J Richard Knapp

I was speaking at a community author talk not too long ago for aspiring authors, when a young lady in the middle of the room raised her hand, "Would you tell us more about your background? What were the influences or experiences in your life that led to your writing?" I smiled at the request, looked down at my feet for a brief moment, and nodded my head in silence. "Poverty, bullying, disrespect," I answered, "so very many!" I was born in a small rural community in the Pacific Northwest. Our small one-bedroom home was situated just a stone's throw from the banks of a major river. Being an only child, I slept in the basement next to the warm coal furnace. During our freezing winters, this was an ideal place to have bed.  My mother took me to the library for the very first time, when I was nine or so. I stared at the rows of books in disbelief and excitement. I had never seen so many books. My very first picture book book was one about dinosaurs. This lo

One of the greatest perks of being an author for children and teens is the opportunity to visit with the readers either in person or live on the internet. At a recent 'Author Talk', I was visiting with approximately fifty or so kids between the ages of 11-13. The subject of our discussion was the  Book of Kati Series. A young girl asked, "Why did you write the series?"       I explained to her that sometimes an author writes a book to just tell a story and then at other times authors tell both a story and try to make the reader think about a message or many messages within the book. In the case of the first book CHANGES , Shona Anderson, my co-author, and I wanted our readers to understand the importance of friendships.       But this isn't everything that we considered as authors. Long before any young reader had the opportunity to read one of books, we took into consideration the following: Is the story relevant to the reader?  Too many times young readers quit

THE NEW KATI  Turning thirteen is one of the most exciting and yet, difficult times in the life of a teen! Follow Kati in the fifth installment of 'The Book of Kati' series, as Allie, the rest of the gang, and Kati travel to an end-of-school outdoor camp for a week. Imagine a five day adventure filled with discovering outdoor trails, lava fields, campfires, and a 'WHITE WOLF'! That's right - a real white wolf with green eyes.

FORGOTTEN   Over six years ago Kati's father disappeared from her family's life and then he suddenly shows up with a surprise of his own. How will Kati and her brother react? As if things weren't more complicated, Oliver may have found his first girlfriend. 5.0 out of 5 stars   Quick entertaining read Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2018 This 4th book in the Kati series didn’t disappoint. The characters are believable and true to life. I really like the way the gang comes together to solve issues for everyone. This book is a great example of the adage “it takes a village”. The issues of bullying, abandonment and single parenting are realistically portrayed in a way that make sense for middle schoolers. Anxiously awaiting the next book. I love these characters

SECRETS  Sshh, can you keep a secret? Should you keep a secret? Life in Tiny continues to be full of adventures for the Cow Pie Gang and the Fair November brings the whole town to life. The trials and tribulations of tween life continues with first dates and first break ups. When Kati uncovers a huge secret, she is torn and doesn't know if she should tell or not. After a week of turmoil and soul searching she finds out that some secrets aren't meant to be kept while other secrets reveal delightful surprises. 5.0 out of 5 stars   Wonderful series Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2018 Love the characters in this series. They are strong, true to life middle schoolers growing up in a small town. The adults in their lives are hands on without being too intrusive. I really like how the author portrays the thought processes the kids go through trying to understand their own issues and those of the people around them.

  LETTERS   Imagine that you are 12 years old, your mom has just died of cancer, you moved to a new town, developing new friendships, and on your 13th birthday, your father hands you a box of letters written by your mother just before you died. This unbelievable story will capture your heart. 5.0 out of 5 stars   Wonderful series. I love books about middle school kids. Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2018 Great book. Second in the series about middle school kids. The letters written by Allie’s mom are poignant and believable. They are so realistic they brought tears to my eyes. I like that the author tackled the bullying issue, by introducing a character that was both nice to the gang and mean to another bully. It shows so well that kids know what to do about bullying, but they need help to follow through.

Who said turning 13 was easy? You try to create  your new look, new clothes, and then you glance in the mirror - ugh! Nothing looks right! Your arms are too long, hair too bland, and no ‘pop’ to your eyes. How can the first day of seventh grade be so complicated yet, so exciting? Will you meet new friends? Will your old friends still like you? Is this the year you have your first boyfriend? What will he look like? So many questions! CHANGES has been adopted by thousands of 5th grade teachers in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and more. Teachers are using the book series as a highly engaging read-aloud book in their classrooms, reading groups, and individually. "I personally recommend Changes to every 5th grade teacher and students ages 11-14.  Reviews by Students: "It's funny." "I loved it." "The best thing I've ever heard." "Wonderful book." "You are great writers." "Oliver