Tyra Banks' Modelland Novel Gets New Life

Tyra Banks' 2011 young adult novel, Modelland, is set for a re-release this fall, published by Delacorte Press. The book centers on Tookie De La Crème, an underdog chosen to attend the exclusive Modelland, a place promising life-altering transformations. Tookie enters a fierce competition to determine her future, navigating challenges while uncovering the mysterious reasons for her selection.

The novel, though previously out of print, has found a new audience online, significantly boosted by TikTok. The resurfaced promotional song from 2011, '4 Chicks in Green,' has become a popular backing track for online videos. This resurgence occurred during a challenging time for Banks, as her mother faced health issues.

Banks revealed that the initial reception of Modelland was difficult for her, leading to a period of personal struggle. However, the novel's recent online popularity, amplified by social media trends, prompted Banks and her mother to pursue this re-release. The new edition includes additional content crafted by Banks, enhancing the story's lore and depth for fans.

Modelland's updated version, available for preorder, will be published on November 3rd. Banks described the re-release as a 'resurrection,' emphasizing the new elements she added for readers. She aims for the book to be 'different' and 'whacky,' reflecting her interest in innovation over conventional popularity.