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Challenges and Triumphs
What Are We Going to Do Tyrone Jr.? follows the parents of an adult autistic son who faces challenges from the neighbors with his behavior. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Life was really my inspiration. My wife’s and mine personal journey along with the experiences of other parents of autistic children served as the primary inspiration for this story. Because I’m a part of this community, I’ve become aware of the challenges and triumphs that other parents of autistic children have experienced. There are a lot of challenges, but, fortunately, there can also be a lot of wins.
This novel was a perfect way for me to share an interesting story and to educate readers on the difficulties that families may experience while raising a loved one who has special needs. Most importantly, I was inspired by the need to highlight the uncertainty that families often experience when their special loved one becomes an adult.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
My primary guideline was to ensure that my characters were interesting, relatable, and believable. I really want the reader to emotionally connect with my authentic characters and have a good understanding of why the characters in my story act a certain way. In order to make this possible, I deliberately shared the main characters’ personal dreams and goals. It’s important that readers understand the parents’ goals in the story, and how having a special-needs child may possibly impact them. By sharing these insights, I feel as if I developed believable, relatable, and likable characters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In addition to addressing the central theme of raising a special-needs adult child, family and friendship are critical themes in the story. Family and friendship create powerful emotions that many people can relate to based on experiences in their lives – good or bad. In my first novel, The Other Side of Friendship, I primarily focused on the challenges of making and keeping new friends as an adult. What Are We Going to Do with Tyrone Jr.? also captures the themes of friendship throughout the story. One of my goals was to show how the main character, Tyrone, matured in the area of friendship. As for the family theme, this story is a reminder that even the most close-knit families can experience internal personal conflicts. The goal should be to stick together as a family and work through obstacles.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
For my next novel, I’m still brainstorming ideas. I’m actually torn between writing a more light-hearted and adventurous story or a reflective novel about a character who is struggling to obtain personal goals. Both stories may include some of the characters from my current book and will contain chapters that are inspired by my military career. After spending 30 years in the Army, it’s hard for me to not include military references in a story. Brainstorming the different ideas for my next book is exciting. Regardless of the type of story I write, there will surely be a central theme to inspire or educate the reader. The expected release date is late 2025. I look forward to sharing more about my next story with you.
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The devoted parents eagerly seek the right support for their child even when the odds simply feel as if they are too much to overcome. Between a military deployment for Tyrone, police involvement with their son, and unforeseen events, Tyrone and Krystal are determined to take steps in order to answer the question, “What are we going to do with Tyrone Jr.?”
What Are We Going to Do With Tyrone Jr.?
David Grant’s What Are We Going to Do with Tyrone Jr.? is a poignant and stirring narrative that dives deep into the complexities of raising a child with autism while navigating the relentless challenges of societal judgment and personal sacrifice. The story revolves around Tyrone Washington, a father struggling to provide the best life for his son, Tyrone Jr., who is on the autism spectrum. Through a series of trials, including courtroom battles, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments, Grant masterfully paints a picture of resilience, love, and unwavering dedication.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its authenticity. Grant’s depiction of the everyday struggles faced by Tyrone and his family feels incredibly real and relatable. In Chapter 1, we see the frantic search for Tyrone Jr. in a mall, which sets the tone for the many anxieties and fears that follow. This scene not only hooks the reader but also establishes the raw emotion that permeates the entire narrative. The author’s ability to convey such genuine emotions is commendable and adds a layer of depth to the characters that make them memorable. Another standout element is the narrative’s exploration of societal issues. The book does not shy away from depicting the prejudices and systemic challenges faced by families dealing with autism. Grant’s background as a military officer also brings an interesting perspective to these issues, adding a unique dimension to the story. The dialogues are strong and natural, and the reflective moments offer a deeper insight into Tyrone’s internal struggles and add to the story’s emotional weight.
What Are We Going to Do with Tyrone Jr.? is a heartfelt and impactful read that will resonate with anyone who has faced adversity while caring for a loved one. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength of family and the importance of compassion in our interactions with others. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotionally charged stories with strong character development and those interested in understanding more about the challenges faced by families dealing with autism. David Grant has crafted a narrative that is both enlightening and moving, making it a valuable addition to contemporary fiction.
Pages: 257 | ASIN : B0CZ4D33NY
I Move A Lot and That’s Okay: Axel’s Story
Axel’s mom is in the Army. He is seven years old, and his family is getting ready to move to Italy. Of course, this is scary for a little kid, but he takes it in stride and with a positive attitude.
This beautifully illustrated picture book walks children through the process of going through a permanent change of station (PCS). There is a lot that happens and a lot of shuffling from one place to another, temporary housing and living out of suitcases. For military families, this becomes normal, but small kids do not always understand why this happens and can be angry and afraid of the changes. Axel walks through each step, sharing his feelings, concerns, and things he is excited about. The reoccurring line through this story is Axel saying, “I am okay with that” when faced with situations, only a few times is he not okay with things.
Author Shermaine Perry-Knights explains the moving process in a way that makes things less scary. She validates the concerns that children have when going through this process. It is really great that the author acknowledges the challenging things like stuff going missing or breaking in a move. These situations are not limited to military moves, so the story is relevant to all children faced with moving.
This heartwarming story shows how moving can become an adventure. It talks about how challenging life as a military kid can be and shows how amazing the experiences are. The artwork in this picture book has vivid colors, and the detail work really adds to the story.
I Move A Lot and That’s okay: Axel’s Story is a phenomenal picture book for children dealing with a move. While centered on military families, it can apply to many situations, the concerns, fears, and joys.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B08VNYKMXH
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