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
Homecoming
In the early fall, high schools, colleges and universities across the country celebrate homecoming. This tradition began at the collegiate level in the late 1800’s as a way to welcome back alumni. It expanded to high schools in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Of course, homecoming also conveys a broader meaning. We celebrate homecomings when members of the military return from service. In certain religions, a pilgrimage is a form of spiritual homecoming. Parents await long weekends or breaks when their children come home from college.
Coming home brings connection, pride, warmth and belonging – whether it be on a campus or a different type of community.
Robert Frost once wrote, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”
This weekend happens to be our high school’s homecoming. It is a week filled with spirit, night games, and celebration – regardless of what the scoreboard says.
It also marks my oldest daughter’s first return home from college. It is amazing how good it feels to simply have her in our presence again. Ordinary events like seeing her in her familiar seat at the dining room table, watching her gab with her sisters, sitting beside us on the couch watching Ted Lasso or just wishing her good night as she goes off to bed – all feel somehow special.
I have not given my own mother that special feeling nearly enough.
It is estimated that 25%-35% of children who move away from home return to stay. Almost 60% of children end up living within ten miles of their parents.
If only I could be so lucky when my children are grown.
On Thursday night through absolute serendipity, I was given a free ticket to see the play Other Desert Cities ten minutes before the curtain rose. It too is about a homecoming. One that is designed to have a family confront its unspoken past and perhaps in doing so bring them closer. At one point the father says, “We’ve spent the last six years trying to create a space where Brooke [their daughter] wants to come home. Where she feels safe.”
The comfort of returning home and the safety it brings should be felt everywhere we call home. Whether that’s where we went to school or wherever we return to each night to lay our head.
It was sad dropping my daughter off at the airport after a stay that felt all too short. But I took solace not only in knowing that she will be coming home again in a month for Thanksgiving but also feeling that her very welcoming college is also starting to feel like home to her as well.
We don’t need parades or games to celebrate homecoming. We simply need people who make us feel like we belong, who in the words of Frost – “will always take us in.”
Recommendation of the Week: I’m enjoying Alex Warren’s new album – much of which is a tribute to his parents who have both passed. Among my favorite songs are “Same Stars” and “Miss You More.” They are poignant reminders to appreciate those we love while they are still here..
Share this with someone yearning to go home.
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:
Homecoming
In the early fall, high schools, colleges and universities across the country celebrate homecoming. This tradition began at the collegiate level in the late 1800’s as a way to welcome back alumni. It expanded to high schools in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Of course, homecoming also conveys a broader meaning. We celebrate homecomings when members …
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.