In this engaging episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, award-winning author Dusti Bowling shares her journey from a struggling reader to acclaimed writer, revealing how these experiences shape her characters. She discusses her latest novel, The Beat I Drum, which follows Connor Bradley—a teen with Tourette syndrome—drawing on her family's personal experiences to create an authentic portrayal that challenges stereotypes.

Bowling explores the therapeutic role of music in the story while balancing serious themes with humor and heart. She explains her approach to writing characters with disabilities as fully realized individuals whose differences are just one aspect of their identity. The conversation highlights her passion for creating engaging books for underserved middle school readers and her plans to develop young adult fiction that bridges crucial gaps in children's literature, making this a valuable listen for anyone interested in authentic, inclusive storytelling.

Discussion Topics:

• How Connor's character was developed due to reader interest.
• The title 'The Beat I Drum' and how it evolved during the writing process.
• Drumming and how it represents a form of self-expression for Connor.
• Dusti's family experiences and how they shaped her understanding of Tourette syndrome.
• Isolation and belonging and their recurring themes in Dusti's work.
• Friendship and how it plays a crucial role in Connor's self-acceptance.
• Challenging stereotypes about Tourette syndrome.
• Music and how it can serve as a therapeutic outlet for children with Tourette's syndrome.
• How teachers play a crucial role in supporting students.
• Divorce and the profound impact it can have on a child's emotional state.
• Finding forgiveness, even in difficult family situations.
• Balancing humor with serious themes to keep readers engaged.
• How characters with disabilities should be portrayed as well-rounded individuals.
• Thorough research is needed to determine how it is essential for authentic representation in literature.
• Middle schoolers and the need for age-appropriate literature that addresses their experiences.
• Empowering readers to communicate their interests to authors.

Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠ (coming soon)

Order Copies of The Beat I Drum on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more information about Dusti Bowling, visit https://www.dustibowling.com/

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Keywords: Dusti Bowling, writing process, Tourette syndrome, children's literature, self-expression, family dynamics, isolation, reading journey, childhood friendship, emotional challenges, humor in storytelling, disability representation, research in writing, middle school literature, young adult books, reader engagement