Karen Charles has two businesses—a global company that trains international teachers to teach American English and an Airbnb on a beautiful bay in Washington State, where she currently resides with her husband.
Visit her website at www.weaveofsuspense.com.
Connect with her on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.
I am so excited about your book, Evan's Gift. Why did you choose this particular story to write?
What I enjoy most is the immediacy. With children’s stories, especially, every word matters. You’re speaking directly to a child’s heart and imagination, often in just a few pages. I love knowing that a
short story can be read in one sitting and still linger, sparking conversations, comfort, or a moment of reflection long after the book is closed.
Evan’s Gift is a story about a young boy who faces a simple yet powerful choice. Evan dreams of getting a new bike, but when he sees a greater need, he makes a decision that changes not only someone else’s life, but his own. The story gently shows children that kindness, compassion, and generosity often come at a cost, but the rewards are far greater than anything we can buy.
Can you tell us about the main characters?
Evan is a thoughtful, kind-hearted boy who represents the best of what children can be when they listen to their hearts. The supporting characters, his family, dorm parents, roommates, classmates, and friends, help shape his understanding of empathy and responsibility. Each character plays a role in showing that even small actions can create meaningful change.
Where and when does your book take place?
The story is set in Africa, which is very close to my heart. I grew up at an American boarding school in Nigeria, and those early experiences deeply shaped how I see the world. I wanted the setting to reflect a place where community, generosity, and human connection are essential to daily life. Africa felt like the perfect backdrop for a story about compassion, awareness, and seeing beyond oneself.
Does your book carry a message?
Children learn that kindness matters and that their choices, even small ones, can make a difference. For parents and educators, the book opens the door to meaningful conversations about empathy, gratitude, and social responsibility. It’s especially useful in classrooms and homes as a gentle introduction to social-emotional learning.
Where can we pick up copies of Evan's Gift?
Is there anything you’d like to tell your readers and fans?
I truly believe stories matter, especially the ones we share with children. Evan’s Gift is an invitation to slow down, notice one another, and remember that kindness doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that stay with us the longest.
