Manuscript and Test Audience

Think, Ink, and then What?

After writing for many years and doing absolutely nothing about it, I finally did. I decided to write a fictional chapter book for children who can read independently. My book is about an only child named Ben, who had a rather perfect life with his mom and dad, until eating tacos one night. He loved taco night, but on this particular night, his dad announces that he is leaving them.

I wrote the book from Ben’s perspective because I wanted children with family challenges like his to be able to relate to him. Throughout the book, Ben is adjusting to change and is sometimes sad or worried about what his life is going to be like without his dad.  

Ben is quite an artist and has been working on a superhero that he has been drawing at home and in art class.  He finally achieves the look that he was hoping for, and with the help of his art teacher, he finishes it. He’s not sure what to name him, so his teacher suggests that he call him Guardian 22, but first, he must look up the meaning of 22 when he gets home. 

The  number 22 in numerology encourages one to  find balance and harmony in their life, new beginnings, and the potential for growth and transformation. Ben loves this  and finishes his superhero costume.  He then pins him on his wall, not knowing just how magical he will become.

Ben’s life improves dramatically  with the guidance of Guardian 22 that he eventually gives him to a friend that has her own set of issues to work through. 

So, now what? How would it be received by a child?  I  decided  to give it to a dependable fifth grader to read and critique it.  He loved it, and he gave me the confidence to submit it to publishers.