Chandler, AZ - December 15, 2025 - Press 49 is proud to announce that “What’s Worrying Darwin?”, the heartfelt and timely children’s book by Chandler, Arizona, residents, Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins and Parker Hawkins, has been awarded First Place in The BookFest® Fall 2025 Awards in the category of Children’s Fiction – Diversity & Multicultural.
This recognition highlights the book’s powerful contribution to children’s literature, particularly its role in advancing conversations about friendship, empathy, and neurodiversity among young readers.
“What’s Worrying Darwin?” follows Darwin, a curious and frustrated 9-year-old who cannot understand why his new classmate, Bethany, behaves in ways he finds confusing. As he attempts to make sense of her differences, the story gently guides young readers toward a deeper appreciation of autism spectrum differences, encouraging compassion, open-mindedness, and self-reflection.
Co-author Parker Hawkins is a student at Santan Elementary School, a part of Chandler Unified School District in Chandler, Arizona, bringing an authentic child’s perspective to the story, while his co-author and mom,Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins, guides the narrative with professional publishing experience.
Rooted in the realities of today’s classrooms, where children encounter an increasingly diverse spectrum of personalities and neurotypes, the book resonates with families, teachers, and caregivers who are eager to foster inclusive conversations early in a child’s development.
“Winning this award affirms the importance of storytelling that helps children understand one another,” said Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins, co-author and founder of Press 49. “We wrote this book to help kids navigate real-life situations with empathy, and we are honored that The BookFest recognizes its impact.”
In addition to its engaging narrative, the book includes resources for parents and educators, offering guidance on discussing autism and neurodiversity in a way that is accessible, supportive, and age-appropriate.
About the Book
Title: What’s Worrying Darwin?
Authors: Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins and Parker Hawkins
Publisher: Press 49
Themes: Friendship, neurodiversity, empathy, understanding autism, and self-discovery
Extras: Parent and educator resources on autism and neurodiversity
The BookFest® Awards celebrate excellence in literature and storytelling, recognizing works that make a meaningful difference in the literary world. The First-Place distinction underscores the book’s relevance and its contribution to diversity-focused children’s literature.
“What’s Worrying Darwin?” is available now wherever books are sold.
For media inquiries, review copies, or to schedule interviews with the authors, please contact:
Press 49
Attn: Media Relations
4980 S. Alma School Rd., #2-493
Chandler, AZ 85248
833-PRESS49 (833-773-7749)
info@press49.com
About Press 49
Press 49 is an award-winning hybrid publishing company founded in 2019 that provides a full suite of publishing services to new non-fiction authors. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Press 49 designs, creates, and enables the distribution of high-quality trade books and eBooks to expand brands and solidify professional speakers, business coaches, real estate experts, consultants, and business owners as contenders in their industries.
Press 49 always looks for exciting new books and go-getters to join the company’s family of authors.
For more information, please visit: www.press49.com
Media Contact
Company Name: Press 49
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email: Send Email
Phone: 833-PRESS49 (833-773-7749)
Address:4980 S. Alma School Rd., #2-493
City: Chandler
State: AZ 85248
Country: United States
Website: www.press49.com