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:
What is Your American Dream Score
Newsletter
Winds
As I sat on my patio, I watched the American flag dancing in the wind. As the gusts flew stronger, it became so tangled around the pole and its own halyard that it was hard to imagine how it would ever fly freely again.
And yet within a matter of minutes it did.
Shortly thereafter, a rainbow manifested across the clouded sky. Moments later it was gone.
As the sunset approached, the winds directed their energy across the tree tops – each little branch swaying like hundreds of little children shuffling around a playground.
The gloaming then made its ways around the sky, a radiant orange sitting on cloud tops.
The wind soon whisked the clouds away, leaving an empty and calm sky.
Invisible forces of wind and light shape shifted my view many times over within a matter of fifteen minutes. So significant and varied the change one might have thought it was time lapse photography.
And so it can be with change. It can bring something beautiful into your life and then just as quickly whisk it away, only to bring something different but equally inspiring before your eyes soon after.
A day earlier, I was in another windy setting. Sitting on a football field, watching my oldest daughter graduate high school, giving the valedictorian’s speech.
Seeing her stand in front of hundreds of people, speaking with such poise, perspective, vulnerability and confidence, I felt immense pride. I also realized that these winds of change were coming for me too.
Beginning in the fall, she will be off to college and I will no longer have a front row seat to the beauty and energy of her shifting transitions traipsing across our shared sky on a daily basis.
I find this thought devastating. As a result, I try to avoid it as much as possible. Watching her on that graduation stage, it was unavoidable.
On Father’s Day a few days later, I found myself reading this article on that same patio. It was a daughter reflecting upon the impact of her father both in life and after his passing. I found some comfort in its closing where she writes, “He always comes along with me in my mind.”
Years ago my daughter asked for my help with a science project. Each night, she asked if I would go outside with her to observe the phase of the moon. I find solace – perhaps even some excitement – in being able to bring her “along in my mind” whenever I want or need to in the fall. Looking up into that same sky, knowing that underneath that same moon – a few hundred miles away – she may be doing the same. Imagining what wonderful experiences she brought to life that day.
Recommendation of the Week: Last night I stumbled upon the movie, Paper Moon. It is a touching and funny film about a father and daughter finding each other. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. You’ll be blown away by 9-year-old Tatum O’Neal’s Oscar winning performance and moved by their connection.
Consider sharing this with someone dealing with the winds of change in their lives right now.
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:
Winds
As I sat on my patio, I watched the American flag dancing in the wind. As the gusts flew stronger, it became so tangled around the pole and its own halyard that it was hard to imagine how it would ever fly freely again. And yet within a matter of minutes it did. Shortly thereafter, …
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.