Tyra Banks, the iconic supermodel and entrepreneur, is set to breathe fresh life into her 2011 young adult novel, *Modelland*, with a re-release scheduled for this autumn. The announcement made by *Entertainment Weekly* on 6 October indicates that the revamped edition will be published by Delacorte Press, a division of Random House Children’s Books.
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*Modelland* follows the story of Tookie De La Crème, an unconventional girl who is ushered into a secretive and elite setting known as Modelland. This mysterious mountaintop location holds the promise of transforming lives, where each year seven girls are selected to become “Intoxibellas,” living off fame and adoration. However, those not chosen face dire consequences. As Tookie navigates a treacherous competition filled with challenges, including the daunting Thigh-High Boot Camp and the Catwalk Corridor, she seeks to unveil the dark truths surrounding why she and her companions were selected to attend Modelland.
While the book experienced a decline and went out of print for some time, it has made a remarkable comeback, especially within the realms of social media, particularly TikTok. This resurgence is partly attributed to Banks’ earlier promotional single “4 Chicks in Green,” created to support the novel’s launch in 2011, which has recently gained traction as a soundtrack for numerous online videos.
Reflecting on the initial release, Banks expressed her deep disappointment when the novel did not achieve the expected success. She shared, “When it didn’t hit, it was a deep, almost depression for me,” and recounted how her mother, Carolyn London, urged her to focus on self-care during that challenging period. To refresh her mind and spirit, Banks took a solo trip to Bali, seeking solace as she navigated her mother’s health struggles and the pressures surrounding her creative work.
Banks emphasised the emotional toll writing *Modelland* took on her, revealing that she lost hair during the process due to stress. “To see this, my mum started crying because she remembers how sad I was,” Banks recalled, as she observed the revival of interest in her work during a tumultuous time in her life.
With her mother now in recovery, Banks felt inspired to reintroduce *Modelland*, revitalising it not just for nostalgic readers but also for a new generation. The updated edition will not merely be a reprint of the original; it will include additional content, which Banks refers to as a “resurrection” of the story. She noted, “There are a few things added… I added things for the fans of this book to dive deeply into,” suggesting a commitment to enriching the narrative with new layers and depth.
The modifications, which Banks worked on extensively, aim to leave readers astonished and eager for what lies ahead. “I wanted people to finish that book and turn those pages and go, ‘No way!’,” she stated, highlighting her intention to create an immersive experience for her audience.
Banks also expressed her creative philosophy, asserting that “different is better than better.” She clarified that her focus is not on achieving popularity or conventional beauty, but rather on exploring unexplored avenues of storytelling. “I’m interested in a little whacky, a little kooky,” she affirmed, emphasising her desire to venture beyond the ordinary.
The eagerly awaited re-release of *Modelland* is slated for 3 November and is currently available for preorder across various platforms. As anticipation builds, Banks invites readers to experience a story that is not only entertaining but also transformative.
As *Modelland* prepares to make its grand return to bookshelves, it seems poised to captivate both existing fans and newcomers alike, offering a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling that promises to resonate across generations.