I’d always had a heart to create the kind of literature I’d enjoyed since childhood, but practical need and a love for kids brought me into teaching (first English, then Special Needs.) For many years I was a “closet” writer while working with the kids with disabilities.
But after time, Romeo was just the natural offspring of who I’d become. After noticing a potentially untapped group of readers (oftentimes indirect, but nevertheless consumers of media and printed information) I saw a real need for quality literature to represent and entertain “them.” And I wanted to step beyond teaching tools and fuzzy “feel good” fluff, and write a book for people to enjoy. When reading is fun, that’s when we read.
I plan 3 or 4 more titles in the Romeo series, and other great children’s books for all types of readers to enjoy. Those early years of turning those glorious pages of a dreamy picture book never left me. I’d like to be a part of building the next generation of writers and dreamers.
Bio: April M. Whitt is a teacher of students with Special Needs and new Children’s Author. She started her own company called: Grapefruit Press in order to produce more for hungry young readers. Her mission statement is “to connect diverse groups of readers with wholesome entertainment, and to help reflect light into a darkening world.”
Back in October I received the following e-mail:
Hello Ms. Bowllan:
Here's April with one of her students, reading her series.
I appreciate your heart for literature that represents our diverse population! I am a teacher of students with special needs (most of them have CP and are in wheel chairs.) I have a new book I’d like to bring more attention to. If you would be interested in seeing it or could direct me in any way to give it more exposure I’d sure appreciate it!
Here’s some photos of my students looking at the book titled: Private Eye, Romeo Riley. He is the world’s first “bumbling detective in a wheel chair!” Join him for his hilarious adventures.
Please get back with me if you get a chance. Thanks!
April M. Whitt
I got right back to April with a strong interest in reviewing her book, PRIVATE EYE ROMEO RILEY THE SERIES - The Mystery of: The Boy Who Saw Too Much by April M. Whitt (Grapefruit Press, FL 2011)
Time passed and much has been happening in my life, so I apologize to April for the hold up. She made an excellent point on my Facebook wall yesterday that I cannot shake off because she is absolutely right. Here is her comment:
Hey Amy,
Hope all is well. Just a reminder. Hope you will be able to post a review on my book “Romeo Riley.” What did you think of it? How might it fit in with the results from the Library Journal/Newberry report on the lack of quality books for/about kids with special needs? Thanks for all you are doing.
April, I am sorry for the delay and your efforts have NOT gone unnoticed. Tomorrow, my viewers will FINALLY meet Romeo Riley, that delightful detective. He reminds me a lot of myself 
. By the way, all this week is devoted to kids with special needs and what we are doing (and not doing) about them.
April Whitt with one of her students
