Author’s name: Jake Lockett
Illustrator’s name: Adriana Predoi
What is your upcoming book title? My Life as an Asthmanaut: A book about asthma
Date of release: April 14, 2026
Preorder or Order link: https://bookshop.org/a/115186/9798885547970 or https://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Asthmanaut-asthma-Disability/dp/B0FDK1N9M5/
Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing
Agent: None, but trying to find one!
Hometown: New Millport, Pennsylvania
Social links: Website: https://jakelockettauthor.wixsite.com/jakelockettauthor (I’m currently working to secure a domain, so this link may change)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579400802919
@jlockettauthor1.bsky.social
1. What is the premise/pitch for your book?
When an asthma attack occurs, Jacob feels like an astronaut floating off to outer space― with an empty air tank. Sometimes outer space is lonely―Jacob can’t always join his family and friends when they exercise or play outside during allergy season. But he has tools to manage his asthma. He stays calm as he reaches for his inhaler to refill his air tank. He counts to 10 and comes back down to earth, where he can breathe easily, surrounded by people who love him. And when Jacob sees someone else who’s low on air, he helps them find solid ground, too.
2. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?
- It’s designed to help fellow “asthmanauts” find reassurance and hope in living with asthma by reminding them that they are not alone and can strive to do anything. Essentially, I made a book I wish I had as a kid.
- It was influenced by my experiences with asthma. Other chronic illnesses informed my writing here, too, like my PET (Patulous Eustachian Tube). It’s a rare ear disorder that makes me sensitive to loud sounds and sometimes
even the sound of my voice. When I got diagnosed with it as an adult, I had to make many lifestyle changes while staying aware of the environment around me. Not being able to do the activities I could before would sometimes make me feel lonely or isolated. - The three sisters you see in the book are based on my real-life sisters: Madalyn, Maggie, and Holly. My youngest sister, Holly, also has asthma. The book is dedicated to her.
- I chose an astronaut metaphor for the story because I love space-themed films and TV shows.
- My book is part of Free Spirit’s Disability Books for Kids series, which also includes More Than What Eyes See by Miso Kwak, Uncommonly Curious, Eternally Autistic by Rasha Hamid, I Spark Like Lightning by Jenna Elyse Johnson, Tic-errific Me by Alicia Meyers, Curious Mind and Dancing Feet by Melinda Gonzalez, and Why Are the Numbers All Jumbled? by Korie
Leigh.
3. What helpful hints or tips can you offer fellow writers about writing, publishing, and promoting a book?
Because the publishing industry is so unpredictable, I suggest staying persistent in everything that you do. Always try to move forward in the face of discouragement and setbacks.
4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?
- I’m a Star Wars super fan. In my opinion, there are no bad Star Wars films. Even the less-than-great ones have an entertainment value of some kind.
- I love to do LEGO builds, but I prefer following the directions rather than making creations from scratch. Just think of the chaos!
- I enjoy making up voices and doing impressions. My Fozzie Bear is pretty fire.
- One of my hobbies is submitting fan questions. Two of my Twitter questions actually got answered on Rebels Recon, a behind-the-scenes program for the Star Wars Rebels TV show. Rebels Recon was later added to the bonus features of the Star Wars Rebels Season 1 DVD, so I’ve been featured in Star Wars merch for over a decade!
- Some of my film review letters have been read live on BBC Radio.
5. What did you learn about yourself while on the journey to publishing this book?
That if you really put your mind (and heart) into something you want or care about, you can achieve anything in this world!
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