The Catholic Book Club discussion

11. While she may not be available for the first few days of the month, Leslea Wahl has agreed to take questions, so , what do you want to ask? Have you read other books by the same author? If so how does this book compare. If not, does this book inspire you to read others?

Sarah wrote: "Which character was the hardest to write?

Also...does Everest appear in the sequel?"

Two characters were a bit of a challenge. Since I've never been a teenage boy, it took me a little while to get Jake's voice. But once I felt like I really "knew" him, it came together. The other character I struggled with was their friend Mitchell. This is a very special character with Down syndrome. I wanted to show how caring he was and to be completely respectful so I wouldn't offend anyone. I actually sent the pre-published manuscript to the Special Olympics to get approval of that character and those scenes.
And yes, Everest makes an appearance in the sequel. :)