Age Is Just a Number
Two young brothers from Lake Mary prove that you don’t have to wait until you’re a grown-up to do something big
For most children, Christmas morning brings the excitement of discovering what’s waiting under the tree. But for Lake Mary brothers Maxwell “Max” and Gavin Johnson, last Christmas delivered a surprise neither could have imagined: their very own published books.
Max (15), an honor student in a private school’s hybrid program in Orlando, and Gavin (11), an honor student at a private school in Sanford, have been writing stories and filling journals for years. During an online summer writing camp, each developed a book inspired by his own interests. Max wrote about his experiences navigating the challenges of growing up, while Gavin turned notes from a family trip to Washington, D.C., into an illustrated adventure.
Their parents, Stephen and Erin, had an idea. Rather than give the boys another conventional Christmas present, why not turn their written words into actual books? Working in secret, they arranged to have both titles independently published through Amazon.
“We’ve always encouraged our boys to dream big,” says Stephen. “We want them to understand that their ideas are worth pursuing.”
Stephen and Erin’s surprise was a resounding success.
“It was amazing!” recalls Gavin, “At first, I thought the books were only for our family. Then I found out everybody could get them.”
Read All About IT
What began as a thoughtful gift has blossomed into something much bigger. The brothers are now enthusiastic literacy advocates, visiting schools, summer camps, and youth programs to encourage other children to discover the joy of reading and believe in their own potential.
This summer, they participated in the Step Up For Students Navigating New Horizons conference at SeaWorld Orlando, signing books and meeting families and educators at an event attended by more than 900 people. They’ve also spoken at a Florida State Board of Education meeting and received Congressional Certificates of Recognition for their accomplishments and advocacy work.
Their latest initiative, Read First, Play Later aims to inspire 10,000 children to make reading a priority.
“We want kids to know that reading doesn’t have to feel like a burden,” says Max. “It can actually be something you enjoy.”
Make Good Choices
Max has been interested in entrepreneurship and personal development for years. He started his first business, Max’s Motivational Wristbands, at just eight years old. His book, Let Me Help You... BE SMART: A Kid’s Guide to Confidence, Focus, and Smart Choices, offers young readers practical advice on building confidence, making good decisions, and developing positive habits. One of his favorite chapters, Your Friends Matter (A Lot!), explores the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences.
“Smart kids choose friends who help them win,” he writes.
Gavin’s writing takes an adventurous approach. His book, Gavin the Kid Explorer: My Big Trip to Washington, D.C. guides young readers on a journey through the nation’s capital, introducing famous landmarks and American history along the way. His favorite stop was the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where he watched money being made.
“You don’t have to only learn inside a classroom,” says Gavin. “You can learn outside of the classroom and have fun at the same time.”
Both brothers are already working on their second books, with plans to expand their literacy outreach. Max also has a message for parents everywhere. When asked what one rule he would make for grown-ups, his answer was immediate.
“Tell your kid that they can do something at a young age,” he says. “Don’t wait to be somebody!”
For more information, visit MaxAndGavin.com.