RACINE - Mawi Asgedom was 3 when he fled war-torn Ethiopia, he was 7 when he arrived in America and, at age 32, he'll be making his first stop here.

As a professional speaker and renowned author, Asgedom has told his story to more than a half-million students. His memoir, "Of Beetles and Angels: A True Story of the American Dream," has been used in school districts across the country as part of the "One Book, One School" program.

"To give all students a common experience for discussion, a curriculum leadership team adopted the 'One Book, One School' program," McKinley Middle School Principal Lori Sue Pelk said. "The goal of the program is to provide students across grade levels and teams with opportunities to connect."

Asgedom's first book was selected by the leadership team at Mckinley because it fit the goal of applied interest across age levels and reading ability. Students in grades six through eight read the book during April and May. Asgedom will visit the school today to discuss his journey from Ethiopia, to graduation from Harvard in 1999, to his life today as an author, speaker and American success story.

"The greatest honor an author can receive is to have someone read their book," Asgedom said. "I thank Racine and McKinley Charter School for the honor they have bestowed me in reading 'Of Beetles and Angels.' "

In regard to your book "Of Beetles & Angels," what are you most proud of?

That I was able to tell the story of East African refugees. Before my book, there were no books written by black refugees about their journeys.

How did you find out about the "One Book, One School" program?

About five years ago, the town of Batavia, Ill., contacted me on their own and said they wanted to do a one book, one city with "Of Beetles and Angels." Then some other schools and towns wanted to do it. For example, the city of Green Bay, led by their superintendent of schools, read "Of Beetles and Angels." Now, there are hundreds of cities and towns that have read it.

What do you hope the students will get out of listening to you speak? How do you plan to engage them?

Most of our youth have been trained to engage the world on an external level, that is, the clothes they wear, their external appearance, the music they listen to. I want to help them see that their internal world - their goals, levels of initiative, level of respect - drives their experience of the external world and their life in general.

How do you think your book resonates with today's students?

Everyone on this planet, regardless of race or country of origin, understands universal themes such as perseverance, community and aspiration. I also feel that students will connect to the mistakes I made growing up, such as stealing the parking meter. My story is not one of someone who did everything right and thereby achieved success, but rather of someone who made many mistakes and overcame many challenges, to accomplish some things with the support of educators, community members and family.

Had you read President Barack Obama's "Dreams of My Father" before writing this book?

I read his book after I wrote mine. What I most related to in his book was the sense he had of not belonging, of having no identity to call home. In the same way, I'm not as African as those who spend their whole lives in Africa; I'm not as African-American as those who grew up here from childhood; and I actually connect significantly with what may loosely be termed "white" culture because the town I grew up in was 90 percent white.

Have you ever been to Racine before?

No. But I have spoken all over Wisconsin. I've spoken in Appleton, Green Bay, Madison and Milwaukee, and earlier this year appeared on WisconsinEye (a public affairs network) for a presentation I gave in Milwaukee to 1,500 educators at the Milwaukee Promise Conference.

Can you discuss the challenges you encountered while growing up in the Midwest?

- My older brother and father were killed by drunken drivers in separate accidents.

- Grew up on welfare for first 12 years.

- Did not speak the language.

- Problems fighting at school, almost expelled.

What do you spend most of your time doing these days?

I just finished writing the first book of a trilogy where three teenagers save the world. I (have speaking engagements) often - for example, this past 10 days I spoke in Ottawa, Canada; in Salt Lake City and twice in Chicago. I love hanging out with my wife and my 6-month old son. I also enjoying running my company, Mental Karate, that trains youth to take inspired action.

If there is anything else you would like to tell me about yourself, your book or your experiences with the "One Book, One School" program I would love to hear it.

On the Net:

http://www.mentalkarate.com

http://www. mawispeaks.com

What McKinley students say

"To me, 'Of Beetles and Angels' was inspiring. I got from the book that no matter who you are or where you come from, if you want something you can work hard to get it."

- Kanaja King

"Before we had read the book, we didn't know how unfortunate people were outside of the United States. In the future, we plan to follow Tewolde's (Asgedom's brother) footsteps in helping others."

- Aly Anderson, Abby Pruitt, Sophia Larsen and Mary Gould

If You Go

WHAT: Speech by author Mawi Asgedem

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26

WHERE: Case High School, 7345 Washington Ave.