PHOTO | KEN KOONTZ

Children’s book author Derrin Gleaton reads “You Can Be Fly’ to young fans Dec. 31 at Archive book store in northwest Charlotte.

Charlotte’s new northwest specialty coffee shop hosted a recent children’s book reading by African American author Derrin Gleaton to a full house of mostly Black children accompanied by their parents.  

The one-hour session at Archive on Dec. 31 was the brainchild of shop owner Cheryse Terry, whose collaboration with Gleaton had a special purpose: to show children that they can achieve whatever goals they set for themselves and become whatever they want to be.

That was the theme of Gleaton’s book, “You Can Be Fly,” about a caterpillar that wants to be a butterfly. Terry described the audience as being mesmerized and in awe as he thrilled them with various movements and word emphasis to describe and make certain points around the book’s storyline.

Gleaton is by profession a bow tie designer and promoter of specialty ties that focus on prostate cancer. He partners with various groups and organizations to promote prostate health awareness and positive lifestyle actions intended to encourage men, especially African Americans, to greater awareness.

Why the transition to writing children’s books? Gleaton developed that passion to help his older son’s educational achievement levels and his overall desire to leave a legacy for his boys. The 31-year-old father says he recognized that his older son, Derrick Jr., is an excellent artist with academic strength in math but weakness in reading.

Coupled with his desire to write, Gleaton embarked on a children’s book to help his son’s reading skill.

“It was an honor to be here at Archive,” Gleaton said. “Yes, we sold some books onsite and online. But the biggest benefit wasn’t sales. It was the expression of the children and the appreciation and respect of parents that they showed me.”

Said Terry: “Derrick is welcome here at Archive anytime, and we are likely going to do something like this again.”

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