• Features

Inspirational YA author Wierwille to visit Holmes Library

• By Dave Mast
• May 5, 2024
• 156

For author Becca Wierwille, the joy of writing young adult content has become a passion.

So too has her mission to share uplifting messages while serving as an inspiration to young and old alike.

Wierwille will visit the Holmes County District Public Library during an author visit on Saturday, May 11 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, where she will share her new book “Road Trip Rescue” with visitors.

The event coincides with the Paws to Read program from 11 a.m. to noon, making it a family affair not to be missed.

Wierwille recently released “Road Trip Rescue,” a story about young girl Kimmy, born missing the lower half of her right arm. The book follows the adventures of Kimmy, who lost her one true friend, her dog Bo, two years prior, only for her to see Bo in a magazine advertisement. What follows is a cross-country trek with her aunt Skylar as the two try to track down Bo.

The story is geared toward elementary and junior high readers and has been receiving praise from many well-known authors.

While the book isn’t about her, she does share one major trait with Kimmy; she is limb different, having been born without her right forearm.

Wierwille’s inclusion of Kimmy not having her right forearm wasn’t even originally part of her story. She said once the first copy was written, Kimmy needed a strong reason why Bo meant so much to her.

That reason became Bo’s willingness to accept Kimmy for who she was rather than seeing her as different or as an outcast.

“Growing up, I can’t ever remember reading a story about a character with a limb difference,” Wierwille said. “I felt like that actually strengthened the story in many ways and enhanced the message I was trying to convey in the story.”

In addition to her skills as an author, Wierwille is an inspiring speaker who talks about how each child is wonderfully made and how anyone can overcome hurdles in life.

Her book is not only a romp across the Eastern United States, but also it is filled with family values, faith and inspiration for children who might be struggling with life.

Wierwille said her drive to pen books for children and young adults was spurred on because as a teacher she recognized there was a dearth of quality, wholesome, family-friendly YA books on the market that would inspire and encourage young people.

“I remember as a young person how much those types of books impacted my life, and I want kids to be able to read something with good values and something that lets them know they aren’t alone in facing their challenges. There are other people out there who have gone through similar struggles,” Wierwille said.

As a first-time author, Wierwille hit all the right notes, and her book includes many affirmations from established authors.

Best-selling children’s author Hannah C. Hall said of the story, “It’s a sweet summer tale sure to pull the heartstrings of any kid who ever loved (or lost) a pet. With deeper themes of friendship, insecurity, forgiveness and reconciliation woven throughout, Becca Wierwille has crafted a touching story.”

In addition to her meet and greet at the library, Wierwille will share her life and book with students at several local elementary schools the day prior, and she said serving as a role model for children is something she cherishes.

Wierwille also implements elements of her faith into the book, weaving Kimmy’s faith throughout the story without being overpowering.

“I wanted to include elements of faith that weren’t preachy to kids,” she said. “It’s simply a part of who Kimmy is, and it was impossible for me to take that out.”

Wierwille is currently putting the finishing touches on her follow-up, “Road Trip Return,” a book with character overlap but a different story focusing more on Skylar. It will be available Sept. 4. A third installment also is in the works.

To learn more about this author, visit www.beccawierwille.com.