The Story

A girl. An angel. One shot.

Louisa loves basketball, but she's always picked last — and it's starting to feel like proof that she doesn't matter. Then Jarnac, a guardian angel in a #7 jersey, shows up with a different scoreboard: treat people right, put in the hours, don't fear the miss, and picture the best version of you.

When the game is tied with five seconds left, Louisa discovers what readers see coming pages earlier — the wings were growing the whole time.

"It's not important who gets picked first or last… treat others just as you like to be treated. If you do that, you're already a SUPERSTAR!"

Jarnac tells Louisa 'Now you do!' as she receives her wings

The Movie

From the page to the big screen

Wings to Fly is in development as an animated feature film — a redemption story in the spirit of Soul meets Space Jam: a rising basketball star discovers his higher purpose helping a young girl find hers.

Produced with Universal x Federal Films, with Billy Zane attached, from a producer team whose credits span beloved animation and hit series.

Credits incl. Kim Possible Avengers Wicked Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist The Simpsons · King of the Hill Billy Zane attached Co-writer/producer Jay Fukuto

Founding Readers reserve a movie-night ticket — when the film arrives, you're already on the list.

Michael Jordan soaring like an eagle — illustration from Wings to Fly

The Author

Written by someone who lived it

Jarnac and Louisa on the bench — 'you're already a superstar'

Jarnell Stokes grew up in inner-city Memphis and says he "did not have much talent, charisma, or confidence." He changed his mindset, did the work — and was drafted into the NBA in 2014, winning two USA Basketball gold medals along the way.

He co-wrote Wings to Fly with film producer Howard Flamm so every kid who's ever been doubted gets the mentor he wishes he'd had. The illustrations are by Eunsoo Jeong, a Nickelodeon alum — and Books 2 & 3 are co-written with NBA champion Metta World Peace, Emmy-nominated producer Aisha Corpas Wynn, and Emmy-nominated writer Steven Bates.

2014NBA Draft pick

2× GoldUSA Basketball

Memphisraised & repped

For Schools · Libraries · Camps

Mentorship that fits in a backpack.

Free lesson guide

CASEL-aligned SEL + CCSS ELA activities, discussion questions, the Superstar Pledge, and PE "Game-of-Life" stations — ready for Monday.

Author visits

An NBA player at reading time: assembly read-aloud, Q&A, the 5-Second Shot, signed books — in person (Memphis & Mid-South first) or virtual anywhere.

Class sets & book fairs

Bulk pricing for classrooms, libraries and Title I programs. Visit-day book fairs give a portion back to your library fund.

Educators: email Isaiah@stokedbros.com for the guide + visit dates, or join the Reader Club below and check "I'm an educator."

Founding Reader Club · Free to join

Own the story before it's a movie.

Book 1, shipping nowsigned bookplate while they last

Book 2 first, this winterplus first look at Book 3

Movie ticket reservedyou're on the premiere list

Live read-alongs + giveawaysmonthly Zoom events & author Q&As

How it works: 1) Join free. 2) Get the family guide and read-along invites. 3) Every founding family is entered in the launch giveaway: a signed Book 1 + hoops pack. The optional Founders' Box (signed book, collectible bookmark set, poster and stickers) opens to members first — kids' book boxes typically run $25–35 every month; ours is one-time, about the price of a hardcover, and yours to keep.

You're on the roster!

Welcome to the Founding Reader Club. Watch your inbox — Book 1 details are on the way, and your movie-night spot is reserved.

Questions

FAQ

Is Book 1 available right now?

Yes — Wings to Fly (Mascot Kids, ISBN 978-1-63755-195-0) is available now. Join the club above and we'll send ordering options, including signed copies and class sets.

What do Founding Readers actually get?

First access to Book 2 when it launches this winter, a reserved movie-night ticket when the animated film releases, the free family discussion guide, and first invites to launch events and author visits.

When is the movie coming out?

The animated feature is in development — release timing will be announced. Founding Readers hear everything first; joining the list is exactly how you make sure you don't miss it.

Where do you do school visits?

Nationwide. California and the Mid-South book first, all 50 states by arrangement, virtual visits work anywhere, and international programs (including China) run through Stoked Sports International. Beyond Jarnell, a roster of pro-athlete ambassadors including NBA champion Metta World Peace is available for readings in other regions. Email Isaiah@stokedbros.com.

What exactly is the Founding Reader Club?

A free membership for families, teachers, and coaches: monthly live read-along events on Zoom, author Q&As, the family discussion guide, first access to Book 2 and movie-ticket reservations, and automatic entry in member giveaways. No fees and no obligations; the optional Founders' Box is the only thing that ever costs money, and it's one-time.

What ages is the book for?

Read-aloud for ages 4–7, independent readers 7–11 — and honestly, any athlete who's ever been picked last.