Ty Holmes previewed the children’s book he was writing based on the challenges of his childhood to kindergartners at John Adams Elementary School in December. He told them he would be back to read it to them.
He kept his promise. The Scranton School Board president read the book, “Tyler, the Unbreakable Kid,” to about 40 cross-legged students Tuesday morning.
Kindergarten students recieve a book from Scranton school board president Ty Holmes who read a children’s book he authored at John Adams Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton school board president Ty Holmes signs his book for the kindergarten class at John Adams Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton school board president Ty Holmes talks to a kindergarten class at John Adams Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Kindergarten students listen to a book reading by Scranton school board president Ty Holmes at John Adams Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Kindergarten students read a book written by Scranton school board president Ty Holmes at John Adams Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Scranton school board president Ty Holmes reads his book to kindergarten students at John Adams Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Kindergarten student Journee Mitchell holds up a book authored by Scranton school board president Ty Holmes at John Adams Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Holmes named the main character of his book Tyler — a name he always wanted for himself (his first name is Tyrone). The book, which is about achieving dreams, depicts Tyler wearing a red cape and holding a photo of his superhero dad.
To Holmes, writing the book was much more than putting together a colorful, 39-page narrative that would hold children’s attention. It was the chance to tell his story of overcoming abuse with the help of the family who adopted him.
Holmes looks back to his 5-year-old self, who ended up in the hospital after his biological parents beat him up badly. Hospital officials called police.
Officer Gerry Holmes responded to the call and was overwhelmed with compassion for the boy. When he asked at the hospital what would happen to the boy, staff said he would go into the foster care system.
Gerry Holmes determined “that’s not going to happen,” and took the boy home and adopted him.
“He didn’t just save Tyler. He gave him something new,” Holmes wrote in his book. “A warm smile. A gentle hand to hold. A reason to believe in himself.”
After his adoption, he was loved and well cared for, but Holmes faced challenges. He was behind developmentally and physically because his birth parents had neglected him.
But, being brave isn’t about not being scared or challenged, he told students. It’s about moving forward through those challenges to success, he said.
“I used to think only strong people could do hard things,” he wrote. “But, now I know. Trying is what makes you strong.”
Kindergarten teacher Kerri Gaughan said her class always looks forward to a visit from Holmes.
In addition to inspiring students to overcome challenges, the visit from Holmes empowered students to overcome their fear of writing.
Gaughan’s students are each putting together a book by journaling each day about a classmate. At the end of the year, each student will have a book to take home to remember their year and their fellow classmates.
“Some of these children are very good writers,” Gaughan said. “They can see themselves as authors.”
“Tyler, the Unbreakable Kid” is the first in a series of children’s books about Holmes’ life. The second one, expected to be published by the end of the year, will focus on Tyler’s experiences during his first year of school. The third will revolve around his first holiday with his parents.
Each new experience came with benefits and challenges, Holmes said.
He has also written an adult book about his life, expected to be released before the end of the year.
Holmes said he lives in honor of his dad and children who haven’t had the opportunities that he did.
“I owe it to them,” he said. “It would be disrespectful if I wasn’t a helper, if I didn’t help others.”
Holmes, a Navy and Army veteran, has lived a life that revolves around helping. He has worked with multiple nonprofits to help make life better for those who are struggling.
During the past year, he’s had two brain surgeries and is using a cane. Some people ask if he feels bad about it. He doesn’t.
Instead, he said, he’s grateful that he’s still able to serve the community he loves and to instill courage in children, inspiring them to be their best selves.