13-Year-Old Author Shares Inspiring Tale With Manchester Students

(Kyle Dixon III signs copies of his book for students at Manchester Township Elementary School. The 13-year-old special needs student became a published author. Photos courtesy Manchester Township Schools)

When Kyle Dixon III was in fourth grade, he struggled to write a complete sentence.

Now the 13-year-old from Cherry Hill, who is a special needs student, has an inspiring story to tell, after becoming a published author.

Dixon shared that story recently with third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at Manchester Township Elementary School, of his journey from special needs student to published author.

“Staff and students were mesmerized and deeply touched by his remarkable adventure,” according to a news release from the district.

Dixon’s book, ”Jay Bubblebee, The Bee Who Started It All,” has sold more than 6,000 copies. It tells the story of a 10-year-old bee named Jay who was born with bubbles instead of wings. Instead of getting discouraged, Jay finds his own path and becomes an entrepreneur.

“His family-centered story teaches life lessons of fighting adversity, celebrating commitment, courage, strength and perseverance,” the news release notes.

Manchester Township Elementary School Principal Linda Waldron said Dixon generously donated books to students and staff so that everyone had their own copy for his visit. The money he made over the summer selling this own books had given him the ability to ‘Pay it Forward’ and make a difference in the lives of others, she said.

“Mrs. Peck’s third-graders read his book prior to the visit and created an alternate ending as a language arts writing activity,” Waldron said. “They shared their endings in a special meeting with Kyle after his speaking engagement and he happily took them with him to read and maybe even someday use in future writings.”

Dixon told the audience that children do not have to wait until they are older to accomplish great things, they can do it at any age. His story encourages children to open their eyes to the world of possibilities, and inspires them to create their own path.

“Kyle’s speed signing of every child’s donated book was a culminating activity that sparked the interests of our students,” Waldron said. “Kyle shared that his new book will be out before the summer and you can bet that the MTES students will be running to the bookstores to get their copy.”

Bonnie Forrester, basic skills teacher at Manchester Elementary, learned about Dixon and his book from one of her friends over the summer, and arranged for him to visit the school.

“A great day of learning life lessons was had by all,” district officials said. “Always remember…‘Believe in yourself, because we believe in you!’ ”

Dixon’s book is available for purchase on Amazon.

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