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
Loose
It was hard not to smile watching Alysa Liu skate at the Olympics. Her short skate was absolutely joyful. For her long program, she put the “free” in free skate. While she was awarded with the gold medal, it was clear that her real reward was just the opportunity to skate.
At one point after she won a journalist shouted to her, “I really enjoyed your free skate.” To which she responded grinning, “I really enjoyed my free skate too.”
It was a reminder of what is possible when we relieve ourselves of the pressures heaped on us by external forces AND those we thrust upon ourselves and simply let loose.
Her teammate, Amber Glenn, responded to a devastating mistake in the short program by scoring a season best skate in the long program. When asked afterwards what she attributed her turnaround to, she said simply that she was out there for her six-year old self, who just loved to skate.
Slalom skier Mikaela Shiffrin is widely considered the best of all time in her sport. Yet admitted that it was pressure that contributed to keeping her off the podium the last two Olympics. When she finally won her gold medal last week, she said she went out there and just skied. In a moving moment, as she crossed the finish line, you could see her mouth the word, “Dad.” Amidst all the cheers and fanfare, she just sat on her skis gliding slowly as she “took a few minutes to talk to her Dad,” who had tragically died in a tragic accident a few years earlier.
You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to feel pressure. To feel the tightness that comes with it. To carry the weight of expectations we and others place upon us. To forget what and who brings us joy.
Yet these three incredible women showed us what can happen when we let loose and move freely – whether it be on the ice, down a sloop, or through life. Yes, the results can be what we hoped for but more importantly we simply enjoy what we’re doing so much more.
This Week’s Recommendation: Think of something that you really enjoyed as a little kid. Something that you just loved to do for the sake of it. Now, if possible, go spend a few minutes letting loose again.
Share this with someone who might benefit from loosening up a little.
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:
Loose
It was hard not to smile watching Alysa Liu skate at the Olympics. Her short skate was absolutely joyful. For her long program, she put the “free” in free skate. While she was awarded with the gold medal, it was clear that her real reward was just the opportunity to skate. At one point after …
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.