Elliot Lohn asked Rick Riordan:

I started reading your books in 4th grade, and since I was super sheltered and live in a small town, Alex Fierro was the first queer character I read. They helped me figure out who I am, and I probably wouldn't be around if that character didn't show me it was okay to be different. Did you make that character for that reason? To make kids that are different feel safe and understood?

Rick Riordan I am glad you enjoyed the books and Alex Fierro in particular. My hope is always to help different kids feel seen, safe and understood, right back to the Lightning Thief which was about giving my son a hero with learning differences to make him feel better about himself. I've taught just about every kind of kid you can imagine over the years, including trans kids, and I try to make characters that they will feel good about and relate to. Being a kid is tough enough. Being a 'different' kid is even harder. Each character doesn't always work or connect with each individual reader, but that is the goal!

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