reviews & press
Readers & media outlets around North America and elsewhere have shared their thoughts on The First Thirty & The Silhouette Man. See below for a sample of ten reviews. To read more reviews & media on the books, click here
Midwest Book Review: "A lesson in humanity...The First Thirty delivers a strong, positive message that is particularly relevant to high school students but is valuable to everyone...an uplifting true story that reminds us that all the movie-caliber underdog stories we see don't always have to be make-believe..."
Sharon G, senior community, Florida: "The Silhouette Man is a touching tale of dreams coming true, of the magic of a Grandma’s support and love, and a reminder that the world goes on because of interactions between generations which create constancy. I would recommend this book to anyone who has grandparents or who doesn’t, who has dreams or just wishes they did, and who is trying to define their place in the world and refuses to let others define it for them."
Teacher Information Network: "A dazzling gem. When you finish, you will want your students to read it, too. Its lessons are immensely teachable."
Richard Freedman, National Director, South African Holocaust Foundation: "The First Thirty has given me much food for thought and I am quite sure will resonate with me in the years to come. Today is Youth Day in South Africa which recognises the contribution that young people have made in the struggle against apartheid and the rebuilding of our country after apartheid. It is also meant to inspire young people to take on their own potential and to find their way in the world. This book shows how that is possible and that it mostly the curved line which offers the greatest opportunity for growth and for something special to be achieved...."
College News: "A remarkable story of strength filled with lessons that will take every student through the college years and beyond."
Jeanne-Marie, Louisiana: "An inspiring reminder that, whether it's the other side of the world, the other side of the country, or just the other side of the tracks, if you end up in a place you never expected to be and dare to explore it, you just may find your passion in the process."
Bob Middlemas, Executive Vice President, Nordstrom: "...should be required reading in business school. It's a case study in how to start small, think big and lead by example."
Yasien Mohamed, former Secretary, Pan-African Congress, South Africa: "If we can only have The First Thirty prescribed as a compulsory reading matter for [every] twelve year old in [South Africa], it will make a world of difference...."
Kimberly B, AmeriCorps Grasp: "I enjoyed reading The First Thirty so much that I plan to check out [the expanded version] The Silhouette Man....There are many, many strands woven throughout the narrative. Themes such as the value of education, volunteering in communities, fundraising for nonprofit organizations, encouragement of diversity...the importance of extended family members like grandmothers and godparents...."
Leah Jones, University of Missouri: "It's essential that students make the connectionbetween what they are doing now and what they want to achieve after they leave here. The First Thirty could not only help our students see that connection but also give them practical tools that they can start using right away."
Peter K, student from Kenya: "An American tale with global relevance....illustrates the ability within each of us to help bridge the divisions that have separated so many for so long."
Sam Geil, Parent & Company President:"...illustrates the responsibilities we have as parents, grandparents, teachers and business leaders to influence the people around us...."
Midwest Book Review: "A lesson in humanity...The First Thirty delivers a strong, positive message that is particularly relevant to high school students but is valuable to everyone...an uplifting true story that reminds us that all the movie-caliber underdog stories we see don't always have to be make-believe..."
Sharon G, senior community, Florida: "The Silhouette Man is a touching tale of dreams coming true, of the magic of a Grandma’s support and love, and a reminder that the world goes on because of interactions between generations which create constancy. I would recommend this book to anyone who has grandparents or who doesn’t, who has dreams or just wishes they did, and who is trying to define their place in the world and refuses to let others define it for them."
Teacher Information Network: "A dazzling gem. When you finish, you will want your students to read it, too. Its lessons are immensely teachable."
Richard Freedman, National Director, South African Holocaust Foundation: "The First Thirty has given me much food for thought and I am quite sure will resonate with me in the years to come. Today is Youth Day in South Africa which recognises the contribution that young people have made in the struggle against apartheid and the rebuilding of our country after apartheid. It is also meant to inspire young people to take on their own potential and to find their way in the world. This book shows how that is possible and that it mostly the curved line which offers the greatest opportunity for growth and for something special to be achieved...."
College News: "A remarkable story of strength filled with lessons that will take every student through the college years and beyond."
Jeanne-Marie, Louisiana: "An inspiring reminder that, whether it's the other side of the world, the other side of the country, or just the other side of the tracks, if you end up in a place you never expected to be and dare to explore it, you just may find your passion in the process."
Bob Middlemas, Executive Vice President, Nordstrom: "...should be required reading in business school. It's a case study in how to start small, think big and lead by example."
Yasien Mohamed, former Secretary, Pan-African Congress, South Africa: "If we can only have The First Thirty prescribed as a compulsory reading matter for [every] twelve year old in [South Africa], it will make a world of difference...."
Kimberly B, AmeriCorps Grasp: "I enjoyed reading The First Thirty so much that I plan to check out [the expanded version] The Silhouette Man....There are many, many strands woven throughout the narrative. Themes such as the value of education, volunteering in communities, fundraising for nonprofit organizations, encouragement of diversity...the importance of extended family members like grandmothers and godparents...."
Leah Jones, University of Missouri: "It's essential that students make the connectionbetween what they are doing now and what they want to achieve after they leave here. The First Thirty could not only help our students see that connection but also give them practical tools that they can start using right away."
Peter K, student from Kenya: "An American tale with global relevance....illustrates the ability within each of us to help bridge the divisions that have separated so many for so long."
Sam Geil, Parent & Company President:"...illustrates the responsibilities we have as parents, grandparents, teachers and business leaders to influence the people around us...."
All those cited above are generally cited by their affiliation with organizations &/or companies to which they belonged at the time they provided the review. (For instance, if someone is listed as being employed by a particular organization, that means they were employed by that organization at the time they provided the event feedback. They may or may not still be employed there now).
