“Dad, I have an idea for a book…”
One bedtime conversation became a fantasy adventure kids can't put down.
One night, at bedtime, Vaughn looked over at me and said, “Dad, I have an idea for a book.”
Instead of letting the idea fade away, we decided to start writing a few chapters for fun. Then something crazy happened. We finished a full manuscript, and the story was so fun we decided to share it with the world.
From the beginning, we had one rule:
“If a 5th grader would think it’s fun, put it in the book!”
Every chapter of Daniel the Different was written with this in mind. We took turns writing chapters, surprising each other as the story unfolded.
Today, that idea has become the Everworld Series — a fantasy adventure written by a father and daughter for kids who love to dream.
Ages 8–16 • Family friendly • 385 pages • Written by a father & daughter
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The plot twists...were so clever and completely caught me off guard in the best way!”
— Hudson, Age 14
“This is truly one of the best middle-grade fantasy novels since Percy Jackson.”
- Natasha Corrado
Shop the Series
Daniel the Different & The Unfinished Prophecy - great for readers aged 8-17 - 385 pages
Daniel the Different & The Lost Prophecy - great for readers aged 8-17 - 491 pages
Get both Daniel the Different & The Unfinished Prophecy plus Daniel the Different & The Lost Prophecy!
Bundle the books and save! Get both books in the fantasy series your kid won’t want to put down!
Great for readers aged 8-16 - 491 pages
After sealing the Darkest Being away, Daniel the Different thought Everworld was finally safe.
But when a mysterious mark appears on Mia the Mean’s arm, draining her strength and making her weaker with every passing day, Daniel realizes the darkness has returned, and it’s stronger than before.
Saving Mia means uncovering Everworld’s Lost Prophecy. But the deeper they go, the more the world begins to unravel. Time bends. The sky turns red. And the connection between Earth World and Everworld starts to break apart
The trials ahead are dangerous, and soon the power of friendship will take on a whole new meaning. As time runs out, Daniel is forced to face an impossible choice.
To defeat evil, will he have to become it?
Great for readers aged 8-16 - 385 pages
Daniel is just an ordinary boy with a very ordinary life, but one night, after another move to another new town, he wakes up in the fantastic land of Everworld - a beautiful place with talking Thunder Rats, invisible dragons, floating castles, and upside down mountains, where the only limit on the fun a kid can have is their own imagination!
When Daniel meets Mia the Mean, he discovers Everworld isn't just a dream. It's real, and it's in danger of being destroyed, forever altering life in two worlds. Now Daniel has to decide if he is willing, or even able, to help save it.
But Daniel and Mia aren't even sure what they’re fighting against or how they could possibly save Everworld. Guided by an ancient prophecy, it’s a race against the clock as the unlikely pair must uncover the enemy threatening Everworld! Along the way, they experience the magic of dreams, the power of imagination, and find out just how fun it can be to save the world!
US 99 Chicago
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Fox32 Chicago
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Chicago Sun Times
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WBEZ Chicago
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ABC7 Chicago
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Lakeview Neighbors Magazine
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As Seen On
US 99 Chicago ✳︎ Fox32 Chicago ✳︎ Chicago Sun Times ✳︎ WBEZ Chicago ✳︎ ABC7 Chicago ✳︎ Lakeview Neighbors Magazine ✳︎ As Seen On
Fox32 Chicago Interview
Vaughn and Ty joined Gabby and Anthony on Chicago Now to talk D the D!
Meet the authors
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Vaughn Thompson
Co-author
(Published at age 12)
Vaughn has always been an avid reader and loves writing, so it was only natural that when on Thanksgiving break in 5th grade, she would start writing a novel with her dad inspired by a dream world that she has imagined. She loved writing characters and dreaming up the characters within Everworld, and had even more fun writing Book 2!
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Ty Thompson
Co-author
(Debut novel, 2025)
Ty grew up loving to create and write— often writing essays or blogs for competitions, his own entertainment or for friends and family. When Vaughn said she wanted to write a book, he saw this as the perfect opportunity to share something he loves to do with someone he loves— and Daniel the Different was born.
What People Are Saying
“The plot twists...were so clever and completely caught me off guard in the best way!”
— Hudson, Age 14
“A truly phenomenal read that will have you on the edge of your seat… Absolutely excellent!”
— Anonymous
…imaginative and full of life..
— HH, Age 14
“I’ve already read it 3 times!”
— Lilah, Age 12
“You won’t be disappointed.”
“Imagine a story set in the world of fifth graders, with shades of Alice in Wonderland, Willy Wonka, and the challenge of discovering your true gift.
“…having just finished (Daniel the Different), I am stunned by the power of this story. I suspect that this book is destined to become great. It's funny and light-hearted, fast-paced, and heartwarming all at once.
-JB Heaton
US99 Interview
Vaughn and Ty joined radio hosts Melissa and Austin of US99, Chicago.
“Must read 🏆.
A riveting and imaginative story boasting immersive creativity as well as wholesome themes of friendship, trust and bravery”.
-Reedsy.com
How they do it.
The idea.
The process.
The fun.
It all began when Vaughn said, “Dad, I have a great idea for book…”
Ty had noticed that she was bringing home some really impressive writing samples as a 4th grader with captivating storylines and interesting characters full of depth. So, over one cold Chicago Thanksgiving break, when the family had played all the games and crafted all of the crafts, Ty said, “Hey, what if we write that book of yours?”
Ty wrote chapter one, Vaughn followed with chapter two, and they just kept going and going, building a world and an adventure with engaging characters, magical creatures, and storylines built around one rule: If a 5th grader will think it’s fun, put it in the book!
This approach keeps them continually engaged in the story and inspired by where the other is taking it. In the end, they weave the story together with goals on where each chapter should end and then edit together. Vaughn says it’s the best because “it’s like reading a book and writing a book at the same time!”
Get in touch.
Vaughn and Ty love to share their story with others and help encourage others to go on a journey of creative discovery of their own.
For all inquiries (press, school visits, interviews, other), please fill out the form and they’ll get back to you within a few days.