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He thought it was  
    just a dream . . .

Alone in the graveyard that both invites and frightens him, October Christian Moore closes his eyes to sleep and finds himself trapped in a world of his own memories—joyful, thrilling, and haunting. A shadow lurks at the edge of his mind, hunting him, relentless and patient. He’s been running for years, but now the darkness reaches out, and there may be no escape.


A powerful illustrated young adult fiction novel that resonates with both teen and adults  navigating grief, loss, and the search for hope.  The Fight to Forward explores what it means to face fear, survive loss, and keep moving forward even when darkness follows close behind.


Praise for
The Fight to Forward

For all ages

*****

“The authors weave a story of a young man processing grief mixed with guilt. They move his story arc toward redemption. While October initially embodies the suffering of being consumed by grief, his story is not finished. In The Fight to Forward, these young authors, wiser than their years, enlighten a path of healing that allows October to create something good and beautiful with grief and loss, a story for all readers of all ages.”


-Alicia Pfahler, Licensed Mental Health Counselor working with families processing grief


Hopeful Journey

*****

Haunting, heartfelt, and imaginative, this novel pulls you into a dreamscape where grief has claws and memory has a pulse. The Fight to Forward is a hopeful journey through love, loss, and the monsters we overcome to survive.                                                        

Mindy Kiker,
Flourish Writers

Beautiful Picture of Healing

*****

“This book is a beautiful picture of one young man's inner journey to healing amidst devastating grief and loss. Written in a way that captures a young reader's attention and articulates the tumultuous grieving process, The Fight to Forward brings a reader through the complex emotional landscape of losing a loved one.”


-Lauren Duncan, Children’s Ministry Director,

Mosaic Church Austin

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Like a magic carpet floating through the sky, each chapter carries you through a creative dreamscape, offering glimpses over the edge into the heartrending experience of sibling loss.


Through powerful illustrations of the lingering pangs of loss and manifold faces of grief, The Fight to Forward ends on a hopeful note: while grief after loss will always remain, forward movement is possible.


Kate Motaung, Author of Letters to Grief,
2025 ECPA Christian Book Award Winner

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About the authors

Seven homeschoolers. One blank page. Countless dreams.

We started this novel with a tie-breaker vote and a wild idea: a kid named October running through dreams, carrying grief, courage, and family on his back. Months of sketches, edits, and late-night brainstorming transformed chaos into a story. Along the way, we became October C. Moore—the ghostwriters behind The Fight to Forward.


Seven voices. One story. Endless adventure.


We are October C. Moore and this is just the beginning.

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What readers are saying

From teens to adults, readers describe The Fight to Forward as a powerful illustrated grief story that offers hope, healing, and comfort through loss.“This is more than a story. It’s an experience—one that lingers and resonates, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, we are not alone."

“This story follows October, a troubled and lonely boy, as he navigates grief after the loss of his sister, Josie-Mae. Through a series of vivid dreamscapes and memories, he revisits their bond, struggles to change the past, and ultimately comes to terms with her death. At its core, the book is about sibling love, loss, and the journey toward acceptance and healing.”


- A Fight to Forward Fan

“This story felt so authentic and emotionally grounded. Moments that showed Josie-Mae as a safe and comforting presence for October, especially given his struggles at school and lack of friendships, helped solidify their connection. Seeing that she was the person he looked forward to coming home to made their relationship feel genuine and meaningful.”


- A Grateful Reader

“I was hooked in the opening sequence with the anticipation of meeting the new baby sister. I felt the emotional weight of Tober's grief when he came to Josie-Mae's grave, and I loved the broadening perspective that came when Tober recognized that he was not the only one who had loved and lost Josie.”


- Lauren B. from Texas

“Each dream scene is filled with emotion and imaginative detail. The writing kept me curious, drawing me forward and making it hard to put down. I’m incredibly impressed by how The Fight to Forward was brought to life by seven talented young illustrators and writers—together creating a story that is deeply moving.”


-Lisa Renshaw, Blu DoveDesigns

“I immensely enjoyed The Fight to Forward, an entrancing and interesting tale woven from reality that is meticulously told, ineffable, and heart-rending—in a good way. I loved that the authors took real events from their lives to put into this novel. It’s extra special when authors put their lives and experiences into a heartfelt story. ”


- Margaret S., 7th grader from Mississippi

"Emotions aren't good or bad, they just are. Through the story of October, these teen authors help us connect with the power of staying present to big emotions. We're cheering for October in the final chapter when he lets reality sink in and accepts what is true."


- Christina Woodall, Wander Ponder Learning

I enjoyed reading The Fight to Forward! The final
chapter was emotionally engaging because I could sympathize with October's feelings. It was well written to show those emotions. These authors did a great job writing this novel, and they should be proud of what they accomplished!


- Sophia K., 11th grader from Kentucky

When grief becomes the monster, facing it is the only way forward.

May 15 
Antioch Baptist Church
KBCH Student Showcase

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