Gary Gabel is the author of The Constitution Kids, a new book for kids and young adults. His other books include Personal Takeover. Also an entrepreneur and speaker, he lives in Michigan.
Q: What inspired you to write The Constitution Kids?
A: I was inspired by the growing conversations about Constitutional rights in today’s world and the realization that many people, including younger generations, don’t fully understand what the Constitution actually says or means.
I wanted to create a way to make it approachable, exciting, and relevant for both young and old readers. By using relatable characters and adventurous storytelling, I hope to show that the Constitution isn’t just an old document— it’s a living part of our daily lives, and understanding it is essential for empowering the next generation of leaders.
Q: How did you create your characters Alex, Kali, and Roman?
A: The three 15-year-olds were created so that the story would remain accessible and entertaining. I wanted each teen to have a different personality—one that would complement the others—so Alex was drafted as the “communicator” in the group, Kali became the “intuitive empath,” and Roman became the “inventor.”
These traits come out in various ways throughout The Constitution Kids, providing humor and empathy even in serious situations. The three teens serve as catalysts to turn the exploration of the Constitution into a magical experience.
Q: How did you choose the places and historical figures to highlight in the book?
A: Each historical figure was chosen because they represent a unique perspective on the Constitution and its impact over time. Figures like Ben Franklin, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Alice Paul embody different aspects of what it means to fight for justice and rights under the Constitution.
Some of the locations were selected so that the reader could get an up-close picture of the places where key events actually happened. Other locations, like the Russian Gulag, were selected to help the reader see the contrast between what our Constitution provides for us versus the difficulty experienced by people in countries that do not have the protections the Constitution provides.
Q: Especially given the current political situation, what do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: I would hope both kids and adults who read The Constitution Kids will come away with an understanding of how important this document is to protecting our rights as citizens of the United States. I also hope it goes even further, inspiring the readers to stand up for the Constitution, since it is being challenged today from all quarters.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: My work is taking me in several directions right now. First of all, I am busy promoting The Constitution Kids since I feel strongly that it can have a hugely positive effect on those who read it.
Secondly, I am working with Union Mission in Savannah, Georgia. Union Mission provides shelters for homeless men and women in the Savannah area, along with providing various tools to help them rise out of homelessness.
They have been using one of my other books, Personal Takeover, a self-help book, in training programs designed to help their clients understand how the mindsets we hold about ourselves and the outside world affect our future.
I am working with them on several programs to help participants understand their own “negathoughts,” (a term I coined). Negathoughts are thoughts we hold that totally disempower us. The program focuses on how they can “re-write” their negathoughts and shift any mindsets that may be holding them back.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: So far, I have received incredibly positive feedback on The Constitution Kids. Several reviewers have said, “This should be a Disney movie!”
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Amplify Publishing Group. Enter this contest for a chance to win one of 10 copies of The Constitution Kids. Enter to bring this magical journey home!
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