Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex: A Superhero High School Adventure

By: Carole P. Roman
Publisher: Chelshire, Inc.
Publication Date: July 30, 2022
ISBN: 978-1950080434
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: August 9, 2022

Prolific author Carol P. Roman introduces a great cast of characters and thrilling adventures in her new book, Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex.

Grady is just an average kid at an average school, with nothing much to look forward to other than hanging with his best friend Aarush. The two do everything together including going to Aarush's house for dinner and playing the Playstation game "Super Dude." Grady used to have another good friend - Elwood Bledsoe - but something happened to him over the years and he became the school bully. And while Aarush is a pretty smart guy, he's also on the autism spectrum which makes him a perfect target for Elwood and his awful friends. Grady has no use for the cruelty of Elwood and so he does his best to avoid the bully and protect Aarush. But it seems like Elwood is always getting the upper hand in every interaction between the boys. He has all the teachers fooled into thinking he's a great kid and even manages to get accepted into Templeton Academy, a new school that is both mysterious and exciting.

Every student at Grady's school wants to get into Templeton Academy but so too does every kid in every school in the country. There's even a television show where young contestants vie for a spot at the school. Aarush, with his sharp mind, gets accepted - is there any chance for an average kid like Grady? And what about his uncle Leo who forbids Grady from attending?

Things do eventually work themselves out and Grady, Aarush, and Elwood head off to Templeton Academy along with lots of other students from other schools. The trip to Templeton is quite an adventure and things are just beginning. One of the biggest attractions, and mysteries surrounding the school is The Codex, a book said to have been discovered by the school's founder and said to contain...well...perhaps it's just a rumor... Grady, Aarush, and Aarush's cousin Pari are about to find out, and they're taking you along for the ride.

When I began reading Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex, it took me all of five minutes to get drawn into the story. Grady is a very likable character, as is Aarush. And Elwood is that bully you will love to hate. Another draw to the characters is that they are realistic, and not picture-perfect. Like real kids, they struggle with very real issues - Aarush is autistic and Grady has asthma, which tends to act up at the worst possible moments. Add in a very creative adventure, full of twists and turns, and unexpected discoveries, and young readers will be flying through the pages of this new book, and eager to see where the next adventure will take Grady and his friends.

Quill says: Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex is a fantastic start to a new series for young readers. Kids who enjoy adventure stories will love Grady and his friends and even reluctant readers will likely be clamoring for more books from author Carole P. Roman.

For more information on Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex: A Superhero High School Adventure, please visit the author's website at: www.caroleproman.com

Author Interview