The Grand Dino Author: Lisa Wheeler

Riley scores an interview with the coolest person ever.

Lisa Wheeler

By Riley Barta

The news on literacy rates is alarming. Currently, according to the National Literacy Institute, “54% of U.S. adults read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level, and 64% of our country’s fourth graders do not read proficiently.” One tried and true way of growing literacy skills in children is by encouraging them to read on their own. It is crucial to display books as fun and exciting, and what is more exciting than Dino-Racing? Michigan author Lisa Wheeler has a wide array of fascinating books, with rhymes and plots fit to entertain all.

Image of Lisa Wheeler

With a catalogue of over 60 books, Wheeler has something for all readers. In an interview with The Scroll, she described her writing process: “Stories come from everywhere. Sometimes I hear a character whispering in my ear. Sometimes something completely unrelated happens, but it’s enough to spark an idea.” Such is the way books like Someone Builds the Dream were written. That book explores the various workers who come together to make everyday structures, like bridges. Not only is Wheeler a prolific author, but she also contributes to her community. The Woodhaven-Brownstown School District in Michigan sings her praise, as she has made March is For Reading extra special for elementary students. The school district notes that “[Wheeler] captivated students with animated readings, silly songs, and interactive activities that brought her stories to life.” The road to success was not always easy, however, as Wheeler notes some of the challenges she has traversed.

Although there are a variety of options for authors wishing to publish today, that has not always been the case. Wheeler stated that the most difficult part of publishing was finding someone willing to take a chance: “In traditional publishing, the author gets paid in advance, toward how well the publisher thinks the book will sell. An editor may like your story, but do they like it enough to pay the author in advance?” Now, authors have a wide range of options when it comes to publishing their novels. Take Grants Pass High School’s very own Nathaniel Lee, a 2024 graduate, as an example. He published his first novel, Sweet Dreams, through Amazon while he was still in school. Through hybrid publishing companies– like Mascot Books and She Writes Press– authors are able to gain access to editing whilst maintaining the ability to self-publish. Publishing has become simpler than ever before, but how does one even get there in the first place?

For Wheeler, there has always been a natural inclination towards writing children’s books: “As a young child, I loved books. I loved words… I also loved anything with rhythm and rhyme… Plus, I love kids and I love being silly to make them laugh.” Wheeler kept practicing her writing over and over, and she pushed through 225 rejections. Her first book was finally picked up and published. Perseverance was the make-or-break when it came down to getting a book published. She also notes the importance of reading in growing one’s writing skills: “My first advice is always the same: Read! I do not have a formal education. I never was fortunate enough to take creative writing classes. If you have that opportunity, take it!” She went on to describe some of the steps she took to grow her writing skills: “When I became serious about writing for children, I’d go to the library and sit on the floor, pouring through book after book in the kids' section. I’d pick out some favorites and take them home and study them, cover-to-cover…I joined a poetry group in my area. The head of it was a retired English teacher who was a stickler for meter and other poetic devices.” Writing is a difficult process. A good way to get better at it is by constantly being exposed to others' writings.

Cover of Sailor Moo: Cow at Sea, Wheeler's third published book, illustrated by Ponder Goembel.

The phenomenal Lisa Wheeler shows the success that can be achieved by persevering and staying dedicated to one’s passions. Stay on the lookout for her upcoming titles: Dino-Helpers and It Takes a Family to Serve. Remember to pick a book up once in a while. Who knows what it might lead to?

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