Previously sold under the title Jessie

Winner of the 2014 Winner of the Patrick D Smith Literary Award for Florida authors, 2014 Grace Award, and a 2014 Shelf Unbound Notable Indie Book

The journey to space begins with a dream, but for Jessie Cole, that dream is under constant threat from the harsh realities of life at home. Set against the backdrop of America’s Space Race, this coming-of-age story introduces readers to a boy who dares to dream big—even as his world crumbles around him.

It’s 1961, and when 10-year-old Jessie watches Alan Shepherd become the first American astronaut, he makes a promise to himself: one day, he’ll ride one of those rockets. Yet, with a father whose drinking and violent tendencies suffocate the family, Jessie’s hope is a fragile thing. His brothers dismiss his ambitions, and the day-to-day pain of living under his father’s abuse makes it harder to believe that his dreams are within reach.

Award-winning and powerfully written, this novel explores the tension between hope and reality in a young boy’s life. Jessie’s story is a poignant reminder that while the stars may seem far away, the power of a dream can be strong enough to lift us out of even the darkest places. Poised to captivate readers, this first installment sets the stage for an unforgettable trilogy about ambition, resilience, and the fight for a better future.