Based on a True Story
Children's Book
Date Published: June 27, 2023
Illustrator: Amanda Ravensdale
Publisher: Clay Bridges
Four-year-old Ross admires his older cousin, Eric, and wants to be just like him. And for good reason—Eric is an excellent role model, a superhero in Ross’s eyes. In My MVP and Me, Ross asks his mom to make him just like Eric. With a little help from his mom, Ross learns that the activities he enjoys with Eric such as playing football, body-slamming, and laughing are just a small part of what it means to be an MVP. Ross learns that he can follow the example of Eric’s attitudes and actions without being just like him in every way: heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors!
Interview with Lisa Locklin
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
I have written 2 books with several ideas in the works. My favorite book is My MVP and Me because it is based on a true story about my son and his cousin. We come from a diverse family so this story rings true because it comes from the innocent and loving heart of a child.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
There is no sequel to this book but I am writing another book about my daughter that is also based on true events called Aly Wally Saves the Day.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
All my books stand alone but they have a common thread and similar format. Each book teaches a valuable lesson followed by an impactful quote and discussion questions. This comes from 30 years of teaching experience and realizing the power of storytelling followed by meaningful discussions on important issues.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
My son, Ross, has always loved playing and watching sports. He enjoyed football, baseball and hockey and followed all our local teams. He adored his cousin who was a great athlete but even a better person. This made his cousin Eric not just “the most valuable player” but the “most valuable person” in Ross’ life. This is the basis for the title My MVP and Me.
How long did it take you to write this book?
It’s interesting because I actually told this story for over 25 years in the classroom before I turned it into a book. My students ranged from middle schoolers to seniors in high school and they all loved it. My students of color particularly loved it because they saw themselves as the hero. I truly believe that all children deserve to be represented and should see themselves in the books they read. In the end, Ross wanting be like his hero had less to do with the color of Eric’s skin and everything to do with his character. Kids know in their hearts if the message is genuine and I think that’s one reason why it spoke to students of all ages.
What does the title mean?
It is a play on most valuable player and most valuable person. I always reminded my students and children that the person you look up to should be truly worthy of your admiration. Unfortunately, in today’s world that isn’t always the case.
What did you learn when writing the book?
The world is a complicated place to navigate for adults let alone children. I have learned from my 30 years in education that children innately want to do the right thing. We must guide them with purpose and intent to be good humans. My goal is to make the world a better place…one book at a time.
What surprised you the most?
As I mentioned, I was always so passionate about teaching and I absolutely loved my job. After I retired, I guess I have surprised myself by how much I enjoy writing. I feel like I have so many worthwhile stories to tell. Writing children’s book is the unexpected cherry on top of my life!
Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?
In my children’s book Windwalker and the Kindness Feather, the mother is gravely ill and the storyline alludes to possible death. The purpose of the book is to define and emphasize the importance of empathy. I truly believe the world would be a better place if everyone practiced empathy throughout their daily lives.
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
My passion has always been children. I think my 30 years of teaching and being a mother has given me some valuable insight into children and what makes them tick.
About the Author
Lisa Locklin has maintained a passion for teaching for over 30 years; she is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds both elementary and secondary education certifications. In addition to classroom teaching, Lisa helped establish the PAL program at her school to train high school students to mentor at-risk elementary and middle school students. Lisa also sponsored the No Place For Hate Club and earned the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place For Hate designation for her high school for three consecutive years. In 2012, Lisa was honored as the Spotlight Teacher at Cypress Ranch High School. Lisa was also trained and certified by the The Dougy Center, which is the National Center for Grieving Children and Families in Portland, Oregon, and she has served as a facilitator for grieving children in both support groups and grief camp.
Lisa lives in Houston, Texas, with her wonderful husband of forty years, Chris, and they have two beautiful children, Alyson and Ross. Their family also includes their loveable cats and a dog. As an author of children’s books, Lisa’s goal is very simple and yet profound—to make the world a better place, one book at a time.
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