Sample of Book & Workbook Reviews
Allie, student, New Hampshire: "The First Thirty is a wonderful book that reminds us of the magical things that can happen when spending time with grandparents."
Angela Bouque, Branch Manager, Gail Borden Public Library: "The Silhouette Man is a timeless tribute to two of society's greatest sources of wisdom -- the books we read & the grandparents who guide us."
Aubrey Kistler, Healthcare Activities Director, Zarrow Pointe: "A Place To Sit [the companion workbook for The First Thirty or The Silhouette Man] is filled with thoughtful questions and activities that our elders can do with each other, with their grandkids, and on their own from the comfort of their own home."
Angela Bouque, Branch Manager, Gail Borden Public Library: "The Silhouette Man is a timeless tribute to two of society's greatest sources of wisdom -- the books we read & the grandparents who guide us."
Aubrey Kistler, Healthcare Activities Director, Zarrow Pointe: "A Place To Sit [the companion workbook for The First Thirty or The Silhouette Man] is filled with thoughtful questions and activities that our elders can do with each other, with their grandkids, and on their own from the comfort of their own home."
Brenda Tripp-Lanser, Director, Monroe Public Library: "[The First Thirty is] a memorable example of the magical bond between kids with big dreams and the grandparents who believe in them."
Chay Genoway, 2018 Olympic Medalist, Canada: "[The Silhouette Man] shares an outlook on life that changed my approach to leadership -- especially in seemingly small moments."
Danielle Lyons, Foster Grandparent Program Director (Fort Wayne, IN): "I read The First Thirty in one afternoon simply because I could not put it down."
Chay Genoway, 2018 Olympic Medalist, Canada: "[The Silhouette Man] shares an outlook on life that changed my approach to leadership -- especially in seemingly small moments."
Danielle Lyons, Foster Grandparent Program Director (Fort Wayne, IN): "I read The First Thirty in one afternoon simply because I could not put it down."
Deanna Quintanilla, Program Director, Foster Grandparent Program, Sacramento County, Dept. of Child, Family & Adult Services: "The Milkshake Man is a good example of one boy's determination with the encouragement and support of his grandma. His idea of bringing people together to achieve a common goal of helping others is a positive message for everyone. The book appeals to readers of all ages and demonstrates the benefits of intergenerational relationships, much like the Foster Grandparent Program."
Elsie Ryder, Manager, Hanai a Ulu Program (AmeriCorps Senior Foster Grandparent Program), ALU LIKE, Inc.: "I truly appreciated reading The Milkshake Man as well as (its companion workbook) One Lunch... A wonderful reading... for readers of all ages... [The book shares] an important reminder that we should continue to honor and acknowledge our grandparent!!!"
Elsie Ryder, Manager, Hanai a Ulu Program (AmeriCorps Senior Foster Grandparent Program), ALU LIKE, Inc.: "I truly appreciated reading The Milkshake Man as well as (its companion workbook) One Lunch... A wonderful reading... for readers of all ages... [The book shares] an important reminder that we should continue to honor and acknowledge our grandparent!!!"
Eric Wooding, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Brentwood at LaPorte: "The Milkshake Man... underscores the importance of the roles of mentors and mentees in society - yesterday, today and always. This book proves children's stories are not just for children. They are for the child in all of us who still longs to change their world for the better."
Erik McGaughey, CEO, Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley: "The Milkshake Man is a positive and uplifting story showing the power of connecting and caring for others. So inspiring to see the lessons from a grandparent impact and change countless lives and future generations. Small steps of kindness can lead to life-changing perspectives for countless people. Highly recommend!"
Erik McGaughey, CEO, Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley: "The Milkshake Man is a positive and uplifting story showing the power of connecting and caring for others. So inspiring to see the lessons from a grandparent impact and change countless lives and future generations. Small steps of kindness can lead to life-changing perspectives for countless people. Highly recommend!"
Jennifer Gordley, Director, Foster Grandparent Program, Comprehend, Inc.: "Our Foster Grandparent Program purchased copies of The Silhouette Man for each of our volunteers as part of a recognition gift for the volunteers, and I must say that I could not put the book down myself. The book was exciting and a must read for parents, grandparents, and teachers.
I love how the book is based on a true story and how creative the author is in writing the story. I also love how the story reminds the reader about giving back to their community..."
I love how the book is based on a true story and how creative the author is in writing the story. I also love how the story reminds the reader about giving back to their community..."
Jennifer Lantz, Director, Charles City AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program: "The Silhouette Man is a wonderful example of what intergenerational bonds like 'Grandparent and grandchild' can do in a child's life...The determination of one substitute teacher making a difference in his community with his Grandma's love and ongoing support."
Jessica D, Assisted Living Retirement Community, Activity Director, New York: "Greg's respect for Grandma's words of wisdom and her tough love approach even during the end phase of her life really highlights the value that older adults play in shaping the leaders of our future generation....Greg's story truly honors the wisdom and life lessons of the older generation in a very unique way!"
Linda L, Volunteer, Central County Senior Center - and - Participant, Foster Grandparent Program: "The Milkshake Man is a life tutorial. Children and Grandparents can make a huge impact on the world, despite the idea that both categories of people are not always taken seriously. This book touches a special place in my heart."
