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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Supporters
“WHERE ARE YOU???”
So screams the owner of A.F.C. Richmond into a television camera, as her frustration in her fans not supporting their women’s team boils over in a recent episode of Ted Lasso.
Many purport to support both her club in general and women’s soccer in particular but their actions contradict their sentiment. They aren’t just figuratively standing on the sidelines, they are literally not even in the half-filled stadium.
This is a sentiment that hits home.
I am so grateful for those of you who have supported this newsletter by becoming a paid subscriber over the last year.
At the same time, I get so many more comments from readers – thanking me for what I’ve written – who are not a paid subscriber. And I wonder, if they appreciate it so much why aren’t they a paid subscriber too? Or in Rebecca’s words, “Where are you?”
I take responsibility for this. I do not like to ask for help. This is not uncommon from people who come from lesser means. It’s hard to ask for support.
Yet there comes a time where we must.
In the same episode,Ted Lasso quotes writer Elizabeth Appell: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it takes to blossom.”
I fear loss more than I value gain. So I rarely ask subscribers directly to become paid. I am asking you now.
Please become a paid subscriber today.
Your support is not only helpful financially but it validates this work and frees up time to do other projects to help others. Next month, my latest book, Up/Words: A Young Striver’s Guide to a Better Life, will be published. It is the rare book that is written explicitly for a young person from little means. I will be sending a copy to paid subscribers thanking them for their support. Proceeds from sales will support the Social Mobility Lab @ The City College of New York.
Appropriately, there is a chapter focused on the role of help in our lives and how to ask for it. It includes a study out of UCLA that found that 79% of the time when someone signals or asks for help, another person complies. 11% of the time they ignored the person, 10% of the time they rejected the request. I hope I am half as fortunate as this study might suggest.
Towards the end of the Lasso episode, three super fans who see Rebecca’s tirade on TV realize “We should be there.”
I hope perhaps you might now feel the same. While there is a recommended subscription amount there is also the option under “Founding Member” to pay what you feel is right for you.
Thanks in advance for your support. It really is very much appreciated.
This Week’s Recommendation. Ask for someone’s support. That includes me. Please let me know how I can help you
Please consider sharing this with someone whose support you appreciate.
Please support this work by becoming a paid subscriber today.
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:
Supporters
“WHERE ARE YOU???” So screams the owner of A.F.C. Richmond into a television camera, as her frustration in her fans not supporting their women’s team boils over in a recent episode of Ted Lasso. Many purport to support both her club in general and women’s soccer in particular but their actions contradict their sentiment. They …
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.