A spellbinding storyteller of high adventure, Ben has walked the Great Wall of China, hiked in Tibet, and climbed to 18,000 feet on Mt. Everest. And recently learned to surf in Hawaii.

Ben is active in SCBWI and a member of a local children’s writing critique group. He tells his stories to children in the local elementary schools through the Spellbinders national organization.

He began writing for children in 2008 and has completed picture books, middle grade and young adult stories. Stories that inspire and educate, and, most of all, entertain. Other publications include The Hunt and The Trestle, young adult short stories.

Reviewed by Rita V for Readers' Favorite

"The Boy Who Flew With Eagles" is an inspiring and soulful children’s book written by Ben Woodard. As Naa’ki is enjoying the beautiful scenery of the great salt water lake, a giant mother eagle swoops down and snatches him away. Naa’ki must find his inner strength and courage to survive in the eagle’s nest. He wittingly makes a deal with the eagle that she cannot resist. Naa’ki grows stronger each day and learns to bond with his eagle brothers and gain respect and trust from mother eagle. As his brothers prepare to leave the nest and learn to fly, Naa’ki also realizes that he has grown as a human being and is ready to soar also. He works diligently to weave himself a pair of wings so that he too may soar with the eagles. Will Naa’ki be able to let his spirit soar above the great salt lake and accomplish his dream? Will he go back to his people, help them find food and prepare for winter? As Naa’ki grows wiser, he must make the ultimate choice to stay with the eagles or return to his people.

Ben Woodard writes a very compelling and meaningful story in "The Boy Who Flew With Eagles". The cover is beautifully illustrated and captivating, which pulled me into the book immediately. The chapters are very easy to comprehend for grade school children and the message is heartwarming. As Naa’ki, the young Native American boy, comes to age, he must make life-altering decisions, use his wit, and find strength to survive. Woodard brings us into the Native Culture with myths and legends of the animals, the elements and brilliant use of imagery. This book is fast paced, full of excitement and entwines nature with culture. The reader is able to grow with Naa’ki in his soulful journey where he must learn to make new friends, gain loyalty and respect, and stay truthful to himself. Any school-aged child will absolutely fall in love with Naa’ki and his empowering adventures!