The Inspiration Behind ‘Evan’s Gift’
—Karen Charles
I didn’t start out thinking, I want to be an author. I started as a teacher and a listener. For years, I worked with children during moments of real upheaval, social unrest, trauma, fear, and uncertainty. I saw how deeply children absorb what’s happening around them, even when they don’t have the words to express it.
Writing became a way for me to make sense of those experiences and to offer stories that could help others do the same. Whether I’m writing for adults or children, my goal has always been to tell stories that heal, that open conversations, and that remind us of our shared humanity. Evan’s Gift came from that same place, wanting to reach children early, before the world hardens them.
Evan’s Gift is based on my experience as a kid earning my own bike, growing up in Africa.
The idea came from watching how children respond to kindness, both when they receive it and when they give it. I’ve seen classrooms change because of one child’s gentle act or quiet courage.
Evan’s Gift grew out of the belief that kindness is not small or passive; it’s powerful. I wanted to create a story that shows children that they already have something meaningful to offer the world, simply by noticing others and choosing compassion. Evan doesn’t have superpowers; his “gift” is something every child can access, and that was very important to me.
Evan is a thoughtful, observant child. He’s not the loudest or the most outgoing, but he pays attention. He notices when others are hurting or left out. Evan represents so many children who feel deeply but don’t always know how to express it.
What makes Evan special is that he learns his kindness matters, that even small actions can ripple outward and change how people feel about themselves and each other.
The other characters are the people in Evan’s world, friends, classmates, roommates, and adults, who are affected by his kindness. They’re intentionally relatable so children can see themselves and their communities in the story.
Each character reflects a different emotional experience, helping young readers recognize feelings like loneliness, gratitude, and connection in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Kindness and empathy are skills we have to nurture, especially in children. Evan’s Gift opens the door to meaningful conversations at home, in classrooms, and in counseling spaces about how our actions affect others.
It’s a story that reassures children that they matter and empowers them to make a difference simply by being who they are. In today’s world, that message feels more important than ever.
