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
Harvest
Fall is upon us. It brings with it both excitement and trepidation. The first day of school is exciting. The anticipation of the school work, trepidation. Luscious colors will figment leaves and then eventually fall and be in need of raking. It is a season of transition and, as such, one naturally beset with the yin and yang of daily life.
It is perhaps my favorite season. The moderate weather invites more time to be spent comfortably outside. I will spend countless hours on the sidelines watching my three daughters thrive in their school sports. Four Boston sports teams in action and the fall movie season will provide ample opportunities for distraction.
Professionally, my teaching kicked off this week – which I love. We’ll be launching several wonderful initiatives at the Social Mobility Lab that I direct. Other projects with partners offer fantastic opportunities for me to learn and make a difference. A mini-book tour will take me from NY to DC to Boston to PA. Allowing me to visit some of the most important places in my life and see friends and family along the way. Other writing projects are in various stages of development that I can’t wait to dig into.
On a personal note, there is a Sweet Sixteen to plan for one daughter, helping another with trying to find the best college for her, and a potential trip with our third in the works. Empty houses during school hours will hopefully allow more opportunities for stolen moments with my wife on our patio – replete with new comfy furniture.
Individually so much to look forward to. Collectively imagining the schedule can feel daunting. Games will be lost. Tests will cause stress. Projects will inevitably be delayed. Books may not sell. There will be stress. There will be failure. Perhaps even tears. Such is the truth of every season though.
As we look forward to this period from September through November, it is worth noting the origin and meaning of its many names. Fall is the youngest of the terms. It refers to the falling of the leaves. Many view the term negatively. Most don’t enjoy falling.
By contrast, many believe the older term “autumn” comes from the Latin “augere” meaning “to increase.”
Two terms referring to the same season with opposite meanings.
When you think of this time, you may see autumn as a time of potential excitement or fall as one of pending stress and over scheduling. Both and neither can be true.
But let me suggest a third alternative. Before the 16th century and the introduction of autumn as a term, this time of the year was simply referred to as “The Harvest.” As fewer of us practiced farming, this reference fell out of favor yielding to the more contemporary and more figurative, fall and autumn.
Yet there is something still appealing to the term on a metaphorical level. We reap what we sow. How we approach this season, the foundation we’ve laid will in part dictate how bountiful this time of year will be. I say in part because there will always be storms, droughts and other calamities that are beyond our control.
We can, of course, do our best to prepare for them, but worrying too much is counterproductive. It’s like not enjoying the brilliance of colored leaves because all you can focus on is the dread of cleaning them up.
Recently someone described the idea of waking up and beginning each day with a deficit. They were referring to the all-too-common tendency to begin each day with a list of leftover tasks still waiting to be addressed or thinking first of all of your “have-to-dos” today.
Instead they suggested beginning each day with a blank slate. Asking yourself “I wonder what it is that I can do today?” In other words, what will I harvest?
May your harvest be bountiful.
This Week’s Recommendation: If you’re looking for some inspiration to live more in the moment, check out the show Platonic. It’s about two friends rediscovering the joy of each other’s company.
Consider sharing this with someone.
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:
Harvest
Fall is upon us. It brings with it both excitement and trepidation. The first day of school is exciting. The anticipation of the school work, trepidation. Luscious colors will figment leaves and then eventually fall and be in need of raking. It is a season of transition and, as such, one naturally beset with the …
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.