Actor, Writer, Singer, Teacher, Coach, Renaissance Man

Jesse and the Caterpillar Who Got Its Wings

 

 

Everybody’s loving critically acclaimed and internationally award winning author, Aaron Braxton's, Jesse and the Caterpillar Who Got Its Wings! A deeply moving, middle-grade, coming-of-age, children's novel, about discovering what's inside the mind of a precocious African American boy searching for greatness.

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Nominated for two RSJ Awards, Jesse, a rambunctious, 5th grade loner, has an emotional intelligence and imagination that has always made him appear awkward. An “everyman,” with ever-changing mood and grace, he develops a bond with the beautiful and infinitely more popular Khalilah that only tragedy can tear apart.

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Using the shape shifting metamorphosis of caterpillars – from craving, crawling, earthbound creatures, to graceful winged beauties – it is a powerful story about life, love and faith that becomes more emotionally driven with each turning page.

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"The book is so pure," says Hollywood Writer/Dir., Tim Chey, "I read it in ONE sitting and absolutely LOVED IT! It's as fascinating as it is valuable.”

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"Finally an African American author has the insight to write about the emotional challenges and depth of young African American males! This book is brilliant!"

Westley Blake, Middle School Teacher

 

Bold, beautiful, perceptive and raw, this transcendent work, takes you on a journey through the subconscious of an insightful, seldom read about, African American boy, whose saving grace is talking to himself. The story will make you laugh, cry and question, “When the age of innocence is lost, how do you rebuild what remains?”

 

Jesse is a hero for all times, ages and cultures. One who proves, “When there’s greatness inside you, who says you can’t fly.”

 

*Academic Language and Common Core Standards aligned.

 

**Also available in Ebook, Audiobook and Large Print formats!

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JESSE and the CATERPILLAR WHO GOT ITS WINGS explores themes of self-esteem, friendship, family, heartbreak, hope, life and loss––while still maintaining a greater sense of humor and a deeper sense of purpose.

 

"I wrote this novel to represent the inner hopes, dreams and aspirations of African American boys and other kids of color, who, all too often, do not see themselves fully actualized in literature. There are a lot of books that tell amazing stories. Unfortunately, many of them use African American characters as afterthoughts and do not involve the emotionally, complex, subconscious minds of kids from diverse communities. I was divinely inspired to change that narrative in meaningful and authentic ways."

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            **SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS AND EDUCATORS

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Infused with Academic Language and aligned with Common Core Standards, the book utilizes real-world connections to assist children in mastering the language necessary to successfully engage in school. Although mastering Academic Language is challenging for many children, it is especially challenging for children of diverse communities who may experience limited exposure outside the educational system.

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This can also be challenging for parents who may sometimes feel unsure of what reading materials are engaging, meaningful, and professionally aligned with Common Core Standards.

 

Immersed with Academic Language, this book is as relevant as it is important in building self-esteem and allowing both boys and girls the opportunity to recognize their own greatness. It's a modern release with the timeless beauty of a classic.

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JESSE and the CATERPILLAR WHO GOT ITS WINGS, seeks to break down barriers by leveling the playing field so that all children have the opportunity to read about diverse groups of people. It also seeks to expose the essential pedagogical language necessary for their success.

 

By giving children the opportunity and tools necessary to make authentic connections from the comfort and protection of their own home, environment or classroom, this book becomes a valuable resource for teachers, parents, and those who homeschool their kids.

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