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
America
When America celebrated her 200th birthday, I was a little boy living in Boston. I remember the tall ships dominating the Boston Harbor – led by the recently restored USS Constitution, more affectionately referred to as Old Ironsides. Flags waved everywhere, school children flocked to the Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill and other famous Bostonian revolutionary sites. Things seemed simpler and more comfortable – even the temperature was in the cool 70s.
As our 250th birthday approaches, things feel a little more complicated, uncomfortable and of course, hotter. Some see jingoistic displays of American patriotism through a very specific political filter while others choose this as an opportunity to look at America through the lens of how she has not lived up to her founding principles. We see our history in black or white without nuance. There are States of America but not as United as we would like.
“United” comes from the Latin term meaning “joined together.” From the very beginning this joining together included people from different backgrounds and beliefs. This holds true today. We can be united and have different beliefs. Not just between each other but within ourselves.
I am proud to be an American AND not always proud of what others do in her name.
I am grateful for the opportunities America has given me AND wish it could afford those same opportunities to more people.
I support our soldiers and veterans AND do not support every conflict our country chooses to engage in.
I respect the office of the Presidency AND don’t approve of how some presidents have disrespected that office.
I am inspired by many events of our nation’s history AND ashamed by others.
I love my country AND believe we can do better.
It’s worth noting that there has always been division in America. Even during our bi-centennial, that little boy waving a flag in Boston? It was during the Boston busing crisis that viciously divided neighbors and families among racial and class lines.
To be united as a country does not require us to be united in all things, just the most important ones. It also helps if we acknowledge our contradictions between us and even within ourselves.
As Walt Whitman wrote in Song of Myself:
“Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself,
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)”
As we celebrate our nation’s birthday, perhaps one of the most valuable presents we could give ourselves AND each other is to recognize and understand these contradictions; realizing that inherent in the idea of United – is in fact our differences.
Recommendation of the Week: Take this brief seven question quiz – courtesy of Seth Godin’s blog – that shows how different/unique your own set of beliefs might be from other Americans. It’s interesting that less than 2% of Americans share my exact beliefs in this quiz AND yet I feel so connected to my fellow Americans.
Consider sharing this with someone who you’d like to feel more united with.
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:
America
When America celebrated her 200th birthday, I was a little boy living in Boston. I remember the tall ships dominating the Boston Harbor – led by the recently restored USS Constitution, more affectionately referred to as Old Ironsides. Flags waved everywhere, school children flocked to the Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill and other famous Bostonian revolutionary …
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.