About the Book
Book: The Covenant: Book One the Messiah Brigade
Author: Terry Overton
Genre: Middle Grade Reader
Release date: November 12, 2024
Middle schooler Zeke just wants to survive school unnoticed, but his intelligence and small stature make him the target of a gang of bullies. One afternoon, he stumbles upon a mysterious old box hidden in a pile of trash. Inside are trinkets, notes, and a Bible he’s never read, all hinting at life-changing truths if he can solve the clues. With the help of new friends in the “Messiah Brigade,” Zeke embarks on a journey of faith, courage, and discovery. Together, they hope to use what they uncover to bring positive change to their school and stop the bullies.
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About the Author
Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.
More from Terry
My love of history, especially the WW II era, inspired me to write this book. It was an effort to combine the history of the world, specifically the cruelty of the Nazis to the Jewish people, and how bullying can result in kids taking over the culture of a school if not stopped. The three main characters decide to try to change the culture and make it a safe place from bullies. The discovery of a mysterious box of memorabilia of the WW II era sets the curious kids on their way. They find out there were three good friends who went off to fight in WW II to stop the Nazi movement in Europe. They see the parallels between their school, taken over by bullies, and Europe when Nazi forces were running over it. They soon figure out the meaning of trinkets, scribbled notes, and Scripture and use these to steer their middle school in a better direction.
Interview with the Author
- What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
I haven’t personally visited any destinations specifically to see where an author lived or was born, but I have investigated through books, online research, and movies, some of the areas Hemingway visited and lived, specifically Cuba. The era of Hemmingway has always fascinated me and although I haven’t been to Cuba, Key West, or Spain, I have researched these places and imagine what Hemmingway would have seen and thought.
- What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
I have thought about this one and have a hard time coming up with an answer. There are so many terrific Christian authors that are perhaps underread. Once readers get their eyes on these books, they appreciate them but finding the wide readership is the challenge.
- How do you select the names of your characters?
Through research for the meanings of names-especially Biblical names and the meanings of Jewish names. Once I have a name that has the correct meaning, I investigate that name to make certain it is not the name of a pop star or someone wanted by the FBI, etc. I want a name that conveys a meaning consistent with the character and that will not distract or detract from the character and story.
- What was your hardest scene to write?
The hardest scenes for me to write for The Covenant were the scenes where the bullies encounter poor Zeke the Geek. These had to convey that he was bullied yet could not be graphic and had to be middle grade level bullying.
- What is your favorite childhood book?
Charlotte’s Web. Loved that book and my fourth-grade teacher read it aloud to us each afternoon. The characters and plot grabbed me.
- If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I would have stuck with writing and art as I entered college rather than education. Writing was my first love, then art. But a high school counselor believed, at the time, that girls should go to college for a “girl” type job: teacher or nurse!
- What comes first, the plot or characters?
That is a very hard question-and depends somewhat on the story. I believe nine times out of ten it is the plot but usually just a general idea. Once the characters are “born” the plot can twist according to the personalities of the characters.
- Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
Probably Judy Blume
- What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Cook, play golf, be outside doing anything (even writing).
- If you could invite one person to dinner, who would it be and what would you cook?
Well, if not Jesus (and He could bring the wine-just kidding) it would be John Grisham and I would could Bolognese with angel hair pasta, salad, and bread for dipping.
Blog Stops
Artistic Nobody, February 12 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, February 12
For Him and My Family, February 13
Guild Master, February 14 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 17
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 18
Back Porch Reads, February 19 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, February 20
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 22 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, February 22
Lights in a Dark World, February 23
Fiction Book Lover, February 24 (Author Interview)
Leslie’s Library Escape, February 25
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.