About the Book

Book: The Covenant: Book One the Messiah Brigade

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle Grade Reader

Release date: November 12, 2024

Middle schooler Zeke just wants to survive school unnoticed, but his intelligence and small stature make him the target of a gang of bullies. One afternoon, he stumbles upon a mysterious old box hidden in a pile of trash. Inside are trinkets, notes, and a Bible he’s never read, all hinting at life-changing truths if he can solve the clues. With the help of new friends in the “Messiah Brigade,” Zeke embarks on a journey of faith, courage, and discovery. Together, they hope to use what they uncover to bring positive change to their school and stop the bullies.

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About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

My love of history, especially the WW II era, inspired me to write this book. It was an effort to combine the history of the world, specifically the cruelty of the Nazis to the Jewish people, and how bullying can result in kids taking over the culture of a school if not stopped. The three main characters decide to try to change the culture and make it a safe place from bullies. The discovery of a mysterious box of memorabilia of the WW II era sets the curious kids on their way. They find out there were three good friends who went off to fight in WW II to stop the Nazi movement in Europe. They see the parallels between their school, taken over by bullies, and Europe when Nazi forces were running over it. They soon figure out the meaning of trinkets, scribbled notes, and Scripture and use these to steer their middle school in a better direction.

Author Interview

Can you tell us a little bit about what readers can expect from your books?
Usually a combination of characters, a little bit of history and faith-based inspiration.

What is the greatest advice you have ever been given about writing?
It wasn’t advice as much as it was an affirmation. A story I wrote in the fourth grade was awarded a blue ribbon. My teacher at the time told me then I had a gift, and I should write.

What book made you fall in love with reading?
Charlotte’s Web. I was intrigued by the characters and the emotions evoked by the story.

Can you share 5 random facts about this book?
For The Covenant, I learned a few of the specific missions of WW II and the names of units who fought there. I also learned a few specific Bible verses that linked the aspects of friendship, war, and fighting for the right thing.

What was the inspiration behind it?
One of the characters was inspired by my granddaughter, a basketball player who can compete with boy basketball players.

Can you share something interesting or surprising you learned while researching for the book?
The most interesting research for me was studying the different battles fought in the European Theatre of WW II.

What was the most challenging part of bringing this book to life? 
The fact that the Covid shutdown delayed the publication of the book. It was disappointing to have the release delayed for such a long time but there was no way to speed it up due to the shutdowns.

What was the most rewarding?
Being able to join the plots across three books in the series.

What do you hope readers will take away from the book?
That people who work together can come up with reasonable solutions to common problems,

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Before you go, where can readers keep up with what’s next?

https://linktr.ee/overtont
https://www.authorterryoverton.com