Okay Kevin

Children who struggle with learning often develop doubts about how smart they are, especially when they compare themselves with classmates. These doubts frequently generate worries and sadness, which make learning even more challenging. In this wonderful book, Jim Dillon not only captures the thoughts and emotions of students who struggle to learn, but as importantly, he portrays what adults can say and do to help these children become more hopeful, confident, and successful. Helpful illustrations of specific, practical interventions are offered not only in the story but also in the guide for parents and educators. This book will serve as an impressive resource for both children with learning problems and the adults in their lives. – Robert Brooks, Ph.D., psychologist and co-author of Raising Resilient ChildrenLively and colorful illustrations along with a sharp and enduring story take our main character, Kevin from “not okay” to performing like a “high speed computer”! Read this to your class or with one student to boost every young learner’s sense of belonging, growing, and happiness. – Debra Wing (Hoffmann), author, Welcome to Kindergarten, Teacher Instructor, Coach and PresenterGreat illustrations and a ‘Guide to Parents and Educators’ at the end add much to the value, and Kevin is a real hero! – Healthy Books

James Dillon has been an educator for over 35 years, including 20 years as a school administrator. While working as the principal of Lynnwood Elementary in New York, he developed the Peaceful School Bus Program, and subsequently wrote The Peaceful School Bus. James was named Principal of the Year in 2007 by the Greater Capital Region Principal Center and he has also received recognition for administrative leadership for character education. He was an invited participant and presenter at the first National Summit on Bullying Prevention sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education in 2010 and is a certified Olweus Bullying Prevention Program trainer. He is the author of No Place for Bullying: Leadership for schools that care for every student and Reframing Bullying Prevention to Build Stronger School Communities (2015). James is currently an educational consultant for Measurement Incorporated, who sponsor the Center for Leadership and Bullying Prevention. He makes presentations and conducts workshops on a variety of educational topics, including instruction, classroom management, leadership, and supervision. He has four grown children, Ernie, Tim, Brian and Hannah and two grandchildren. He and his wife, Louisa, a school social worker, live in Niskayuna, NY.