Featured Interview With Ben Levin
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Lexington MA, though I moved to New York when I was ten, and moved to Montvale, New Jersey, in Bergen County, four years ago. I live with my parents and my brother, Jake, as well as a couple of mini-schnauzers, Stark and Sherlock.
I am also autistic, something I’ve struggled to embrace within myself. Today, having found self-acceptance, I want to inspire others on the spectrum to embrace themselves as well.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
It’s hard to remember a time when I didn’t love reading, or at the very least being read to. I started writing just before fourth grade, and by the end of that year, I had realized just how much I truly loved writing and that it was my calling. I’m going to be writing my entire life.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love reading about history and sports, as well as YA books about people who have gone through personal challenges. For example, I love the book Black Flamingo by Dean Atta. I also really enjoy children’s books and fiction. It took me years to be willing to give up chapter books that were more for elementary kids, and I think the reason for that is because these are the books that truly inspire my writing.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, In the Hole, stars a young boy named David Kimball whose family falls into poverty after his father loses his job. When the family becomes homeless, they spend three and a half years in the hole, fighting against addiction, bullying, and serious illness. David struggles with school and sports and, along with his family, fights to hang on to hope. Reviewers have said that David’s story brings forth feelings of compassion and understanding.
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