Michael J. Bowler is the author of the new middle grade novel Muppit Boy and the Allergies of Evil. His other books include Forever Boy. He is also an educator and a screenwriter.
Q: What inspired you to write Muppit Boy and the Allergies of Evil, and how did you create your character Mo?
A: When my son was in middle school, I decided to write a book that he might enjoy. He loved books that weren’t super wordy, but were funny and adventurous, so I concocted the offbeat incidents and humorous moments that became this book.
My son has the sharp wit and snark that I placed into Mo, so writing Mo’s voice was easy since I listened to it every day. My son had been labeled ADHD, but as an educator myself I knew he didn’t have it to any serious extent. I did, however, work with many boys who really did have ADHD and decided Mo would fall on this spectrum.
Q: How was the book’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?
A: Since its inception, the title was “Muppit Boy Saves the World.” I shopped it around to middle grade book agents, but none were interested in the concept.
When I decided to release it myself, I thought of the series of books to follow and the titles of those books and decided that every title would begin with “Muppit Boy and the…,” hence my current version. It also pops up first in search engines when someone types “Muppit Boy,” and that can’t hurt.
Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: I always have an ending in sight when I write my books, at least a general one, and this one was preplanned because it sets up the series to follow. I tested the ending with some middle grade readers—including my son— and they approved, displaying interest in what will happen to Mo in Book 2.
I did many revisions along the way and even removed a character that wasn’t necessary because the removal improved pacing. The ending always remained the same.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?
A: I hope kids who are smart will not allow bullies to put them down. Kash is a great example of this theme. Mo has reasons to be self-conscious, but even he doesn’t let others dictate his decisions.
I also want kids, and parents, to see the pitfalls of seeking social media fame at a young age, because when kids are in middle school, they already feel awkward in every possible way and don’t need added attention. They need their privacy to develop into who they’ll be as teenagers and young adults.
There are also strong themes of respect, trust, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy—a choice Mo is faced with in the finale.
Lastly, forming solid friendships and learning what makes good friends are essential to this age group and I hope I present a solid friend group for readers to enjoy, and maybe attempt to emulate in their own lives.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I have the next four “Muppit Boy” books written and am currently writing the sixth installment. Book 2 is being edited and I hope to release it in the fall of 2026, with Books 3 and 4 releasing in 2027.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I also have numerous books in print for teens 13 and up and hope one day to complete a cozy mystery for adults that I’ve plotted out. Too many ideas, too little time.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Michael J. Bowler. Readers who enter this giveaway will have the chance to win one signed hardcover, one of five signed paperback copies, or one of five audiobook downloads of Muppit Boy and the Allergies of Evil by Michael J. Bowler. One grand prize winner will receive a signed hardcover plus a $50 Amazon gift card!
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