By Sourcebooks
Ravina Thakkar, an eighth-grader at Heritage Grove Middle School in Plainfield, loves to dance, listen to music and write stories. She excels in school and has dreamt of being a published author someday. And now that someday is here, thanks to the help and dedication of her social worker, her wish granters at Make-A-Wish Illinois, and Naperville-based book publisher Sourcebooks.
Ravina has cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening medical condition affecting both her lungs and digestive system. Ravina’s disease has not defined her, and more importantly, has not stopped her from pursuing her dreams. She was 11 when she won first place in the 2011 Plainfield Great Read writing contest for her short story, “A Magical Thing.” Referred to Make-A-Wish Illinois by her hospital social worker, she was then connected with Sourcebooks, and in the two years since, Ravina and her family have seen her dream become a reality.
Through Sourcebooks, Ravina has experienced everything a published author does, such as working with editors and designers to revise the manuscript and the design of the jacket art.
On Dec. 3, Ravina’s completed book, a middle-grade novel titled The Adventure of a Lifetime, a story she wrote when she was only 8-years-old, will be released in trade paperback – right on time for her 14th birthday on December 4.
Ravina’s experience will be rounded out with a complete marketing and publicity campaign and a book signing at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville on December 8 at 2 p.m.
The Adventure of a Lifetime tells the story of Betty, a 9-year-old girl who thinks her life is pretty boring until she finds herself fighting battles alongside a fearless character from her favorite fiction series. As they race from one danger to the next, Betty learns that being a sidekick is no piece of cake and that being an action hero comes at a cost. Will Betty ever be able to return to her old life?
Written for 9- to 12-year-olds, The Adventure of a Lifetime will be available for purchase wherever books are sold.
And like the characters in her story, Ravina’s life will never be the same.
About Sourcebooks
Sourcebooks is creating the next evolution of a book publishing company. We are committed to innovative publishing, to exploring every platform, and to creating breakthrough models. We truly believe that books have the power to touch people and change lives. Sourcebooks is home to 120 enthusiastic book-loving employees who are dedicated to finding new ways to connect with authors, readers, and ideas. We publish over 300 new titles each year, and are honored to have 42 New York Times bestsellers. Sourcebooks is proud to be one of the largest woman-owned book publishers in the country. Visit sourcebooks.com for more information, and check out the Sourcebooks blog.
About Make-A-Wish Illinois
Since 1985, Make-A-Wish Illinois has granted more than 11,000 wishes to children across the state with the support of 1,400 volunteers and numerous donors and other supporters. Make-A-Wish Illinois grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength, and joy.
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
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Posted on October 31, 2013