James Valitchka

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James Valitchka wrote his first bestselling novel Superheroes Don't Have Dads at 8 years old. When James was only 10 years old he became an Anti-Bullying Advocate and motivational speaker, as well as a Goodwill Ambassador for literacy. Sponsored by Air Canada Kid's Horizons, the Sutton Place Hotels and Swank Audiovisual, he has traveled throughout Canada for 4 months encouraging children everywhere to read and write. He is also an Anti-bullying advocate who has spoken at several Safe School Forums and Anti-bullying workshops and conventions. James has published eight books, including I Love Grandpa, Superheroes Don't Have Dads, Locked Up Mysteries, Free To Be Me, Jess and Cade's Spy Missions, Maybe I'll Be a Pastor, and I'm Not Brown I'm Human and Greater Expectations.^[1]

Contents 1 Biography 2 Superheroes Don't Have Dads 3 Other works 4 References

[edit] Biography

James Valitchka is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, with a father from Wisconsin and a mother from Canada. James was raised by a single mom who taught him a love of reading and writing. He started writing when he was 5 years old by telling his mother all of his ideas and stories orally. His book " Superheroes Don't Have Dads" was written by James when he was 8 and became a best seller when he was 9 years old. James recently won the Top 20 Under 20 award for innovation, achievement and excellence. James was also on CTV National News on May 9, 2005, Global TV Making a Difference with Susan Hay on October 23, 2007 and Global TV National News on January 30, 2008.^[2]

[edit] Superheroes Don't Have Dads

His best selling book "Superheroes Don't Have Dads" has caught the attention and gained the respect of international journalists, educators, doctors, etc. It is printed and sold in English, French and Spanish. The best selling book "Superheroes Don't Have Dads" is about an 8 year old boy who is being raised by a single mom and is angry and sad because he does not have a dad in his life. He is bullied and then becomes a bully himself before he decides to change his life and behavior for the better.^[3]

The book is based on an autobiography of James' life as one day when he was feeling sad and angry he realized that " Spiderman did not have a dad, he lived with his aunt and uncle, Batman did not have a dad, he lived with his butler and Superman lived with adopted parents". James' strong faith in God and this connection with his superheroes gave him the strength and determination to turn his life around. James wrote this best selling book that year and won first place in a writing contest with over 700 entries. James went on a National Book Tour for Literacy, sponsored by Air Canada and the Sutton Place Hotels, and spoke to over 30, 000 children, grossing sales of over 10,000 of his book "Superheroes".^[4]

"Superheroes Don't Have Dads" is a beautifully written and illustrated book, which addresses issues of self esteem, bullying, single parent homes and personal change; all from the perspective of an 8 year old boy. This book can and will make a difference for children, families and educators in a truly meaningful and unforgettable way. You can visit Chapters Indigo or visit the Book Order section of this website.^[5]

[edit] Other works

When James was 11, he released I'm Not Brown, I'm Human, which became a bestseller within six months. His multicultural treasure is an honest yet innocent book about the need to accept other races, cultures, colours, and religions. James' forthright words focus on how we can love each other, looking beyond skin color and differences to the rich history, spirit and potential that each and every person possesses.^[6]

James has partnered with Air Canada, Educate With Vision and Future Aces to launch his Literacy Can Change Lives National Student Conferences. In 2007, over 13,000 people of all ages in both Canada and the United States benefited from James' message of hope and determination. This year the conference expands to South America.^[7]

At 12 years of age, James Valitchka won Free the Children's Me to We and Canadian Living Magazine's Community Service Award for children 12 and Under. James also spoke out against child abuse and encouraging others to oppose any tragedies involving children. He also researched and wrote a novel that would focus upon child abuse and other challenges facing children and youth.^[8]

In January 2008, one month after turning 13, James launched Greater Expectations, his eighth book and his first full-length novel of hope for Teens and Adults. Greater Expectations sold over 1,000 copies in its first two days of release. Educators and professionals from various sectors applauded the book.^[9]

“An heroic multicultural story meant to openly relay the realistic challenges teens face today and inspire them to have the courage to rise above and succeed in spite of it all.”^[10]

Greater Expectations is a brilliant piece of work, giving teens hope and strength in the midst of cyber bullying, teen pregnancy, teen homelessness, child abuse, teen suicide, racism and class divisions in education. Teens have many challenges to overcome but George, James’ hardworking and resourceful main character, shows them how to overcome these challenges and to succeed in life.^[11]

James believes that children and teenagers can change the world and can make a difference in a powerful and meaningful way. He hopes that Greater Expectations will encourage children and youth to speak out about their struggles so that changes can be made and that help can be given. James has named one of the chapters in his novel, "Silence is our enemy".^[12]

James successfully launched his own international company called James Valitchka's Stand Tall and Speak Out, VOICE for Children and Youth and its programs in Toronto on April 16, 2008 with over ten schools from Ontario in atendance. James received the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement award from the Province of Ontario on April 28, 2008. Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Michael Chan, presented this prestigious award to James.^[13] On May 6, 2008 James received the Ottawa Civic Appreciation Award for Education, which was presented to him by Mayor Larry O'Brien and Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder.

[edit] References