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  • What about Bob?

    This website features the work of Bob McKinnon. He is a writer, designer, podcast host, children’s author and teacher. What unites all of his work is the desire to help others move up in life – just as others have helped him.

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  • America's Dreaming

     

    Bob’s new children’s book, America’s Dreaming, has just been released!  It tells the story of a child whose simple dream is to feel welcomed and seen.

    Now On Sale!
  • Three Little Engines

    New York Times’ best seller Three Little Engines, a  modern retelling of the beloved classic Little Engine that Could, is now available in Spanish!

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  • NPR Special Program

    On the 50th anniversary of The Piano Man, Bob interviewed Billy Joel to discuss his contributions to our ideas of struggle and success in America.

    The Piano Man at 50
  • New Series

    Check out Moving Up in Communities, our new  series sharing stories of innovation and advancement in communities across the country. This series is supported by the journalism nonprofit Economic Hardship Reporting Project

    Fast Company Moving Up in Communiities
Three Little Engines

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.

How did you end up here?

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

What is Your American Dream Score?

Spend five minutes taking this quiz, and you’ll find out what factors were working in your favor and what you had to overcome to get where you are today. At the end, you’ll receive an overall score and a personalized summary of the results (and probably a big dose of pride and gratitude).

Newsletter

Stages

I have been transfixed by stages lately. Last week, I watched three showings of Mamma Mia bathed in joy. Last night, I listened intently to the group Black Violin bend musical genres.

Stages are not limited to theaters. I love watching my children on athletic fields, delighted when hearing others call their names and cheer them on.

Stages don’t require a large audience, either. One person watching you as you are locked in on any given task in any given place, qualifies according to one Englishman’s definition.

It was after all, Shakespeare who wrote, “All the world’s a stage and the men and women merely players.”

This expansive view of a stage is instructive. We are almost always performing in one role or another – actor, musician, athlete, artist, parent, child, student, teacher, son, daughter, citizen, worker, human being etc. In these roles, we are at one time or another also likely being watched – whether that be by one person, ten or a thousand.

The reviews of our performance usually aren’t written in The New York Times although perhaps sometimes they find their way into a passing comment, greeting card, text or personal note. More likely they are simply registered in the audience’s mind – the performer oblivious to the potential impression left.

Hall of Fame baseball player Joe DiMaggio was once asked why he tries so hard, so consistently. He replied, “There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best.”

It is hard to be on your best behavior all the time. Performing almost any role requires effort, focus and energy. Yet knowing that someone may see in us something admirable, beautiful, joyful or inspiring can likewise inspire us to soldier on.

No one’s performance is perfect. Roles are often too demanding for that to ever be possible. But everyday, everywhere people are trying. A vast majority try to do their best – even as they stumble or miss a note. There is something noble and wonderful in recognizing that. If not by a round of applause or a written note, then perhaps with a knowing smile.

Recommendation of the Week: Spend a few minutes this week “people watching.” Notice their effort to nail their performance. If they inspire you, let them know.

Please share this with someone whose performance in one way or another has inspired you lately.


See all posts from Moving Up Mondays blog

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:

Stages

I have been transfixed by stages lately. Last week, I watched three showings of Mamma Mia bathed in joy. Last night, I listened intently to the group Black Violin bend musical genres. Stages are not limited to theaters. I love watching my children on athletic fields, delighted when hearing others call their names and cheer …

Continue reading

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 29: Random w/ Mark Rank

Mark R. Rank is recognized as a foremost expert on issues of poverty, inequality and social justice. To date he has written 10 books on a range of subjects, including an exploration of the American Dream and  a new understanding of poverty and inequality. In this episode, I talk to Mark about his latest book, The Random Factor which looks at the role of luck and chance in shaping the course of our lives. It was a fascinating discussion, one I was lucky to have. I hope you enjoy. 

Show Links: 

Mark R. Rank

The Random Factor

Poverty Risk Calculator

Your American Dream Score