Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex
Written by Carole P. Roman
Ages 8-18 | 243 Pages
Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. | ISBN-13: 9781950080434
Publisher’s Book Summary: Templeton Academy, the superhero high school, is finally open!
The prestigious academy is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive. Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully, Elwood Bledsoe is attending.
If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend. Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?
Available for purchase on Amazon and Audible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.
Her best-selling book, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.
She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.
Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.
Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.
She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.
Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the ‘mother of reinvention.’ She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.
For more information, visit http://www.caroleproman.com/, Facebook, Twitter, or Amazon.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write Grady Whill and the Templeton Code?
Carole P. Roman - It actually wasn't my initial idea. My son and I are both authors. We work together in a family business and were at a meeting one morning throwing around story ideas. We always do this, exchange ideas, test theories, and bounce a plot around. It's a beta reader's paradise. He wanted to write a book about a superhero. My other son suggested a story revolving around a school for superheroes. We all had very different concepts of what makes a hero.
He soon moved on to another subject, and I asked if he minded if I took the idea. I wanted to write a coming-of-age story that included daily challenges that many kids face. Confidence, learning disabilities, autism, and bullying are topics my family has faced over the years.
I wanted to incorporate them into a rousing adventure with the promise that you don't have to be super to be a superhero. Grady Whill had to be someone that everyone could identify with.
I think we've all been in his shoes at one time or another. Panic, insecurity, and the feeling that you're just not enough can stifle potential in so many people. Grady Whill is a book about hope. The goal was to have the reader grow alongside Grady and his friends, with the understanding that everyone has a superpower of sorts waiting to be discovered and developed.
Life Is What It's Called - How does your story stand apart from other middle grade books on the market?
Carole P. Roman - I like to think that it has something for every reader. My grandson complains that many books he reads in school are 'boring.' Keeping that in mind, I included adventure, fantasy, and enough tension to keep the most reluctant reader turning pages. I also pride myself that I never 'talk down' to my readers. The book is written in the first person, and early reviewers indicate the narrator is as entertaining as he is real.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you think readers will like most about this book?
Carole P. Roman - The characters. There is a diverse group of students, each learning about their potential. I think people will enjoy Grady and Aarush's camaraderie.
Grady lets us into his heart and head. He has not had it easy; despite that, he is not a victim. He champions Aarush, who is often picked on because of his autism. Yet, his character is real enough to admit and squash the envy when his best friend makes it into the school he's given up on attending.
Life Is What It's Called - How has your background helped you in developing this book?
Carole P. Roman - Every problem Grady encounters comes from personal experience. I have had learning disabilities, my brother is blind, and my children and grandchildren have dealt with issues mentioned in the book, from bullies to learning disorders. Building confidence in your child is just as important as teaching them math or literature.
Life Is What It's Called - How is this book similar and different from the other books you've written?
Carole P. Roman - I have several series in both fiction and nonfiction. My series, Oh Susannah, deals with issues children face in the earlier grades. They are short chapter books. Grady Whill is my first full-length novel.
Life Is What It's Called - How do you see this book being used in the classrooms, at home, or in libraries?
Carole P. Roman - My greatest wish to for parents to find their child reading this book in bed long after they were supposed to shut the lights. However, it's a great discussion book that works in a classroom or a library.
Life Is What It's Called - Do you have a similar personality to any of the characters in the book?
Carole P. Roman - I think not only there's a little bit of me in Grady, but several members of my family will also see themselves in the characters. Actually, I do identify mostly with a minor character, Lydia Cullen.
Life Is What It's Called - What should readers know about you?
Carole P. Roman - I started writing late in life, jumping into an entirely new career when most people are slowing down. I have worn so many interesting hats in my life; teacher, CEO, and author. I bring all of those experiences to my books.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you like about being an author?
Carole P. Roman - I love being an author. I enjoy reading the reviews that share how I impacted someone's life and that my words may have lifted their spirits, giving them an outlet when they felt alone. It's fun and exciting.
Carole P. Roman - I just published a new joke book Giggles Galore that will make a gift for the reluctant reader. A book on Friendsgiving will be out for the holidays. Two more are in the works, and of course, Grady Whill is getting ready for his sophomore year.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win an awesome prize!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
- A signed copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Code
- A waxed canvas backpack
Nine (9) winners receive:
- A signed copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Code
Grady Whill and the Templeton Code Book Giveaway
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Carole P. Roman.
Thanks for hosting me!!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Thanks for sharing
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