About the Book

Book: The Covenant: Book One the Messiah Brigade Author: Terry Overton Genre: Middle Grade Reader Release date: November 12, 2024

Middle schooler Zeke just wants to survive school unnoticed, but his intelligence and small stature make him the target of a gang of bullies. One afternoon, he stumbles upon a mysterious old box hidden in a pile of trash. Inside are trinkets, notes, and a Bible he’s never read, all hinting at life-changing truths if he can solve the clues. With the help of new friends in the “Messiah Brigade,” Zeke embarks on a journey of faith, courage, and discovery. Together, they hope to use what they uncover to bring positive change to their school and stop the bullies.

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About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

My love of history, especially the WW II era, inspired me to write this book. It was an effort to combine the history of the world, specifically the cruelty of the Nazis to the Jewish people, and how bullying can result in kids taking over the culture of a school if not stopped. The three main characters decide to try to change the culture and make it a safe place from bullies. The discovery of a mysterious box of memorabilia of the WW II era sets the curious kids on their way. They find out there were three good friends who went off to fight in WW II to stop the Nazi movement in Europe. They see the parallels between their school, taken over by bullies, and Europe when Nazi forces were running over it. They soon figure out the meaning of trinkets, scribbled notes, and Scripture and use these to steer their middle school in a better direction.

Interview with the Author

What helps you to write? Do you eat snacks, listen to music?

I usually have old movies or TV series on in the background -something I have seen many times. I guess it is more of a white noise for me. But, if I am writing a book that has a setting at the beach, I will watch beach movies, if it is a Christmas story, I will watch Christmas movies, etc.

If you could travel back in time, what time period would you go to?

Probably during the time of Jesus to listen to Him or during WW II to experience the events, the patriotism, and the music and romance of the era.

What is your favorite book and why?

The Bible.

What is your favorite hymn and why?

So many! How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, All Creatures of Our God and King, Beautiful Savior, many others.

What is one thing readers would be surprised to learn about you?

I love to play golf and swim. I ran marathons and half-marathons all over the country for years-my favorite two were in Arizona and Hawaii.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to write a book about bullying, but I wanted the victim of the bullying to be the main character, and I wanted him to show leadership skills and eventually become friends with the bully. But the story had to include teaching history and be founded in Biblical principles.

Share with me a few of your favorite things.

My family of course, my dog Bella (who has been in more than one book), my collection of books about the history of Jerusalem and my sets of Bible reference books, and my golf clubs (haha!)

What is one question you would like readers to ask you? What would be your answer?

I am not sure of a specific question but wish they would ask how to get a sample of my books for their child’s school or perhaps they might come up with ways to help me share my books to a wider audience.