Enter the captivating realm of DeMario Pressley, a true champion on and off the field. A former NFL defensive lineman and Superbowl XLIV winner, his life story exemplifies courage and resilience. DeMario’s childhood was marked by challenges in troubled neighborhoods, where he faced physical and mental obstacles. Despite speech difficulties and bullying, he forged an unbreakable resolve.
DeMario’s journey taught him that the most significant battles are internal. He realized that maintaining focus, staying motivated, and nurturing dreams becomes an epic adventure. This realization became the cornerstone of his life, shaping his children’s books. In his books, DeMario shares determination, perseverance, and love. He inspires young readers to conquer obstacles and reach for their aspirations, regardless of their dreams. DeMario firmly believes that success lies in becoming the best version of oneself and radiating positivity.
If you seek to ignite your child’s dreams, DeMario Pressley’s books are your guiding light. With every turn of the page, remember that DeMario stands by your side, cheering you on. The extraordinary things you’ll achieve are waiting to be discovered.
TBE: Among The Clouds follows a determined young song sparrow named Ace. What inspired you to tell a story through the perspective of a small bird with such big dreams?
DeMario Pressley: Birds have always been around in my life. My mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother all had a deep love for them, so I grew up surrounded by bird feeders, birdhouses, and bird figurines. We even had pet birds named after my great-grandparents, Gradie and Lucille.
Over time, birds came to symbolize a lot for me—freedom, resilience, and the ability to rise above. So when I started writing Among the Clouds, it felt natural to tell the story through the eyes of a bird. I chose a song sparrow because they may be small, but they are known for having a strong, bold voice. That captured the spirit of Ace perfectly, someone with big dreams who refuses to be held back by doubt or fear.
TBE: The Fence Flock represents negativity and doubt in Ace’s journey. Was there a particular experience in your life where you faced similar critics while pursuing your own dreams?
DeMario Pressley: Absolutely. I have faced doubt and criticism at different points in my life, whether it was chasing my dream of playing in the NFL, becoming a business owner, or stepping into the world of publishing. There is always someone questioning if you are good enough or if you are dreaming too big.
But it is not just the voices of others, it is the internal fear and self-doubt too. The Fence Flock represents those voices, both outside and inside, that try to keep you grounded in fear.
I wanted kids to see that part of the journey because it is real. But I also wanted to show that those voices do not have to define you. Like Ace, you can rise above the noise, trust your wings, and keep going.
TBE: I loved how Finn and Zhuri appeared at a critical moment in Ace’s journey. How important do you think it is for children to understand the value of supportive friendships when facing challenges?
DeMario Pressley: It is incredibly important. As much as Among the Clouds is about self-belief, it is also about the people who show up for you when it matters most. Finn and Zhuri represent those friends who see you, believe in you, and remind you of your strength when you start to forget it.
I want kids to understand that while it is important to believe in yourself, it is just as important to be a good friend to others. Encouragement, kindness, and simply showing up can mean the world to someone who is struggling. Supportive friendships go both ways. We all need someone in our corner, and we all have the ability to be that someone for someone else.
TBE: The moment when the community of sparrows finally speaks up to support Ace is quite powerful. What message did you hope young readers would take from this turning point in the story?
DeMario Pressley: That moment is one of the most powerful in the book for me. It marks a turning point not just for Ace, but for everyone watching him. Up until then, he was flying through doubt, discouragement, and isolation. But when the other sparrows finally find the courage to speak up and support him, everything shifts.
I wanted it to feel like Ace was coming out of a tunnel and stepping into the light, like when a football team runs out and the home crowd is cheering. That moment when you realize you are not alone, and the people around you believe in you, it changes everything.
I hope young readers see how powerful it is to use their voice, especially in support of others. Sometimes all it takes is one person to speak up, and it gives others the courage to do the same. Whether you are the one chasing a dream or the one standing on the sidelines, your encouragement matters.
That scene is about courage, community, and the moment when belief becomes contagious.
TBE: Your book beautifully balances the themes of perseverance and community support. Which of these themes do you feel is most important for young readers to embrace?
