As a children’s book editor, I’ve worked on my fair share of superhero stories. But recently, I had the absolute pleasure of helping to bring to life a hero that’s unlike any other—the Fantastic Freewheeler!

Author Molly Felder brings an authentic voice to this full-color graphic novel series that stars Drew Daniels, aka the Fantastic Freewheeler, a kid superhero with cerebral palsy. With his brain boost superpower, Drew can learn all about something through a single touch and uses this ability to solve problems big and small. Fast-paced and funny, these adventures are perfect for middle-grade readers and anyone who’s looking for inclusive stories. I spoke with Molly about her graphic novel debut.

 

Congrats on The Fantastic Freewheeler! What inspired you to write the superhero series?

I loved the idea of instant information absorption as a superpower! Freewheeler doesn’t have to fight to be a great hero—he can use what he learns. Not just facts and info, but also what others are thinking and feeling. When we do that, when we try to understand more about a situation and the people involved, problems are easier to solve.

Can you talk a bit about developing Drew Daniels and his world? Where did you get your ideas?

I was obsessed with aliens when I was a kid, so that was a trait I wanted to give to Drew. A lot of his adventures grew out of that curiosity and helped me create mysteries for him to solve and ways to help.

Drew is a superhero with superpowers—and he also has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Why is disability representation valuable in stories, particularly for young readers?

Lots of kids have disabilities or know someone who has them. When I was growing up, there weren’t many stories about people with CP. And the few that did exist weren’t written by authors who actually had CP, so I didn’t connect with them. It’s different now, and that’s the way it should be. Drew’s stories let kids with CP see parts of themselves reflected. Kids without CP can see what it’s like for one boy. It’s important for young readers to see disability in books, whether it’s theirs or someone else’s, simply because disabled people are part of our world.

In The Fantastic Freewheeler, Sixth-Grade Superhero, there’s a rather awkward interaction when Drew first meets new kid Max. She’s not quite sure how to act around someone who uses a wheelchair. Why did you feel it was important to include this moment?

Sometimes people are afraid to start a conversation with me because they may never have interacted with a disabled person before, and they’re worried they’ll say something embarrassing. I wanted to show that it’s okay if that happens! You can move on and talk to them like anybody else.

Drew’s CP is present in the stories, but it’s not the focus. Can you talk more about that choice?

My CP is one part of me, and it’s one part of Drew. But he’s a whole kid living his life, handling middle school while also saving the day—and that’s why the series is fun. Not having CP as the focus wasn’t to minimize it, but to show that Drew lives with it.

Something I find compelling is how these adventures are funny and wacky, while also being just the right amount of heartfelt and sincere. Themes of empathy, friendship, and community run through The Fantastic Freewheeler. Why did you decide to go this direction?

Nobody reading the books is a superpowered superhero, but everybody has the ability to try to understand another person’s point of view, to lean on their friends when life get tough, and to protect what they find valuable to their community. All of those things are pretty fantastic and are themes that I wanted to explore.

If you could borrow Freewheeler’s powers for a day, how would you use them? Anything you’d like to learn all about instantly?

I have a service dog, Patterson, who helps me with things that my CP can make difficult, like picking up objects that I accidentally drop. I would love to instantly absorb everything I could about dog training and behavior. Patterson came to me with 50 commands, and I’ve taught him some on my own. But creating new ones I haven’t thought of would be amazing!

What do you hope readers will take away from The Fantastic Freewheeler books?

Living with a disability is a mixture of things. Freewheeler’s life is full of action, humor, and heart. Sometimes it’s frustrating—and sometimes it’s great!

What has working on this series meant to you?

The Fantastic Freewheeler is my dream come true. I have loved going from an idea to finished books. I can’t absorb information instantly, but I’m an expert in having my type of CP. Sharing that through Drew and his adventures has been an incredible experience.

What advice would you give to young aspiring writers?

One of my favorite writers for young readers, Beverly Cleary, once said, “If you don’t see the book you want on the shelf, write it.”

That’s good advice, and that’s what I did. Write what you would love to read, as much as you can.

 

The Fantastic Freewheeler series debuts with four titles: 

• The Fantastic Freewheeler and the Mega Bot Attack
• The Fantastic Freewheeler and the School Dance Disaster
• The Fantastic Freewheeler vs. the Mall of Doom
• The Fantastic Freewheeler, Sixth-Grade Superhero!

 

 

 

 

Preview The Fantastic Freewheeler, Sixth-Grade Superhero! 

 

 

 

Shop The Fantastic Freewheeler series

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