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ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN VORAKA
Article Published on 28 February 2025 by Gloria Poletti | www.vorakamag.com
The Authorship of Joseph Petraro
The Pumpkin Man vs. The Boogie Man: Joseph Petraro’s debut book, The Pumpkin Man vs. The Boogie Man, was published when he was just seven years old. This imaginative, Halloween-themed adventure follows an epic showdown between two legendary figures—the Pumpkin Man and the Boogie Man. With a vibrant and playful narrative, the story brings to life a thrilling battle filled with mystery, suspense, and humor. Petraro’s storytelling captures the essence of childhood curiosity and fear, making it an engaging read for young audiences who enjoy spooky yet fun-filled adventures.
The book's appeal lies in its creative world-building, where Halloween night becomes the stage for an unforgettable duel. The Pumpkin Man, a hero of light and autumn magic, must confront the sinister Boogie Man, who thrives in the shadows. Their confrontation is more than just a battle of good versus evil—it’s a test of courage, friendship, and resilience. With his debut, Petraro demonstrated an impressive talent for storytelling at a remarkably young age, setting the foundation for his future as an author. The book continues to be a favorite among children who love Halloween stories filled with action, fun, and a touch of the supernatural.
Buddy, My Best Friend, Moves to a Place Called Heaven: This touching and heartfelt book explores the difficult yet essential topic of loss through the eyes of a child. Written from a deeply personal perspective, Buddy, My Best Friend, Moves to a Place Called Heaven tells the story of a young boy who experiences the passing of his beloved pet, Buddy. Losing a pet can be one of the earliest encounters with grief for many children, and Petraro’s book provides a comforting narrative to help young readers process their emotions. The protagonist goes through a journey of sadness, confusion, and acceptance as he learns that Buddy is in a better place. The story gently introduces the concept of heaven, offering a sense of hope and reassurance that love never truly disappears. What makes this book so special is its ability to translate complex emotions into a simple yet powerful message: it’s okay to grieve, but love remains eternal. Through soft, compassionate storytelling, Petraro provides a resource for parents and children to have open conversations about loss. The book has resonated with many families, offering solace to those navigating the pain of saying goodbye to a beloved pet or even a loved one. Winning Book of the Year for Death and Dying, this book became a way for Joe to navigate his grief.
Whispers of Deception: Unraveling the Shadows of Willowbrook: Marking a shift toward mystery and suspense, Whispers of Deception: Unraveling the Shadows of Willowbrook showcases Joseph Petraro’s growth as a writer. This novel transports readers to the seemingly peaceful town of Willowbrook, where an ordinary suburban neighborhood hides a web of secrets. The story follows the Johnson family as they become intrigued by their new neighbors, the Thompsons. From the outside, the Thompsons appear to be a regular family, but as strange events begin occurring around them, the Johnsons start to uncover unsettling details about their past. As curiosity turns into obsession, the lines between truth and deception blur, leading to shocking revelations that shake the town’s quiet existence. With carefully crafted suspense and unexpected twists, Whispers of Deception keeps readers on edge as they piece together the mystery surrounding the Thompsons. The novel delves into themes of trust, secrecy, and the hidden darkness lurking behind closed doors. It is a representation of Petraro’s storytelling evolution, demonstrating his ability to captivate audiences with more complex narratives. This book is particularly impressive because it moves beyond children’s literature, showing Petraro’s versatility as a writer. It appeals to young adults and mystery lovers who enjoy unraveling intricate plots and engaging with thought-provoking themes.
Concert in The Sky: Joseph Petraro pours his heart into Concert in the Sky, a deeply personal tribute to his dear friend Jane. When she passed away, he struggled to process the loss of someone who had been more than a friend—she was his mentor in faith, the one person who truly understood him. In this book, Joe imagines her journey to eternal life, painting a vivid picture of Heaven where she’s welcomed with a breathtaking concert in the sky. Through his words, readers can feel the depth of her impact, the love she shared, and the legacy she left behind.
