Have you felt like you couldn’t, wouldn’t, shouldn’t attempt something you really want to do? Maybe you’ve done a good job of convincing yourself you’re not up to making your goal.
This is the book for you, your classroom, your book club, your dance troupe, your family … literally everyone who needs positive encouragement.
As the author and educator Jasmyn Wright shares, “I’ve taught in low-income and underprivileged communities, so I knew that my students needed more than the bare minimum to excel.” She “plastered the question,” “What Will You Do to Make a Difference in the World?” on her third-grade classroom wall. “Underneath were pictures of heroic African Americans who’ve overcome adversity and left their imprint on the world. I wanted the students to know that there are people like them — who grew up and experienced the same hardships, and who look like them — who have also overcome adversity.”
Wright establishes a mantra in her classroom: “Push Through,” which becomes her students’ refrain, a video, a social media wildfire, a non-profit organization, and, now, a well-written book that will make a terrific classroom focus of discussion.
“What if it’s too hard?
I’m gonna push through!
What if it’s too tough?
I’m gonna push through!”
Shannon Wright, the illustrator, includes the motivational portraits of famous people who have pushed through. The back matter provides their biographies to share with your listeners.
Wright’s illustrations add to the content, employing friendly, brightly-colored depictions of ways kids can push through.
Jasmyn Wright’s three-page explanation of how her program came to be will inspire your own efforts. We can ALL push through!
“Philly Teacher Tells Student to ‘Push Through,’ Inspires Global Mantra and Gap Commercial,” Sofiya Ballin, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 8 August 2017.
Highly recommended and necessary.
I’m Gonna Push Through!
written by Jasmyn Wright, M.Ed.
illustrated by Shannon Wright
Atheneum / Simon & Schuster, 2019
ISBN 978−1−5344−3965−8