Dad creates new footballing hero Jack Harvey inspired by son

Tuesday 20 June 2023

A Customs Officer, who as a boy loved Roy of the Rovers, has created a new footballing hero for today’s children after becoming inspired to write for his young son.

James Hewlett’s first book – which introduces the world to 16-year-old up-and-coming player Jack Harvey – has been published by Dundee-based Burton Mayers Books and is now available to pre-order on Amazon.

The 45-year-old Customs and Immigration Officer was inspired to write for his 10-year-old son Harvey.

However, the former firefighter and fitness instructor has always dreamed of penning a children’s book and has held the idea for Jack Harvey since he was child.

"I used to read Roy of the Rovers as a kid"

He said: “I used to read Roy of the Rovers as a kid – he was a massive hero of mine. I wanted to write in the same genre, so Jack is not some magical superhero but someone children can relate to, look up to and hopefully learn from.

“The book is about believing in yourself and having the confidence to see where it gets you. Much like me deciding to write this book, you never know until you try.”

Pictured: “The book is about believing in yourself and having the confidence to see where it gets you," James said.

Mr Hewlett’s debut novel is called ‘Jack Harvey: Breakthrough’, which he wrote over the summer of 2021.

It is the first in a series of books which he intends to write, as Jack endeavours to achieve his dream of breaking into the first team of one of England’s most illustrious football clubs. It is aimed at children aged 8 to 14.

Accies fall on hard times

In the opening book, Jack’s team, the Academicals, or Accies for short, have fallen on hard times and they are about to be relegated from the top division. Many of the club’s best players then desert them for riches elsewhere, but Jack stays to reverse the fortunes of his team.

Mr Hewlett’s son, the inspiration for the hero’s surname, has read the opening instalment and loved it. 

“The trouble is, he wanted to know what happens next, but he’ll have to wait until I’ve written it,” said Mr Hewlett, who also has a nine-year-old daughter, Robyn.

"There are lots of themes that cut across the ages"

“There is plenty of opportunity to develop new characters, including more inspiring females, too.

"I’m pleased to say that everyone who has read the first book has loved it, including adult friends and family, as there are lots of themes that cut across the ages.”

Mr Hewlett said he was especially grateful to his partner Lizzie as well their children for their support through the writing, reviewing and publishing process.