A former Buckinghamshire New University student is preparing to release the second book in his science fiction trilogy inspired by his experiences of dyslexia and work in primary education.
Dan Batchelor's latest novel, Jack Palmer II: The Resistance, follows last year's debut, Jack Palmer: A New Order, which introduced readers to a young boy living through an alien invasion.
The young adult series centres on Jack Palmer, a character Mr Batchelor created to reflect resilience, curiosity and determination. The author has said he hopes the books will inspire children and young people facing challenges of their own, particularly those with learning differences.
Mr Batchelor, who studied at Buckinghamshire New University, has become an advocate for education reform following his late diagnosis of dyslexia.
Last year, he made national headlines after calling for traditional school spelling tests to be scrapped, arguing that they can be harmful for some children with additional learning needs.
His latest book continues Jack's story after humanity falls under alien control. With knowledge that could change the future of Earth, Jack embarks on a dangerous mission beyond the planet and finds himself involved in a growing resistance movement.
Speaking ahead of the release, Mr Batchelor said he was overwhelmed by the support for the first novel and hopes the trilogy will encourage young readers to believe in their abilities.
“I am absolutely delighted to be releasing part two of the Jack Palmer trilogy,” he said.
“Growing up with dyslexia, writing a novel, let alone a whole series, felt like an impossible dream for a very long time.
“I wanted to write this story to show my students, and anyone else facing similar hurdles, that having a learning difference doesn't hold you back. It just means you navigate the world differently.
“I hope this book proves to them that truly anything is possible.”
Jack Palmer II: The Resistance is published by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers and is available to pre-order through Waterstones.
