Fantasy author promotes reading at local schools

IDAHO FALLS - The author of a grade school fantasy series is in town, speaking at elementary schools and getting kids pumped up about reading.

Tyler Whitesides released his first book, "Janitors," in 2011, and since then has been traveling the country speaking to young kids.

Whitesides aims to connect with kids through his creative performances while sparking a desire for learning.

“There’s a performance aspect anytime you get in front of a large group of kids to try to present the material in a fun and energetic way," Whitesides said Wednesday, Oct. 14, while he was at Linden Park Elementary School.

“Yeah, I thought it was really fun, and I got to participate,” sixth-grader Ricky Cox said.

The author says his inspiration for the series came while he was night janitor himself. He said he was studying at Utah State University and working part-time when the idea of these unexpected heroes came about.

“While I was there in that environment at night, by myself, I kind of just let my brain wander, and my imagination go and started developing what would eventually become the Janitors series,” Whitesides said.

The fantasy series features kids working side by side with janitors to take down invisible monsters that steal students’ brain power.

Whitesides will be signing books outside Barnes and Noble on Friday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. To save time, those planning on attending the signing will need to pick up a line ticket inside the store before the event.