News Archive

Tammy Zyderveld
Connections editorial intern

The strength of a story about a boy and the challenge of adolescence has seen an Avondale College lecturer choose who would publish his first novel.

Brad Watson received offers from three publishers to produce Finding David. One offered an initial print run of 10,000 copies. Brad describes the experience as "unique" because "Christian stories for young adults can be hard to find a market for."

The successful offer came from Signs Publishing Company. "When I first read Finding David, it really got me in," says book editor Nathan Brown. He spoke during the launch with Year 10 students at Central Coast Adventist School on September 30 about how the story had moved him almost to tears. "I appreciate Brad's ability to tell a good story, as well as his passion to use a story like this to make a difference."

Finding David follows a character called David as he moves into a new school and meets a new group of friends. It deals with bullying, romance and a mysterious family tragedy, the details of which do not become clear until later. The issues addressed include relationships, resilience and faith.

"Finding David doesn't preach to kids about God but covertly and realistically walks the reader through what it's like to be a teen today," says Nina Atcheson, the curriculum officer for Adventist Schools Australia, which provided $2000 to produce resources for teachers. Associate executive director for Adventist Education in northern New South Wales Marilyn Hansen describes Finding David as "not like other teen books" because "it provides a way out." She told the students at the launch of how much she enjoyed reading the book. "I couldn't stop until I had to stop, which was at the end of the story," she said.

Students at four high schools read the book and provided Brad with feedback during the writing process. "It taught me heaps . . . about trusting God and practising self-discipline and respect," says Catrina, then a Year 9 students at Northpine Christian College. Her classmate, Caroline, writes, "I liked the way David turned back to God-it is something many teens wouldn't do."

A former student of Brad's helped inspire him to write Finding David. "Teens such as Joel deal with some pretty tough stuff, but they do the best with what they've got," says Brad. He includes Joel's story in the afterword. "Joel is passionate and strong, and he looks out for his mates."

Brad feels God is working through him to inspire and encourage teens. "My message to them is this," he says. "There's also hope. Never give up."

Finding David is available at all Adventist Book Centres.-with Brenton Stacey

Caption: Brad Watson launched his first story for young adults, called Finding David, with Year 10 students at Central Coast Adventist School.
Credit: Ann Stafford