No Capes, Just Toolbelts: The Children’s Book Empowering the Next Generation of Makers

Army veteran and Dallas native, Archie D. Nettles, Jr. has released his first-ever children’s book. Trades to the Rescue: When the Lights Go Out, the Fixers Gear Up is a story about two curious kids named Torque and Tori who both carry a big love for building. When the lights go out in their town of Tradestopolis, they jump into the role of an electrician to learn what happened and discover what it takes to keep the lights on.

The book is part of a broader effort to inspire and empower the next generation to view the trades as a meaningful, respected, and rewarding career path. For decades, children were encouraged to pursue traditional roles—doctor, firefighter, astronaut—and while those dreams and careers are admirable, many ultimately found themselves in the conventional college-to-career pipeline.

But college isn’t the only path to success.

“My goal with this book is to take non-traditional career paths and make it more appealing to youth in an entertaining and engaging way. This project aims to show that there’s more than one way forward, introducing and exploring alternative career pathways that celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and purpose,” said author Archie D. Nettles, Jr. “By highlighting the trades, we’re helping young readers see that their future can be built by hand, by heart, and by skill.

The colorful 45 page book includes a full fix-it glossary of terms electricians may use, but in a way that is easy-to-understand. It also includes a simple description of tools, an interactive activity page and ways to stay safe when working with tools. The story is geared toward children ages 5-10 years who love to build, explore and ask "Why?"

Trades to the Rescue is available at Barnes and Noble, Booktopia and !ndigo and paperback versions can currently be purchased directly at www.torqueandtori.com.