Katie always thought her dad was smart; he is one of the busiest attorneys in town! People are always asking him for advice! She has been a bit confused since asking him for help with her weekly spelling list. How can her "very smart" dad struggle with one of her spelling words? This definitely did not make sense. The word "Mississippi" has changed everything...
Excerpt
A book series created to broaden the definitions of learning, creativity, intelligence and success.
Professional Reviews
Dr. Rick Hoyle, Duke University
“Each book in the Mainstream Connections Children's Book Series offers a reassuring message for children and sage advice for their adult caregivers, who do not always appreciate children's naive construals of their peers, teachers, and schools. The books encourage children not to shy away from obstacles by showing how many adults--from Mom and Dad to intellectual giants--overcame similar obstacles on the road to success. They dispel misconceptions about intelligence that can undermine confidence among children who do not immediately succeed in school. They also highlight the pitfalls of measuring oneself in comparison to peers. Although the books seem targeted toward children who struggle, there are important messages for those children for whom school seems to come easy as well as the teachers and parents who create the environments in which children learn. A recurring theme is the importance to children of understanding and affirmation from adults. The richness and depth of these books, which are firmly rooted in behavioral science research, is uncommon in short stories for children. It is quite possible that these books will rescue some children from the uncertainty, anxiety, and struggle that school and peer relations sometimes create.”
Dr. Rick Hoyle, Duke University
Research Professor Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Dr. Hoyle currently serves as editor of Journal of Social Issues and associate editor of Self and Identity.
Dr. Carol Dweck, Stanford University
“This is a wonderful book. Each story shows children that success is about effort and determination, that problems need not derail them, and that adults can understand their worries and struggles. My research demonstrates that these lessons are essential for children.” Dr. Carol S. Dweck, Stanford University Professor of Psychology, author of “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success”. Her scholarly book Self-Theories: Their Role in Motivation, Personality, and Development was named Book of the Year by the World Education Fellowship.
Emerson Dickman, President International Dyslexia Association
In grammar school I was slow to learn how to read and memory problems made the times tables impossible (repeated first grade). Throughout my educational career I struggled with tasks requiring long reading assignments or rote memory skills. Subjects that required conceptual and abstract thinking were relatively easy, e.g. science, philosophy, aesthetics, psychology. Others were challenging, but not impossible, e.g. economics, constitutional law. Still others were virtually impossible to master, e.g. history, foreign language. Yet, when the direction of my academic pursuits became increasingly subject to choice, I, as you might imagine, was more influenced by my strengths than my weaknesses. I still don’t know the times tables by heart, but my college degree is in Industrial Engineering. I still read slowly, but have been practicing law for 35 years and love to read for recreation. I personally identify with Last to Finish and If You’re So Smart. I was that child; I am that child; I would have benefited from knowing that child when I was a child. This project has the potential of changing lives for the better with its simple, creative, and charismatic message that will allow those of us who have every felt alone to believe that “we belong and are connected”. I believe Barbara Esham will change lives.
G. Emerson Dickman, Advocacy Attorney, President of the International Dyslexia Association
Busy Body provides a unique way of ministering to Christian youths. It introduces young readers to Christian values and principles and teaches them the significance of these standards and beliefs.
If ever there was a time for a Children's Ministry
