From Bob McKinnon comes this modern retelling of the beloved classic, Little Engine that Could, that asks young readers, “How does your journey differ from others?” It also serves as a thank you letter to all the parents, teachers, role models, and even strangers, who help to clear the storm or pull the tree trunk from their track.
Available in your favorite bookstores.
Have you ever asked yourself this question? Or wondered why your life turned differently than you expected or from others you know. On this site, you’ll find tools, writing and podcast episodes that explores this question and others. Watch Bob’s TEDx talk to learn about his journey and the science behind how we see our lives and those of others.
Children’s Books
I think I can, I think I can, I think I… can’t? What’s an Engine to do when even believing in yourself won’t get you to the top of the mountain? In this modern retelling of the beloved The Little Engine That Could, The Little Blue Engine and her friends attempt to reach the town on the other side of the mountain, but they quickly realize that not every engine is on the same track, and they all face different obstacles in their journey. In Three Little Engines author Bob McKinnon asks young readers: How does your journey differ from others?
While paying homage to the beloved classic, author Bob McKinnon acknowledges that although positive thinking and confidence are important, they are not always enough to help you succeed. In many instances, success requires a helping hand. This book is a gentle introduction to the idea of socioeconomic mobility and inequality in America. Heavily inspired by his own experiences, McKinnon teaches the youngest of readers how to recognize opportunity and inequality in the American Dream, and, most importantly, how to extend a helping hand to those on different tracks of life. At its heart, Three Little Engines is a thank you letter to all the parents, teachers, role models, and even strangers, who help to clear the storm or pull the tree trunk from your track.
Three Little Engines is now a New York Times best seller! Order your copy today from your favorite online bookseller or your local bookstore:
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Newsletter
Voting
For two minutes in that booth, try to set aside:
- The sea of negative campaign advertising
- The nasty rhetoric
- The power-seeking motives behind campaigns
- The billionaires who try to buy elections
- Your understandable pessimism for the state or our country
And instead embrace:
- Your own positive intention
- The example you set to others with your “I voted” sticker
- Your belief in democracy
- The satisfaction knowing how much money someone wasted trying to buy your vote
- The momentary power you hold to make a difference
How we see our democracy impacts how we engage in it. Believing that we don’t make a difference can cause us to stay home. Believing that we do, inspires us to pull that lever.
Only 43% of Americans voted in the last midterm elections. That might seem depressing, yet that represents over 120 million people. As of Oct 27th, over 34 million had already cast their ballot through early voting this year.
The humanitarian, Arthur Ashe, famously said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
In other words, vote.
This week’s recommendation. Check out this celebration on the streets. At first blush you might think, they are celebrating a sports championship. They are not, they are celebrating an election in Brazil.
Consider sharing this with someone who might need a nudge or a ride to the polls.
Monday Morning Notes
Delivered to your mailbox each Monday morning, these short notes offer an opportunity each week to reflect on who and what contributes to where we end up in life. Readers tell us it’s a great way to start their week on a positive note. See the latest note below:
Voting
For two minutes in that booth, try to set aside: The sea of negative campaign advertising The nasty rhetoric The power-seeking motives behind campaigns The billionaires who try to buy elections Your understandable pessimism for the state or our country And instead embrace: Your own positive intention The example you set to …
Attribution with Bob McKinnon
Attribution is a podcast, where people from all walks of life, reflect on who and what has contributed to where they ended up. Our hope is after each episode, you feel a little more inspired, grateful, or supported, then when you first hit play. Check out the latest episode below:
Episode 35: Class Matters w/ Richard Kahlenberg
Richard D. Kahlenberg is an education and housing policy researcher, writer, consultant, and speaker. He is also Director of Housing Policy and Director of the American Identity Project at the Progressive Policy Institute. The author or editor of 19 books, his latest is Class Matters: The Fight to Get Beyond Race Preferences, Reduce Inequality, and Build Real Diversity at America’s Colleges. This was a deep and challenging conversation about class, race, higher education, affirmative action and social mobility.