An award-winning St Helens disability advocate and mum-of-three is hoping to change the way children see disability through her latest adventure story, and children’s books.
Rebecca McDowall, who lives in St Helens with her husband Damon and their three children, is preparing to launch Captain Carrick’s Sunken Treasure, the latest book in her popular Biscuit Club series for readers aged six to eleven.
While packed with mystery and adventure, the book also shines a light on disability representation in a natural and inclusive way. One of the main characters, Sophie, lives with a dynamic disability, meaning her mobility changes from day to day. Rather than making disability the focus of the story, Rebecca wanted to create a character who simply happens to use mobility aids while joining in every adventure alongside her friends.
Rebecca, who is now a wheelchair user and lives with multiple chronic health conditions, has spent years raising awareness of invisible illnesses and was recognised with the Visibility Award for her advocacy work.
As well as being an author, Rebecca is mum to three children, including baby George, who was born last year after four heartbreaking miscarriages. She says her own experiences of parenting and living with dynamic disability inspired her to create The Biscuit Club books.
Rebecca said: “Growing up, I rarely saw disabled characters in children’s books, and when I did, their disability was usually the entire story. I wanted to write adventures where disability is simply part of everyday life.
“Children deserve to see characters who reflect the world around them. Whether they’re disabled themselves or not, I hope these stories help young readers understand that everyone can be the hero of an adventure.”
Rebecca hopes the new book will encourage conversations about inclusion while giving children an exciting mystery to enjoy during the school holidays
