I’m happy to share my interview with author Bryan Patrick Avery on a weekend when we celebrate Juneteenth, now our latest National holiday, and Father’s Day. I had chills watching Vice President Kamala Harris speaking and President Joe Biden signing the law this week. When you read Bryan’s words in our interview, you’ll see why we planned our interview for this weekend. Bryan is the author of THE FREEMAN FIELD PHOTOGRAPH, illustrated by Jerome White.
Bryan is generously offering a signed copy of THE FREEMAN FIELD PHOTOGRAPH to one lucky winner (US only.) Comment on the blogpost to be entered.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
I was pretty shy and quiet. I loved to read so I read a lot. I also had a very active imagination. I would create characters and make up stories and adventures for them. One of my favorites was a character called Action Man. He was a superhero but also just a regular, goofy guy. My active imagination sometimes got me into trouble but also helped me become the storyteller I am today.
What inspires you?
My wife and my daughter. They are both incredibly talented and courageous. I’m in awe of them. In a way, everything I do, I do to impress them.
What’s the one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I sign most of the copies of THE FREEMAN FIELD PHOTOGRAPH with these words: “Something small can make a big difference”. I really believe that. It can be tempting to see something wrong and shrug and say, “What can I do?” I think that it’s can be particularly hard for kids to feel like they can make a difference. The reality is that they can. I hope my book sparks the desire to make a difference in the world in some way.
What’s next for you?
This will be a busy summer. In addition to publicity for THE FREEMAN FIELD PHOTOGRAPH, I’ll be doing events for the paperback edition of SUPER PUZZLETASTIC MYSTERIES, a short story anthology edited by Chris Grabenstein. The hard cover is available now. The paper will be out at that end of July. In early August, the first four books of my early chapter book series, MR. GRIZLEY’S CLASS, will be released by Picture Window Books. It features a diverse class of creative and caring students who work together to solve problems. I can’t wait to for the world to meet them!
To connect with Bryan and learn more about his books:
Website: bryanpatrickavery.com
Twitter: @bryanavery. Instagram: @bryanpatrickavery
Laura Roettiger Books 
Great post! I agree, Bryan. Small things can make a big difference. I have to say one of my favorite parts of this interview is the picture of “little Bryan” with those sweet, curious eyes. Congrats on all your wonderful work. Thanks for sharing, Laura!
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Ellen, as you know the “little” author and illustrator photos are my favorite part of every blogpost interview. Yes, small things can make such a difference and it’s good to be reminded of that.
Thanks for reading and good luck in the giveaway.
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I have this picture book, and love it! And I love the ‘Something small can make a big difference’–good to remember for all of us.
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Thanks for reading, Fleur and all your support of the blog. It’s such a wonderful community and I’m glad to see you have this book and of course you love it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Congratulations, Bryan! You have so many great things in the works, and THE FREEMAN FIELD PHOTOGRAPH sounds amazing!
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Thanks for reading, Jolene. I’ve read about THE FREEMAN FIELD PHOTOGRAPH but don’t have it yet. Am I allowed to win my own blog giveaways? 🤔 Good luck in the giveaway!
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Laura, thanks for interviewing Bryan. And thanks again for interviewing me in March!
Bryan, it was great to see you here and to learn more about you. I LOVE what you said about your wife and daughter. I have no doubt that you impress them as a person and as a successful author.
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Valerie, thanks for being on the blog and for reading today’s interview. I too, LOVE what he said about his daughter and wife. It made for the perfect Father’s Day inspiration. Knowing that Bryan is the grandson of a Tuskegee airman gave me chills as I really enjoy knowing how an author came to their work. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Love the author’s childhood photo. A little like, “mom/dad, why are you taking my picture?” I love the cover. Such a tender moment between father and daughter.
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Thanks for reading, Jilanne! I agree wholeheartedly with your comment. I can’t wait to read this book! Good luck in the giveaway.
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So true that small things can make a difference — and a lot of times, we’re not even aware of how our words or actions have impacted someone (hopefully in a good way!). The Freeman Field Photograph sounds like a special book.
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The message your book brings to readers is universal and so important. I’m excited to read this book and see the world through new eyes.
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Thanks for reading, Danielle. An especially perfect message for Father’s Day. Good luck in the giveaway.
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