New Teen Novel Inspired By Author's Decision to Send Special Needs Son to Public High School

WEST ORANGE, N.J. - April 4, 2015 - PRLog -- Author Charles Allen is excited to announce the release of his first teen novel, High School Boot Camp, a book he says is based on real life events. "My son, Kalani, has Down Syndrome," says Allen. "All through middle school, we worried about him going to public high school and planned to send him to a private institution instead. Some time before graduation, we realized our local high school was everything he needed and changed our minds. When our two daughters found out, they went crazy and begged us to reconsider."

Allen turned his daughters' "crisis" into a tale that has them teaching their brother skills he would need to survive at Punchville High, a fictional school where bullies rule, and kids who are different have the worst time of their lives. Their program quickly catches the eyes of six other parents. Before they know it, they're in business helping teens with challenges big and small take the giant leap into the unfriendly halls of Punchville High.

"Kalani is the inspiration behind the story, and his presence draws out the compassion of his sisters and parents, compelling them to interact with the other teens like one big family," says Allen. "But it's not a story just about him. It's also a tale about six other teens, all so-called misfits who feel out of place like so many young people do. With love, teamwork and a lot of patience, something magical starts to happen, and by summer's end, they have the confidence to handle anything Punchville High brings their way."

Allen believes sending his son to public high school is one of the best decisions he ever made. He writes in the book, "It's a reflection of the world Kalani has to live in. If he's ever going to survive on his own, it's the best environment for him to learn."

Allen invites the public to download a free copy of High School Boot Camp from Barnes and Noble or Smashwords.com.