DeMario Pressley: They are both important, but if I had to choose one, I would say perseverance. Life will bring challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, and I want kids to understand that those moments are not the end. What matters most is that you keep going.
Perseverance is what carries you when no one is watching, when the support is quiet, or when the dream feels far away. But I also believe in the power of community. The support of others can be the spark that reminds us to keep pushing. So while the heart of the story is about never giving up, it is also a reminder that we were not meant to do it all alone.
TBE: The illustrations by Maryna Kryvets wonderfully capture Ace’s determination and emotion. How involved were you in the visual direction of the book?
DeMario Pressley: I had a clear vision for what I wanted the book to feel like: vibrant, emotional, and full of movement. I knew the illustrations had to not only complement the story but elevate it.
I worked with several illustrators before finding Maryna Kryvets. When I saw her work, I knew she was the right one. She brought a level of depth and feeling that surpassed anything that I could’ve ever imagined. We worked closely together, and I shared notes on characters, expressions, and specific scenes, including the moment when Ace breaks through the clouds and the crowd begins to cheer.
She took all of that and brought it to life in a way that blew me away. Seeing Ace and the world of Among the Clouds come alive through her art was one of the most rewarding parts of the entire journey.
TBE: At the end of the story, Ace becomes a mentor to a young hatchling. What inspired you to include this full-circle moment in your narrative?
DeMario Pressley: That moment was really important to me. I believe it shows that the journey does not end when you reach your goal. It is also about helping someone else rise after you.
Ace becoming a mentor to the young hatchling was my way of showing the power of reaching back. True growth is not just about overcoming challenges. We all have moments where someone gives us encouragement or guidance that helps us move forward. I wanted to reflect that cycle in the story, especially for young readers.
It is a reminder that once you find your voice, your next step might be helping someone else find theirs.
TBE: Beyond encouraging children to pursue their dreams, what other conversations do you hope Among The Clouds starts between young readers and their parents or teachers?
DeMario Pressley: I hope it opens the door to talk about things like fear, doubt, and confidence. Kids experience those feelings early, even if they do not always have the words to express them. Among the Clouds gives them a story and language they can connect with. It is a book that will grow with them.
I also hope it encourages conversations about how to handle naysayers and self-doubt. Whether it is the voices from the Fence Flock or the doubts Ace has to face within himself, those moments are real. We all hear those voices at some point, and I want kids to understand they are not alone in that. The story creates space to talk about what it means to believe in yourself even when it feels hard, and how courage can start as something small but grow into something strong.
TBE: What was your writing process like for creating this story? Did Ace’s character evolve as you wrote, or did you have a clear vision of him from the beginning?
DeMario Pressley: Ace definitely evolved over time. I knew I wanted a character that represented resilience, courage, and big dreams, but I did not have every detail figured out at the start. As I kept writing, he started to take on more personality and purpose. He began to reflect parts of my own journey.
My writing process is pretty fluid. I do not always write in a straight line. Sometimes an idea comes to me at random, during a quiet moment, while I am driving, or watching my kids play. I write it down and build from there. A lot of the story grew from those moments of stillness.
TBE: Are there plans for more stories featuring Ace or other characters who face different challenges while pursuing their dreams?
DeMario Pressley: Right now, my focus is on Among the Clouds and giving it the time and space it deserves. I truly believe this story is the beginning of something much bigger. We are developing classroom packs, parent discussion guides, and other creative resources that will help families and educators bring the message off the page and into real life.
The goal is to turn Among the Clouds into more than just a book. It is a movement built on hope, imagination, and growth. Whether it is through workshops, school visits, animated storytelling, or live readings, we are creating an experience that grows with the reader.
As an author and publisher, I know this is only the beginning. I have many stories I want to tell. Some will be fun and adventurous, others more emotional and reflective. But they all have one thing in common—they are rooted in purpose.
If Among the Clouds moved you or made your child light up, I invite you to keep following the journey. There is so much more to come, and I would love for you to be a part of it.