Jessica D, Assisted Living Retirement Community, Activity Director, New York: "Greg's respect for Grandma's words of wisdom and her tough love approach even during the end phase of her life really highlights the value that older adults play in shaping the leaders of our future generation....Greg's story truly honors the wisdom and life lessons of the older generation in a very unique way!"
Linda L, Volunteer, Central County Senior Center - and - Participant, Foster Grandparent Program: "The Milkshake Man is a life tutorial. Children and Grandparents can make a huge impact on the world, despite the idea that both categories of people are not always taken seriously. This book touches a special place in my heart."
Mandy Fertig, Foster Grandparent Program, Community Action Health Center (Nebraska): "I thoroughly enjoyed The First Thirty... The book spreads positivity, embraces intergenerational relationships, and emphasizes that service to our community is something everyone can participate in."
Molly Walker, Youth Services Librarian, Valdez Consortium Library (Alaska): "The Milkshake Man is a beautiful, engaging story about the power of kindness, community, and how everyone can make a positive impact on the lives of those around them. This story is a testament to the beauty of intergenerational friendships and how we really are stronger together..."
Morgan Blom, Assistant Director of Activities, Homestead of Oskaloosa: "...[The Milkshake Man] is a great reminder of the many opportunities we have to make a positive impact on others' lives. It encourages readers that we are never too young or too old to be learning and growing and making a difference in our community."
Morgan Blom, Assistant Director of Activities, Homestead of Oskaloosa: "...[The Milkshake Man] is a great reminder of the many opportunities we have to make a positive impact on others' lives. It encourages readers that we are never too young or too old to be learning and growing and making a difference in our community."
Morgan Shinn, Program Coordinator, Wendy's QSCC: "The Silihouette Man is a great reminder that we can all spend more time doing good in our communities and the huge impact it can have on others. It is reassurance that a little kindness goes a long way. After reading this book, I find myself asking 'what more can I be doing to better my community?'"
Rachel Trouten, Coordinator, Foster Grandparents Program (Fort Wayne, IN): "It was truly inspirational to see the power of determination, hard work, and belief in one's dreams. Makes you think about your goals, life, and service to others differently. Would recommend The First Thirty to anyone who wants to make the world a little bit better!"
Rashelle Gussner, Volunteer & Past Board President, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho: "A breath of fresh air. The story in The Silhouette Man proves how gifting time to help others is much more than a 'small' act of kindness. It is a much needed catalyst for opening the hearts of many others to do the same."
Rachel Trouten, Coordinator, Foster Grandparents Program (Fort Wayne, IN): "It was truly inspirational to see the power of determination, hard work, and belief in one's dreams. Makes you think about your goals, life, and service to others differently. Would recommend The First Thirty to anyone who wants to make the world a little bit better!"
Rashelle Gussner, Volunteer & Past Board President, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho: "A breath of fresh air. The story in The Silhouette Man proves how gifting time to help others is much more than a 'small' act of kindness. It is a much needed catalyst for opening the hearts of many others to do the same."
Sam G, company president, California: "...illustrates the responsibilities we have as parents, grandparents, teachers and business leaders to influence the people around us...."
Samantha Cook, RSVP Project Director, Volunteers of America Oklahoma: "One Lunch [the companion workbook for The Milkshake Man] opened the door for conversations about ways that kids can make an impact through volunteering. A great family bonding experience."
Samantha Cook, RSVP Project Director, Volunteers of America Oklahoma: "One Lunch [the companion workbook for The Milkshake Man] opened the door for conversations about ways that kids can make an impact through volunteering. A great family bonding experience."
Samara Lynde, RSVP Director, Rocky Mountain Development Council: "The Milkshake Man illustrates how fun philanthropy can be."
Shannah Johnson, Foster Grandparent Director, Head Start of Rockland, Inc.: "The Milkshake Man is such a great story about what human kindness and a dream can do when coupled together..."
Sharon, senior community staff member, Florida: "After more than two decades working in retirement communities, I am hooked on searching out any philosophies that may relate to the position I.... hold... The Silhouette Man is in this category. It 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..."
Sue W, The Jewish Center: "The First Thirty makes me look forward to the day my child has a child, so that I can be a grandchild's best friend, too."
Sue W, The Jewish Center: "The First Thirty makes me look forward to the day my child has a child, so that I can be a grandchild's best friend, too."
Tara Stinson, Project Director, Foster Grandparent Program (Saginaw, MI): “We purchased copies of The First Thirty for each of the volunteers in the group. The book explores the personal relationship of a child and his grandparent, mixing it with the ideals of volunteerism and leadership. A great resource for a group such as ours... The accompanying workbook, A Place to Sit works for many themes - including perseverance, kindness and self-worth."
Trina Russell, Director of Celebrations, Morada Broken Arrow: "I enjoyed reading The Silhouette Man because I felt as if I was seeing what was going on [in the story] due to the great descriptive words from the author."
== To order a copy or copies of any of the books, click here
Trina Russell, Director of Celebrations, Morada Broken Arrow: "I enjoyed reading The Silhouette Man because I felt as if I was seeing what was going on [in the story] due to the great descriptive words from the author."
== To order a copy or copies of any of the books, click here
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).