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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Connect
A young man in Detroit shared the story of his grandmother who he watched read the Detroit Free Press everyday and gather her neighbors every Friday to share the relevant news of the week. He now works at a local news organization that does the same- providing actionable and urgent information to his community.
A young woman told us about her college advisor in Connecticut who suggested she go home to Puerto Rico because he didn’t think she could cut it in college. Upon graduation, she moved to Charlotte. There she created a community around her love of Latin American cinema – moving from a blog to small screenings to a film festival. When ICE came, her community – while living in fear – still clamored for connection. So she held smaller screenings in apartment complexes and trailer parks.
These two stories were shared from the main stage at a conference where connection was everywhere to be found. It was a gathering of journalists, civic leaders, researchers, and funders. All seeking and granting connections between individuals, organizations and ideas. All looking to make their world a better place.
The connections were not limited to the stage. Mine occurred in coffee lines, in conference rooms, during a long walk and a dinner with over a hundred strangers seated along one long table.
Typically at a conference where I am unknown, my introverted side prevails. Often feeling like I don’t belong; insecure of my place there. Not this time. I was as outgoing as I’ve ever been in these situations. I’m not sure if it was because I was in search of community or that it was just so willingly offered. Regardless, I left inspired by new connections and potential ideas for myself and others.
We were reminded at one point that the polarization in our country is perhaps exaggerated. The word by definition references two opposite poles. But think of all that space in between. Space where people long for and seek connection. In our homes, in our communities and yes in our country.
Fortunately, one doesn’t need to travel to a conference to find connections. It is there waiting for you in that coffee line or in any room you find yourself in. It is there in the stories we hear and those we share. So please connect. Chances are you and that person next to you will both appreciate it.
This Week’s Recommendation: On the plane I watched Blue Moon about the Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart, who wrote classics like Blue Moon and My Funny Valentine. Ethan Hawke’s performance of a man desperately seeking connection is a tour de force… and a reminder to be there for each other.
Consider sharing this with a new connection.
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:
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A young man in Detroit shared the story of his grandmother who he watched read the Detroit Free Press everyday and gather her neighbors every Friday to share the relevant news of the week. He now works at a local news organization that does the same- providing actionable and urgent information to his community. A …
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.