- Dylan Alcott has announced a surprise career change
- The Australian champion retired after conquering tennis
- Now she hopes to inspire the next generation with her book series.
Legendary wheelchair athlete, disability rights advocate and former Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott has added a new achievement to his impressive CV: authorship.
The Golden Slam-winning Paralympian has struck a deal to create a fictional series for middle school children to celebrate and normalise disability, difference and inclusion.
The first installment, Game On, will take readers on a self-paced journey of friendship and finding their way through high school.
“Growing up with a disability, I never saw people like me on screens, on television and especially in books,” Alcott said.
‘We would love for children to be entertained and to see and identify with many of the everyday thoughts, feelings and experiences that shape their lives.
‘Furthermore, through the development of strong character, we hope to normalise and celebrate disability, difference and inclusion.’
Alcott hopes the book will spark conversations among children, parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone who might interact with the series.
The book will follow 12-year-old Dylan as he navigates high school, with old and new friendships colliding, a teacher named Grumps on his case, and a drama-filled talent show at stake.
Dylan Alcott has announced a surprising new professional project
All-conquering tennis champion wants to inspire the next generation
Alcott has teamed up with author Fiona Regan, who hopes to bring diversity to the site.
“As a writer, I want to create characters that aren’t yet common enough in popular children’s fiction and bring to the page the diversity that surrounds us but isn’t always reflected in our popular culture,” she said.
‘By making diverse experiences visible, children are empowered with language to make inclusion the expectation, not the exception.’
Illustrator Nahum Ziersch said Alcott’s achievements had inspired him, making the project a no-brainer for him.
“I’m always grateful for the opportunity to work with people like Dylan, and it’s not often that we as creatives get the chance to illustrate such well-written and funny stories,” he said.
‘These books will really connect with people of all ages as the humor and emotional elements are perfect.
“Whether or not the people have a disability, Dylan’s stories speak directly to what it means to be a teenager and the challenges that come with growing up. It’s a huge honor to work on this series.”
The book, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books’ ABC Books imprint, is scheduled for release in November.
