The Amazing Captain K

By Christine E. Schulze

A nonverbal girl and a boy in a rocket-powered wheelchair go on a zany outer space adventure in this picture book celebrating diversity and special needs!

Kane and Kaylee, the notorious "K" pirates, fly their magic ship all over outer space looking for star sparkles and food. LOTS of food. So when their ship crash lands on a moon made of candy, you'd think they were in heaven.

But someone else has landed there too: Claire and her crew of "C" pirates. Claire isn't willing to share so much as a single peppermint with anyone, certainly not with pirates whose names start with "K."

However, not all of Claire's crew feels the same way. With the help of the inventive Cash, can Kane and Kaylee show Claire that being different isn't all that bad—that in fact, being different can be downright amazing?

Join the "C" and "K" crews on their crazy space adventure to find out!

The Amazing Captain K was inspired by the author's work with adults who have autism and other special needs. This book celebrates people of all abilities, including those who are nonverbal, speak with sign language, or use a wheelchair. Twenty-five percent of all profits from this book goes to ALFA, a charity helping adults with autism in Southern Illinois live fuller and more abundant lives. This book is an updated version of The Amazing K.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christine E. Schulze
• Release date: Oct 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005901370

Christine E. Schulze

Christine E. Schulze has been living in castles, exploring magical worlds, and creating fantastical romances and adventures since she was too young to even write of such stories. Her collection of YA, MG, and children's fantasy adventure books, The Amielian Legacy, is comprised of series and stand-alone books that can all be read separately but also weave together to create a single, amazing fantasy.One of her main aspirations for The Amielian Legacy is to create fantasy adventures with characters that connect with readers from many different backgrounds. Her current focus is to include racially diverse characters and also those with disabilities. The latter is inspired by Schulze working with adults with autism and other developmental disabilities at Trinity Services in Southern Illinois. She also donates 25% of all royalties to ALFA, a local charity that supports many of Trinity’s programs.Schulze draws much of her inspiration from favorite authors like Tolkien and Diana Wynne Jones, favorite games like The Legend of Zelda, and especially from the people in her life. Some of her exciting ventures include the publication of her award-winning Bloodmaiden, as well as The Stregoni Sequence and The Chronicles of the Mira with Writers-Exchange. Her books for younger readers include In the Land of Giants and The Amazing Captain K.Christine currently lives in Belleville, IL, but you can visit her on her website:http://christineschulze.com/(Or facebook):https://www.facebook.com/Christine-E-Schulze-158265555890/?fref=ts(And there’s always Goodreads):https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3242087.Christine_E_Schulze(And of course fanmail is the best stuff ever and is greatly appreciated!):[e-mail]~ or ~18 Archview DriveBelleville, IL 62221

Book preview

The Amazing Captain K

Christine E. Schulze

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Illustrations and original cover design by Catty Flores

Revised cover art design by Laura Shinn Designs

Interior layout by Laura Shinn Designs

© 2015, 2020 all material in this book is protected by copyright.

It may not be copied, reproduced, downloaded or transmitted in any way without the author’s permission.

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DEDICATION

To my Amazing M, J, C, N, and lots of S’s.

Oh, and to my own Amazing K as well. ~ Christine

To my amazing M and H. ~ Catty

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CHAPTER ONE

"Wee!" Captain Kane shouted as his first mate, Kaylee, turned the giant steering wheel, making their flying pirate ship do a loop-the-loop. With a laugh, Kane zoomed forward in his wheelie-chair and stretched out his hand. He caught some sparkles from the shooting stars dancing all around and stuffed them in his satchel. He then peeked inside the over-flowing bag and smiled. Only ten in the morning, and already, the day’s treasure-hunting was proving to be quite successful.

Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Kane turned toward Kaylee who used her special hand dance to sign, I will drive by Blaise’s Moon to grab something to eat – I am starving!

"No, Kane said firmly, frowning and staring Kaylee straight in the eye. Adjusting his over-sized captain’s hat, he continued, I told you we’re going to Ian’s first. He has some new treasures to trade with us."

Kaylee pouted and signed, But I am so hungry.

"And I’m the captain, Kane snapped. Today’s my day to be Captain. So stop bossing me around."

Kaylee glanced at the gas gauge. We should at least stop at Saturn, she signed. Our ship is almost empty.

"No! Kane said with a stomp of his foot. I’m the captain today. We can get some gases when I’m ready for us to get some gases. Stop aggravating me, Kaylee. I’m. The. Captain..."

Kaylee rolled her eyes. I know you’re the captain... She made her signs now with larger, more dramatic gestures. But that doesn’t mean you have to argue about everything. As they zoomed past Saturn, she glanced with longing at the colorful clouds of gas surrounding the ringed planet. Then, she glanced back at the gas gauge. Biting her lip, she looked more worried still and gave Kane an irritated glare.

Kane opened his mouth to remind her for the