Dustin C. Kinard has turned his real-world travels into a critically acclaimed middle grade fantasy series that’s earning recognition from international literary organizations. Writing under the imprint Dock and Queen Press, Kinard has published two books that blend cultural education with the kind of adventure stories that keep young readers turning pages past bedtime.
The series has accumulated an impressive collection of honors, including the International Impact Award, the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, and the Literary Titan Book Award. For an independent author-publisher targeting the competitive 7-13 age group, that kind of recognition signals something resonating with both young readers and the adults who select books for them.
Writing What You Know, Literally
What sets Kinard’s approach apart in the crowded middle grade market is his commitment to grounding fantasy in authenticity. Rather than constructing imaginary worlds from whole cloth, his middle grade adventure books draw directly from places he’s actually been and cultures he’s personally experienced. It’s a methodology that adds texture to the storytelling—the kind of specific details that come only from firsthand observation.
This isn’t just entertainment for entertainment’s sake. Kinard structures his narratives to teach readers about different cultures while delivering the action and wonder that define good fantasy. For parents and educators increasingly focused on diverse, globally-minded content for young readers, that dual purpose makes the books functional beyond simple enjoyment.
Building a Series One Book at a Time
The author has found his audience through a traditional series approach—building momentum with each release. With two books already published and a third planned, Kinard is following the proven model of middle grade success: give readers characters they want to follow across multiple adventures.
The target demographic extends beyond just the children reading the books. Kinard’s work reaches parents, grandparents, and teachers—the gatekeepers who actually make purchasing decisions for this age group. That multi-generational appeal is crucial in children’s literary publishing, where one enthusiastic adult can put a book into the hands of dozens of young readers.
What Comes Next
With two award-winning books establishing his reputation and a third installment in development, Kinard is building what every series author hopes for: anticipation. Young readers who’ve connected with his culturally-grounded adventures now have something to wait for, while the awards provide credibility for new readers just discovering the series.
In an industry where many middle grade authors struggle to break through the noise, Kinard’s strategy of combining personal travel experience with fantasy storytelling for young readers has created a distinctive niche. The awards validate the approach. The planned third book suggests he’s just getting started.