AL JACKSON

This is a story about three siblings exploring a vast computer-generated, video game world with each other. In the end, they learn that detaching themselves from their electronic devices reveals a world of fun, real outdoor play. This story shows the importance of in-person, peer-to-peer interaction and learning.

As you progress through the book, you may realize that Baby Ford is autistic and nonverbal, yet has as much of an impact on the story as any other characters. This book aims to highlight how being different does not inhibit your influence on the world and the people around you.

My incredible children inspired me to write this story. As a parent of a child diagnosed with autism, I've always felt the paternal instinct to protect him from a society I feared would not understand him. What I didn't expect is for him to teach me that he is perfectly capable of navigating the world around him. He taught me that being nonverbal simply means that he has a different way of communicating.  

I want to thank the very talented Michael Forshay, who helped bring this story to life with his beautiful illustrations.