03/09/2026
One of the most common questions I get is “Why did you become an author?” Since I didn’t get to meet with the students, I thought I would share it with my friends here on IG and FB.
When I was in grad school, a couple of my classmates and I participated in a project with a group of kids from in . The kids were asked to take pictures of things in their neighborhood they wanted to change. They spent several weeks on their project and got to present to their teachers, parents, and several members of the Louisville . I was blown away by the students’ insight. Did I mention these were 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders? Their perspective and maturity were amazing.
After leaving the presentation, I said to myself that someone should write a book about what these kids did. I had what I call a “God” moment and He whispered to me that I was the one who was supposed to write the story.
How it all started ...
“Zoe’s Sidewalk” is a fictionalized account of the real-life story featured below. We see every day in the news children’s bravery, courage, grit, determination, and persistence. When people say “these kids today” I know they don’t actually spend time with children. Those Wheatley kids would be around 20-22 years old now. I wonder from time to time where they are and what they’re doing. Is Denzel Dapremont out there with that same spirit and motivation he spoke about through his photographs?
If you have a , be accountable to yourself, jump with both feet and follow it! As a good friend reminded me last week, “This is your life. Do what you love.”
Writing Zoe’s Sidewalk was a labor of love.
