North Texas author begins trek to schools in bookmobile with faith-based literacy
DALLAS – Trinity Basin Preparatory became the first school for author Franklin Edwards to test out his bookmobile. The 24-year-old has written 16 faith-based books in three years.
"I was always told I was good at writing, but I never really envisioned myself being an author," Edwards said. "I never knew how to write a book or where to get started, but when people keep telling you you're good at something, I take it as a sign."
Edwards, known as "Franklin the Helper," sells his books for $10, mentors young authors, and does speaking engagements. He is now adding "The Franklinmobile" to his arsenal.
"I had a bookstore, but I wanted to go to the community and not wait for the community to come to me," Edwards said. "Sitting in a mall in a bookstore, you have to wait and hope people come to you."
On Thursday, he parked his first iteration of the bookmobile in front of the West Ledbetter school, set up a makeshift library, and read two of his books to elementary school students. There are plans to get a colorful wrap for the vehicle.
"Any way that God can bless me to be a blessing in others' lives, I try to take advantage. I don't try to say no to any reading opportunities or anywhere I can affect a kid's life positively," Edwards said.
Principal Dr. Rufus Johnson said reading scores were challenging when he arrived at Trinity Basin Preparatory. Tenacity toward achievement, he said, helps change that negative into a positive.
"Our reading levels have increased significantly," Johnson said.
He said community partners like Edwards inspire students to reach mantras like "Do more. Expect more. Be more."
Kayden Boyd, a school ambassador, is proof. The 14-year-old said he's a talker with confidence, but that's now.
"When I was in sixth grade, that was my first year here, my confidence in reading was not good. I didn't like talking," Boyd said.
Boyd admits that his improvement could still use enhancement between video games and committing to reading.
"Discipline to be able to read in and out of school, to read books at home to help my confidence with reading," Boyd said.
Johnson said the possibilities for his students always start inside the pages of a book, especially in a community where the kids could confront crime and challenges on the homefront each day.
"We are the hub of this community. We are a place of peace for our students, for learning, for guidance," Johnson said. "And Ledbetter loves better."
Edwards is already talking about coming back to the school. He said his goal is always to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through his books and infuse light into students he meets.