(WXYZ) – From being an Eagle Scout to an A-level student and even a gifted drummer, Grant Harrison has plenty to be proud of, but for the 17-year-old, his greatest accomplishment is writing a best-selling children’s book.
“People in the community have reached out to me to tell me how inspiring it was and how literally they cried reading it, and I think that’s a lot more important than I thought,” said Grant Harrison, best-selling author on Amazon.
“Will You Be My Friend” takes readers back to when Grant took part in a school talent show, thrilled to show off his drumming skills but overwhelmed by his battle with Asperger’s Syndrome.
“I had anxiety and turmoil and…so it’s all about getting through it all with the help of your friends and family and persevering,” Grant said.
And with the support of his family, especially his mother, Grant continues to face challenges.
“I think I interpret a lot of things differently, like the world around me differently, like I think of different solutions, or I think of different ways to solve a problem, so it’s like deviating from what most people do,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the literary world, with more than 500 books sold since April 1, critics are also giving it a boost. As for which part of the book touches home, Grants says it’s the second page.
“It’s my mom telling me, ‘You’re a very special person, you should always remember that. And remember there’s nothing we can’t handle together,'” Grant said. .
Grant plans to write more books in the future, but with a scholarship from Oakland University, for now, he’s excited to pursue computer science and music.
“My husband and I are thrilled at this point. Because it shows Grant that you set goals, that you dream big, that you can achieve them,” said Tracy Harrison, Grant’s mother.
‘Do you want to be my friend? Based on a True Story Through the Eyes and Ears of Autism’ is available on Amazon for paperback and ebook.