UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Personal experience and a universal message about belonging shape the latest children’s book by an award-winning Penn State alumnus.
In “America’s Dreaming,” author Bob McKinnon introduces young readers to a lead character named America who endures a difficult first day at a new school — a situation familiar to many children across the nation. In the book, a supportive teacher introduces the student to books about famous historical figures who also felt unwelcome at times, and when America falls asleep that night, Amelia Earhart, Martin Luther King Jr., Sojourner Truth and others jump off the pages to share their stories and inspire the student.
For McKinnon, a New York Times bestselling author (“Three Little Engines”) who earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State in 1990, the story has strong personal roots.
When he was 11, his mother moved from Chelsea, Massachusetts, to York, Pennsylvania, with three children. While the family struggled to make ends meet, acceptance and belonging were a big part of the challenge.
“The move occurred in the middle of the school years, and so I had that uncomfortable experience of walking into a new classroom and peering out at a group of strangers who watched me with skeptical eyes,” McKinnon said. “Fortunately, I had a caring teacher who helped me feel welcome and encouraged my love of reading.”
In “America’s Dreaming,” a 48-page hardback, McKinnon does much of the same. Plus, McKinnon’s construction of the narrative, with all visuals coming from the lead character’s perspective, makes the book less about any specific person and more about the experience.
“The choice to name the title character America and never show what they look like is deliberate,” McKinnon said. “It doesn’t matter whether a child moves from one city, state or country to another. Nor does it matter their gender, race or class.
“It’s important all children feel like they belong. Not just in our schools but in our communities and our country.”
Illustrator Thai My Phuong brought the book to life and was inspired by its message.
“When I first read 'America’s Dreaming,' tears rolled down my cheeks,” she said. “The story reminds me of my many firsts and all those important moments and people in my life. I hope this book can be a best friend to anyone who experiences challenging moments in life.”
Because McKinnon’s experience was eased by a caring teacher and reading, he plans to launch an initiative to give out 100 Welcome Wagons filled with children’s books that all share the theme of belonging to schools in need across the country.
“America’s Dreaming” is available for purchase in bookstores and online.
Along with his children’s books, McKinnon writes and teaches about issues related to the American dream and directs an organization whose mission is to inspire people to reflect on who and what has contributed to where they end up in life.