Jane’s spirit continues to shine in more ways than one. With the release of her new album—made possible with the help of Geoff Duncan—her voice lives on, filling the world with the same love, warmth, and faith she always carried.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joseph Petraro, widely known as Joe, is an extraordinary young leader, philanthropist, and advocate for inclusivity and kindness. At just 11 years old, he has already made an indelible impact on the world through his nonprofit, Joe's Be Kind Campaign: Changing the World One Act of Kindness at a Time. With a passion for fostering positive mental health, inclusivity in sports, and global humanitarian efforts, Joe embodies the spirit of compassion and change.
An exceptional student, Joe excelled academically from a young age. He was an AP Scholar in high school and a member of the student council. Now, at just 11, he is a student at Louisiana State University (LSU), majoring in Sports Management with an emphasis on Sports Leadership. His mission is to make sports accessible and enjoyable for all, ensuring inclusivity and engagement for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Through his nonprofit, Joe has launched several impactful initiatives. His Adopt-A-Grandparent Program fosters intergenerational friendships, combating loneliness and creating meaningful connections between children and the elderly. His project, Joe’s Wells for Humanity, is a global mission to provide clean water to underserved communities in developing countries. Also, his Inclusive Sports Alliance (ISA) advocates for equal opportunities in sports, championing diversity, peace, and engagement. Beyond his philanthropy, Joe is a multi-talented person. He is an accomplished actor, model, dancer, and twirler. He played the lead role in his school’s production of Oliver and actively participates in various sports, including basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, track, and karate, where he holds a black belt from Adel’s Karate Academy. Joe is also a published author with five books, including a heartfelt work dedicated to helping others process the grief of losing a pet.
Despite his incredible achievements, Joe has faced challenges, including living with Tourette’s Syndrome and experiencing bullying. Instead of letting adversity define him, he has used these experiences to fuel his advocacy for mental
health, education, and inclusion. His transparency about his struggles has made him a powerful voice for those who feel marginalized. His dedication to raising awareness about disabilities, both visible and invisible, has inspired many to embrace kindness and acceptance.
Joe’s philanthropic efforts have raised over $100,000 for various organizations, including the Nightbirde Foundation, Morgan’s Message, Be Strong, LiveOnNY, and numerous cancer support initiatives. His commitment to giving back extends to his passion for digital and online safety. In recognition of his efforts, he received the 2024 UNITY Award from PACER and the 2024 Digital Changemaker Award from Digital4Goodx#ICanHelp at NYC Google. He is also an intern for this great organization. He was honored with the Town of Hempstead’s Make a Difference Award and became the first-ever recipient of the prestigious A-List Award. Joe is also the NYS representative for Be Strong where he loves working with CEO and Chairman, Ashleigh Cromer. Working with Be Strong, he’s able to align his passions with their mission.
A devoted Boy Scout, Joe actively participates in community service and embraces the values of leadership, resilience, and kindness. His deep faith is central to his life. He serves as an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Church in Hewlett, NY, and is committed to spreading joy within his community. He also enjoys robotics, coding, and creating video games, always eager to push the boundaries of innovation.
Joe’s Haitian and Italian heritage is a significant part of his identity, and he takes pride in his family, including his loving parents, Annie and Ozzie, and his three dogs, Penny, Brady, and Gipper.
His passion for cooking rivals that of his mother’s, and he confidently claims that his pasta is even better than hers. With boundless energy, determination, and a heart full of kindness, Joseph Petraro continues to change the world, one act of kindness at a time. Whether advocating for inclusivity in sports, helping those in need, or simply making people laugh, Joe is a shining example of how one person, regardless of age, can make a lasting difference.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JOSEPH PETRARO
What inspired you to start the Be Kind Campaign, and what impact has it had so far?
Joe's Be Kind Campaign is a nonprofit I organized and created all by myself. Its mission is to foster kinder, inclusive, and connected communities that promote positive mental health and change the world for the better. The campaign includes initiatives like the Adopt-A-Grandparent Program, Inclusive Sports Alliance—Sports for All, and Joe's Wells for Humanity, all aimed at encouraging kindness and inclusivity while making a meaningful impact in people's lives.
What do you envision as the future of inclusive sports, and how does your Inclusive Sports Alliance contribute to that vision?
To continue reading the full interview, click here to download our Literature special issue.
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