What does it truly mean to be a hero? Is a hero the player who wins the game, or the person who stands up for what he believes is right?
Just in time for back to school reading, local author Andrea Prostko hopes young people will ask themselves just such questions after they read her debut novel, Strike One!
With a target audience of mid to upper elementary kids — the ‘tweens? — Strike One! tells the story of a fifth grade boy who must constantly struggle with the decision of whether to go along with his best friend Jacob, who is a bully, or stand up to him.
Throughout the story, Jacob’s bullying targets one specific character, but in the end, the bully needs his victim’s help.
The story contains important lessons on bullying and choices, Prostko said, noting she’d like to see the book used as a tool for both parents and teachers.
A reader’s club guide is included to help start discussion.
‘This book is a dream come true,? said Prostko, who left the corporate world after 20 years to pursue her real dream of becoming a writer.
As a mother of two, she wanted to write something her children could relate to.
‘I wanted it to be something realistic, but something that would also entertain them and provide a valuable message,? she said.
Prostko also added that she created believable characters everyone will identify with, whether they see the traits of the characters in themselves or their classmates.
‘Many children struggle to fit in at school, but in today’s world the battle has reached a whole new level,? she said. ‘It breaks my heart that bullying has actually led to suicide ? and it’s a proven fact that even in minor cases it can cause anxiety, depression and social phobia. My book can’t solve this tremendous problem ? but you can bet it will start a much needed conversation among students, teachers and parents.?
Prostko has a business degree from Ohio State University and an MBA from Wayne State, but has always wanted to be a writer.
She spent the past year writing and rewriting her novel and is proud to finally see it in print.
Strike One! is priced at $13.95 and is available for sale at Barnes & Noble.com, Amazon.com and at the publisher’s website, www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/StrikeOne.html.
Prostko will sign copies of the book at the Darci Seipke Benefit Fall Festival at Canterbury Village on Oct. 2-3 from 10 a.m. ? 5 p.m. for signings and presentations to children.