When Evan trades his dream of a new bike for compassion, he discovers the greatest gift of all—helping others.
When Evan trades his dream of a new bike for compassion, he discovers the greatest gift of all—helping others. Perfect for classrooms and families, "Evan's Gift" celebrates empathy, courage, and the beauty of giving in a warm, uplifting story about generosity and the power of choosing kindness.
Ethan’s Gift is available at BookBaby.
The Inspiration Behind ‘Evan’s Gift’
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.
Karen Charles grew up in West Africa and traveled to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Her rich background and lifetime experiences are reflected in the depth of her writing. In her stories, she transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. She is the author of two children’s books, “Freeman Earns a Bike” and “Evan’s Gifts,” and three thrillers based on true stories. “Fateful Connections” takes place in the aftermath of 9/11, and “Blazing Upheaval” takes place during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles and the Northridge earthquake. “A Glimpse Too Far” offers all the mystery and heart-pounding suspense of a psychological thriller and is based on a true story. Karen Charles has two businesses—a global company that trains international teachers to teach American English and an Airbnb on a beautiful bay in Washington State, where she currently resides with her husband.
Visit her website at www.weaveofsuspense.com.
Connect with her on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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