About The Author


William Mangus is the author of the Troubled Jones series, a children’s book collection centered on creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. Through storytelling and poetic themes, he encourages young readers to discover their voice, build confidence, and rise above challenges.

In addition to children’s literature, Mangus writes poetry and short stories exploring identity, resilience, and self-reflection. He is the founder of Mastery of One’s Self Publishing and offers virtual author visits and literacy discussions for schools and classrooms.


Read more
Book Image Not Available Book Image Not Available

See inside

Troubled Jones

By William Mangus

Overview


Troubled Jones is a powerful SEL-inspired children’s story about creativity, resilience, and finding your voice. Labeled as “trouble” by the world around him, Jones struggles to believe in himself—until writing helps him discover a new path forward. Told through poetic storytelling and expressive illustrations, this story encourages young readers to embrace creativity, confidence, and personal growth.

Read more

Description


Now available in a premium hardcover edition.

Troubled Jones is a powerful, poetic children’s story about a boy who grows up being labeled as “trouble”—not because he lacks potential, but because he hasn’t yet discovered his voice.

Raised by his mother and surrounded by negative influences, Jones struggles in school and often feels misunderstood. Trouble seems to follow him everywhere, symbolized by the dark cloud that hangs over his head. Inside, however, Jones is thoughtful, emotional, and full of untapped creativity.

Everything begins to change when Jones discovers writing.

Through rhythm, rhyme, and self-expression, he starts to better understand himself, improve his choices, and see his future in a new light. As his confidence grows, the cloud that once followed him slowly begins to lift.

Told in poetic verse and supported by expressive illustrations, Troubled Jones is a social-emotional learning (SEL) story that explores identity, self-belief, resilience, and the impact environment can have on a child’s behavior. The story encourages young readers to reflect on their choices, embrace creativity, and understand that their past does not define their future.

Perfect for classrooms, families, and readers ages 7–12, Troubled Jones highlights the power of creativity, literacy, and believing in yourself.

Read more

Book details

  • Genre:children's fiction
  • Sub-genre:Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • Age Range (years):7 - 12
  • Language:English
  • Series Title:Troubled Jones
  • Series Number:1
  • Pages:40
  • Hardcover ISBN:9798993833927

Book Reviews

to submit a book review