Teen Donates Her Puzzle Books to Hospitalized Children and Seniors

Riya Joshi is putting her love of words to good use – putting her new booklet of puzzles in the hands of hospitalized children and seniors in assisted living facilities, as well as literacy programs, throughout the pandemic.

One hundred percent of proceeds from the sale of her puzzle book, Detective Wordy: Chicago Edition, which includes 50 word searches, crosswords and word scrambles, goes into printing copies for donations. For every book sold, she’s able to donate three more to those in need. So far, she has donated more than 500 books.

Now the man behind the popular Word Search World Traveler app, David Hoyt, is teaming up with the Walter Payton College Prep sophomore to create a Word Search World Traveler app just for kids this fall.

“I never thought it would grow to be this big. It’s great. I’ve been very lucky for the support,” she says, adding she’s starting work now on editions for other metropolitan cities.

Joshi, who has been doing spelling bees since kindergarten and represented Chicago Public Schools at the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee, says she loves making puzzles even more than solving them.

LOOK FOR THE HELPERS: Do you know a local that’s giving back during the COVID-19 crisis? Email us at editor@chicagoparent.com.

She says she tried out the Detective Wordy puzzles on her family during one of their weekly Sunday family game days, which include such competitions as who can solve the most puzzles the fastest. Seeing how much they loved them convinced her others in social isolation would, too.

Hoyt says in a news release that he’s excited to collaborate with Joshi.

“I was very impressed with the quality of Riya’s puzzles in her Detective Wordy booklet,” he says. “When I opened the document she sent me, and started flipping through the pages, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was blown away.”

To help Riya donate more puzzle books, visit wordywhat.org.


Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.  


This article also appeared in Chicago Parent’s fall 2020 magazine 

Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Since 1984, the Chicago Parent editorial team is trained to be the go-to source for Chicagoland families, offering a rich blend of expert advice, compelling stories, and the top local activities for kids. Renowned for their award-winning content, the team of editors and writers are dedicated to enriching family life by connecting parents with the finest resources and experiences our community has to offer.
- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Top 10 Chicagoland Public Schools for Athletes

Explore the top Chicagoland schools for athletes, ranked by Niche based on education data and parent feedback.

Here’s How I Made $360 Selling Stuff on Facebook Marketplace

Selling on Facebook clears my clutter and funds my side hustle — even with a full-time job and little kids at home.

5 Totally Free Splash Pads for Families in Chicago

Cool off with your kids at these amazing, free splash pads in Chicago—safe, fun and perfect for hot summer days.
- Advertisement -


- Advertisement -