Megan Joy Chapman

Megan Joy Chapman is a dancer, writer, and mixed media artist. Through creative expression, she aims to inspire the next generation to discover their unique identity in Christ, encounter His presence, and serve Him with passion. Megan lives on the Big Island of Hawaii where she and her husband Keith make their home.

Megan began writing Lion Heart & Alessio as a gift for her family. Since they spanned the globe from Hawaii, Boston, and Greece, she wanted to find a way for them to stay connected. Megan especially wanted to encourage her two skateboarding nephews, who inspired the main characters, and show them that God has an amazing destiny and unique purpose for their lives. She also wanted to inspire family members to fly in God’s power. In other words, to not just to believe in God, but to be the fearless warriors He created us to be. That’s where the idea for two superheroes flying on their skateboards was born.

The plan was to share the first book at a Boston family reunion in the summer of 2008. But the day before her 12-year-old nephew—one of the heroes of the book— was to leave Greece to meet the family in Boston, he was struck by a car and died.

In her grief, Megan thought she misunderstood the purpose for writing the book. The story she had prayed would bring encouragement to her family might now be a slap in the face. The families reunion turned into a time of mourning. But after much prayer, God clarified to Megan that her nephew’s death was the real reason she was telling the tale. More than that, God could use it not just for her family, but for anyone who has suffered.

As the series developed, it became a testimony about believing God’s promises and overcoming fears and doubts—no matter what the circumstances. Megan’s prayer is that God will use her books to reach out to youth and their families, showing them the way to salvation. She recommends that her series be used as a read-aloud with parents or teachers so sensitive topics can be discussed. Discussion questions and coloring pages are available by request on her website: www.meganjoychapman.com. You can also connect on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/lionheartandalessio or www.facebook.com/meganjoychapman.