Johnny Lazarus is the hero and main character in the Johnny Lazarus Series. He Is your typical, all-American 12 year old…or is he? Johnny likes to skateboard, ride bikes, play sports and video games, or just hang with his friends. Like all 12 year olds, he struggles to fit in and tries not to embarrass himself in front of his peers. In all, Johnny makes it through life’s challenges with an uncanny confidence fueled by his faith in God and the encouragement of his family and friends. He isn’t perfect and makes mistakes but learns from every adventure and you’ll find yourself cheering for him. Go, Johnny go!

Henry Garcia is 12 years old and one of Johnny’s closest two friends. He is shorter in stature and a bit on the plump side, but that doesn’t slow him down at all. Henry is excitable, wears his heart on his sleeve, speaks his mind, and gets in your face whether you want him to or not. All of which Johnny knows will serve him well in his Christian life someday; a day Johnny longs for. But, for now, his tirades are classic if not legendary, his antics are comical and his sarcasm is sharp. His friendship to Johnny, however, is even sharper. Johnny knows Henry can be high maintenance but also knows Henry has his back…a fair trade.

Richie Atwood is also 12 years old and the other great friend of Johnny’s. Together with Henry, they form a trio that is the center of most episodes. They also form a bond that can be tested at times but never severed. Unlike Henry, Richie is more level-headed and a bit more of a thinker in times of trouble. This is an attribute that will come in quite handy once Richie decides to fully live his life for Jesus. Richie is always close to a great decision about his faith in God but tends to let his “everything logical” mindset get in the way of true faith. He enjoys, like the others, surfing big waves but differs in longing to surf the internet daily as well. He does not consider himself a computer nerd though he has two in his room on all the time. Richie may have a different and more settling approach to life, but that doesn’t take away from his antics and friendship with Johnny for which he matches Henry toe-to-toe.

Summer Breeze is exactly what her name implies. She is warm, soothing, gentle and welcome at any time. She brightens up any room she walks into with her charm, beauty and genuine charm. There is nothing phony or uppity about her. Her caring attitude is remarkable and commendable in this day and age. She is also 12 years old and Johnny’s next door neighbor since they were both tiny tots. Their friendship is special and their window-to-window talks help Johnny make sense of whatever situation he is dealing with at the time. Her faith in Jesus is strong and it challenges Johnny in a friendly and humbling way. She causes Johnny to continually examine his own beliefs by remaining steady in her own. We could all use a warm Summer Breeze in our lives!