My assignment is to make Britfield a generational book, meaning to reach or surpass the popularity of Harry Potter. It’s going to be done by promoting the attributes of loyalty, family, courage and friendship. We are launching an honorable, worthwhile fight for good over evil in our world.
Our reader feedback is phenomenal, scoring a 9.03 out of 10 across all demographics. We’ve had 12-year-olds reading the book in 5 hours, and our youngest reader is 7.
Britfield & the Lost Crown
The story transports the reader — without using magic! — from the smoldering crags of Yorkshire, through the heart of England, and finally to the magnificent shores of Dover. Creating an interactive world of mystery and adventure, culture and education, Britfield presents a real-world that children can relate to. This fresh approach entertains the reader with accurate geography, history, architecture and culture throughout the exciting story.
The School Book Tour is my way to both promote the book and influence the minds of students in grades 5–7. This is the age group that most identifies with the book, though it’s certainly well-liked by all generations. We’ve discovered that 55 percent of our books sold are read by adults, and our oldest reader is a great-grandmother of 93 years old.
We’ve also designed a study guide that teachers love, and it’s free. We offer both a mainstream and a faith-focused study guide with devotionals based on the novel’s themes. The guide is ideal for homeschool parents, too.
Focus on creativity
Creativity is the focus of my talks at school assemblies, including a PowerPoint presentation showing relatable cultural illustrations young people easily connect with and experience in the real world. In the next 16 months, I will visit more than 40 states and 400 schools, talking to nearly 25,000 students. The first leg to 16 states in the West and Midwest is underway and will be completed in December.
I’m re-educating students and teachers about the importance of creativity to career success and a well-balanced life. The students are curious about the book but are always in awe of the power of creativity. We’re making a difference in their lives.
Awards and recognition
I mentioned awards, and there are plenty. Consider these: CIPA EVVY Book Awards: 1st Place Juvenile Fiction; American Fiction Award: 1st Place; 2019 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards: 1st Place; Book Excellence Award: Chanticleer (5 out of 5); Kids Buzz (5 out of 5); Story Monsters (Excellence in Literature): Readers’ Favorite (5 out of 5); Award-Winning Finalist in Children’s Fiction, 2019 International Book Awards; and, as I mentioned, countless glowing reviews from students.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Rowling’s first book, sold in excess of 120 million copies. The eight movies alone have grossed over $7.7 billion dollars, not including sales of DVDs, VOD and other products.
There is a suggestion that the organization behind Harry Potter is in fact behind the current publicity about the book being banned. Maybe. But we can play that way, too.
God has given each of us talents and the ability to be creative. We have a great team of 8-10 professionals helping with planning, marketing, school visits, awards and more. We have high goals. And most important, our team is composed of entirely Bible-believing Christians.
Round Two in the battle for the minds of our young people has a new champion wearing white: Britfield & the Lost Crown.
Britfield Is More Than a Book — It’s a Movement!
C.R. Stewart of San Diego is 20-year veteran of film and media production, a global strategist, an international marketing expert and an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University. He is a prolific writer, producer and creativity specialist who has seen firsthand the dramatic decline in creative problem-solving and human ingenuity. For more information visit britfield.com.