The true story might come from the idea of abandoned amusement parks which often have a spooky and desolate feel. These places can be a breeding ground for urban legends, and 'Willy's Wonderland' could have drawn from such real - life ideas.
Yes, it is said to be loosely based on real events. There are some real - life inspirations that might have led to the creation of the story, but it also has a lot of fictional elements added for the horror and entertainment aspects.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read this novel. But generally, it might be about the experiences of the janitor's son, perhaps his life in the shadow of his father's job, his relationships at school or in the neighborhood, and his own dreams and struggles.
The school janitor is often an unsung hero. They are the ones who keep the school clean and tidy. They wake up early to sweep the hallways, clean the classrooms, and empty the trash bins. Without them, the school would be a mess.
A janitor in a sci - fi Chicago could be a key character. They might discover a secret alien technology hidden in the sewers or abandoned buildings. For example, while cleaning an old, decrepit skyscraper, they stumble upon a device that can manipulate time. This discovery could set off a chain of events that involve the city's government, scientists, and shadowy organizations all vying for control of this powerful device.
Since I haven't read it, I can only guess. Obviously, the janitor's boy is likely to be a main character. His father, the janitor, would probably also be an important character.
One possible fictional detective who was a janitor is in the mystery series 'The Unsung Sleuth'. In this story, the main character, Detective Mark, starts off as a janitor before solving complex cases.