Cumberland County Schools -

Cumberland International Early College High School ninth grader Jackson Coker has turned a class project and a lifelong fascination with local history into a published children’s book titled Jackson's Time Tangled Adventure.

The story follows Jackson, a young boy who reluctantly visits the 1897 Poe House in Fayetteville with his family. Despite his protests that he doesn’t want to tour a “musty, dusty, crusty” old house, Jackson’s boredom quickly turns into an unexpected adventure. After inserting a coin into an antique coin bank, he is transported back to the late 1800s, where he is mistaken for a servant. To return home, Jackson must complete a list of chores while learning about life, social roles and race during that era.

I chose to write about the 1897 Poe House because I’ve been visiting it since I was about seven years old,” said Jackson. “I was surprised that so many people in Fayetteville hadn’t heard of it or thought it was connected to Edgar Allan Poe, the poet. I wanted to write a story that brings attention to this important piece of local history. First, I hope readers will learn that they can visit the 1897 Poe House to see how people lived, worked and played more than 100 years ago. Second, I hope they learn that history isn’t boring!”

Dawne Coker, Jackson's mother, shared her pride in her son’s dedication to completing the project. “The journey Jackson took in writing his book required months of effort, perseverance and reflection," said Coker. "His finished work shows that young people can accomplish incredible things through hard work and determination.”

Self-published through Coker and Coker Publishing, Jacob’s Time Tangled Adventure can be purchased at several local and online retailers to include the Museum of the Cape Fear, City Center Gallery and Books, Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Amazon.