Dylan Alcott launches Game On mid-grade children’s book series

In an exciting collaboration*, former Australian of the Year and Golden Slam*-winning Paralympian* Dylan Alcott has teamed up with author Fiona Regan and illustrator Nahum Ziersch to create a middle-grade book* series.

In a multi-book deal* Dylan Alcott Game On will explore the themes of friendship, fun, starting high school, and finding one’s groove, no matter who you are.

Dylan said he was passionate about representation* and normalisation* of people with disabilities in mainstream media*.

“Growing up with a disability, I never saw people like me on screens, on television and especially in books. That is why I am so proud to have worked with the team at ABC Books and HarperCollins to develop the Game On series.

“First and foremost, our goal is to have a series that is fun, engaging and relatable for all kids to read. We’d love kids to be entertained and to see and relate to many of the everyday thoughts, feelings and experiences that shape their lives.

“In addition, through strong character development, we hope to normalise and celebrate disability, difference and inclusion*. In doing so, we are hoping to create points of conversation between kids, parents, grandparents, teachers and really anyone who engages with the Game On series,” said Dylan.

Publisher Eve Tonelli also expressed her excitement about the project, saying it was a great privilege to work with Dylan to create children’s books that speak to all kids, by placing a character who uses a wheelchair at the centre of the story.

“Dylan is such an empowering advocate* for normalising difference, and adding his voice and perspective to kids’ books, along with his sense of humour, makes for a winning combination,” Ms Tonelli said.

Author Fiona Regan was equally enthusiastic about the project and the opportunity to create books that speak to all children.

“As a writer I want to create characters that aren’t yet common enough in popular children’s fiction, and to bring to the page the diversity* that is all around us but not always reflected in our popular culture*. By making diverse experiences visible, children are empowered* with language to make inclusivity* the expectation*, not the exception,” she said.

Illustrator Nahum Ziersch said saying “yes” to this project was a no-brainer*.

“I’ve come to see and know Dylan through the TV screen like so many others and I find it so inspirational* to see what he has achieved in his incredible career to date. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to work with people such as Dylan, and it’s not often we as creatives* get the chance to illustrate such well written, and humorous stories.

“These books will genuinely connect with all ages, as the humour and emotional elements throughout are spot on. I hope my illustrations help to bring out some of the emotive* and fun scenes throughout the books. Regardless of whether individuals have a disability or not, Dylan’s stories speak directly to what being a teenager is about, and the challenges that come with growing up. It is such an honour to work on this series,” he said.

Published* by ABC Books, the first book in the Dylan Alcott Game On series will be available in November 2024.

GLOSSARY

• collaboration: working together with one or more people to achieve a common goal
• Golden Slam: winning all four major tennis tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open) and the Paralympic gold medal in the same calendar year
• Paralympian: an athlete who competes in the Paralympic Games, which are held for athletes with disabilities
• middle-grade book: a book targeted at children typically between the ages of 8 and 12
• multi-book deal: an agreement to publish multiple books, usually as part of a series
• representation: the way people are portrayed in media, literature, and other forms of communication
• normalisation: making something normal or usual in society
• mainstream media: traditional or widely accepted media sources, such as television, newspapers, and books
• inclusion: the practice of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised
• advocate: a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy
• diversity: the inclusion of different types of people, such as people of different races, abilities, and backgrounds
• empowered: having the confidence and ability to control one’s life and claim one’s rights
• popular culture: the set of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, images, and other phenomena that are within the mainstream of a given culture
• inclusivity: the practice of including people from all different backgrounds and abilities
• expectation: the belief that something should happen in a certain way
• no-brainer: something that is very easy to decide or agree on
• inspirational: providing motivation or encouragement
• creatives: people who create original works, such as artists, writers, and designers
• emotive: causing strong emotions
• published: made available to the public, typically through printing or online distribution

EXTRA READING
Dylan Alcott named Australian of the Year
Alcott claims historic Golden Slam
The world’s biggest sporting event
Our 2024 Short Story winners

QUICK QUIZ
1. Why is Dylan Alcott passionate about creating the Game On book series?
2. What themes will the Game On series explore?
3. How does the Game On series aim to help children understand and celebrate diversity and inclusion?
4. Who are the main collaborators working with Dylan Alcott on the Game On series, and what roles do they play?
5. How does illustrator Nahum Ziersch hope his illustrations will contribute to the Game On series?

LISTEN TO THIS STORY

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Write the story
Write a detailed storyline for a book that could be included in the Game On series.

Time: allow at least 25 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English

2. Extension
Design the logo that will appear on all of the Game On books. Use information in the story to inspire you.

Time: allow at least 20 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Personal and Social Capability

VCOP ACTIVITY
1. News: condensed
Identify the most important pieces of information in this article and write a condensed version of it using 50 words or less.

Draw a picture or diagram to support your condensed news story.

Time: allow 25 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science