, and participated in educational initiatives.
- Guinness World Records praised him for inspiring children to love reading, writing, and creativity.
The official Guinness record states: "The youngest editor of a published anthology (male) is 7 years 290 days and was achieved by Jayce Joyce (UK) in Birmingham, UK, on 13 February 2026."
For Jayce, editing this anthology was a milestone that allowed him to support the ambitions of other children, ensuring their stories reached audiences who might not have discovered them otherwise.
