{"id":27735,"date":"2024-06-13T13:58:58","date_gmt":"2024-06-13T17:58:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs-test.newschool.edu\/news\/?p=27735"},"modified":"2024-06-13T13:58:58","modified_gmt":"2024-06-13T17:58:58","slug":"bob-mckinnon-parsons-faculty-member-debuts-new-childrens-book","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs-test.newschool.edu\/news\/?p=27735","title":{"rendered":"Bob McKinnon, Parsons Faculty Member, Debuts New Children’s Book"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At the age of eleven, Bob McKinnon<\/a> moved from Chelsea, Massachusetts to York, Pennsylvania with his family, as his mother attempted to escape poverty, and seek a better life for herself and her children. McKinnon quickly found himself starting at a new school in the middle of the academic year, where he struggled to fit in and make friends, but was supported by a teacher, who also encouraged his love of reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That experience helped inspire his new children\u2019s book, America\u2019s Dreaming<\/em><\/a>, which tackles issues related to belonging and isolation, while also highlighting the positive effects of reading and community-building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhile my personal experience was the inspiration for America\u2019s Dreaming<\/em>, it is one that is all too common,\u201d shares McKinnon. \u201cEvery year, approximately five million children will enter a new school in the US. There are long-term implications when a child does not feel welcomed in school. It has been correlated with increased depression, mental health issues, and dropout rates. The book is not only a mirror and a window for children, but a love letter to teachers, and a reminder of our nation\u2019s history \u2013 one that is rooted in the idea that we are stronger when we welcome others with open arms and hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

McKinnon\u2019s new book was illustrated by Thai My Phuong, and puts readers in the unique perspective to connect with the experiences of the narrator, even as the narrator is never shown, which helps highlight the universal feelings explored in the book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen I first read America\u2019s Dreaming<\/em>, tears rolled down my cheeks,\u201d shares Thai. \u201cThis story reminds me of my many firsts and all of those important moments and important people in my life. I hope that this book can be a best friend to anyone who experiences challenging moments in life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The collaboration process between McKinnon and Thai required considerable trust between the two, where they would send edits to their editor, and see the changes materialize in the next version that was shared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn some ways it is a magical kind of mediated creative experience,\u201d explains McKinnon. \u201cPhuong\u2019s ability to meet the challenge of illustrating a book so that we feel deeply for a character that we never get to see is just so impressive. It\u2019s a masterclass in perspective taking through illustration. Now that the book is finished we\u2019ve met and connected directly often as we share ways to get America\u2019s story out into the world and in the hands of young readers. She is just so generous with her work and ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to his work as an author and writer, McKinnon is a faculty member at Parsons School of Design, where he is often inspired by the wider Parsons community. On occasion, students will develop children\u2019s books as part of their capstone projects, where McKinnon is able to provide expert advice and guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeeing the creativity in our faculty and students and the urgency they have to put good stuff out into the world compels you to want to do the same,\u201d he says.

Next up for McKinnon is a new picture book, America Gives Thanks<\/em>, which will again be illustrated by Thai.He has also completed his first screenplay, and is at work on a book of essays based on his substack, Moving Up Mondays<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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