RANGE: HOW EXPLORING YOUR INTEREST CAN CHANGE THE WORLD by David Epstein

5 stars

In this inspirational young readers’ book, each chapter offers up a vignette of a famous person who succeeded by following their interests and not giving up. People range across the passion spectrum from Tiger Woods with golf, Roger Federer with tennis, and Laslo Polgar with chess. Epstein also throws in fun facts such as that scientists who win the Nobel Prize are more likely than others to pursue hobbies, being 22 times more likely to be an amateur actor, magician or performer. Kids are offered up career possibilities using real life examples such as keeping trying to reach your goal even when facing a string of failures such as Vincent Van Gogh had to deal with to become a famous artist creating his own unique style. Range frees up kids’ imaginations to think of taking what they love and wrapping a lifetime’s pursuit of it. Along with this, it sends a powerful message that do what you love and eventually fame or money will catch up.

Thanks to Viking Books for a reader’s review copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.