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'Pandemic' Graduates & Their Families

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The book, The First Thirty (and its expanded version, The Silhouette Man) tell the story of a young person whose life seems to be going according to plan  -- until he encounters an unexpected roadblock during his last semester of high school & his seemingly set future becomes much less certain. He eventually overcomes the obstacle, makes it to college & earns his degree -- but his college experience doesn't end as he envisioned, either. Despite earning his degree, he doesn't 'cross the stage' at an in-person college graduation like he always dreamed.  In the days that follow, he must decide whether he will be defined by those disappointing chapters of his life - or - by how he responds to them. SCROLL DOWN

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​The books &/or the true story upon which they are based have been featured by media like College Bound, College News, Newsweek Kaplan College Guide and 
The Washington Post
.  For many years, families have ordered the books for their kids & grandkids graduating from middle school, high school, college or graduate school. Students who graduate from a school or program during the pandemic can relate to the story in a way few others can.   





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​Theresa Taylor, Middle School Assistant Principal, Texas: "[The First Thirty] demonstrates the power within each of us to spark positive change... helps middle schoolers view the world from a different perspective."

​College News:  "[The First Thirty is] a remarkable story of strength filled with lessons that will take every student through the college years and beyond."


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​Amy Pszczolkowski, now at Princeton University, former First Year Experience professor, Asnuntuck Community College: "[The First Thirty is] a great story of redemption and determination... a virtual case study for First Year Experience program... a blueprint for new college students."


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​​Ana Oprisan, Program Manager, Council of Europe: "
The Silhouette Man... shows who we can be and what we can do -- against all disappointments, against all odds, within the limitations of our power and resources..."

David J, college student from Texas: "The Silhouette Man has been a great read... It reminds me to be kind, curious and to never give up on an educational, civic or business dream..."



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​The First Thirty
is for 5th grade to 12th grade. The Silhouette Man  is for college age & up. To order copies of the books for graduates or scholarship recipients, click here


For more Graduation-related background, click here
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Note: In some pictures, it appears people are holding a copy of The First Thirty with a cover that features a young kid in a helmet. That is the old edition of the book. The current version (the 15th anniversary edition of The First Thirty) has a new cover (young person looking out the window)

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    • covers
    • reviews
    • pictures
    • posters
    • elevator project
    • Store
  • creative
    • art
    • writing
    • writing samples
    • legacy
    • film & theater
  • personal
    • Grandma
    • farm
    • take leaps
    • animals
    • milkshakes
    • sports
    • cooking
    • twins
  • civic
    • childhood & college
    • mentoring
    • philanthropy
    • seniors
    • interns
    • military
    • cancer
    • physical obstacles
    • learning differences
    • literacy
    • pandemic
    • collaborations
  • Shop
  • contact
    • send a message
    • instagram