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Jackson, Savannah, and Bullock, classmates and friends, discuss the fact that three teachers—Ms. Brown, Ms. Fuller, and Ms. Tau—have quit in just two months. The students are surprised to see Mr. Murant walking into the classroom and wonder if he will quit as well. They claim that nobody wants to teach their class because they consider it difficult. Mr. Murant has a background in professional football but has suffered a serious head injury that resulted in a concussion. As a result, he sometimes blacks out and struggles to remember small details. The children relate to him because they, too, feel that whenever they believe they can achieve something, a voice inside tells them they cannot. Throughout this journey, Mr. Murant encourages his students to adopt a "Yes, I can" attitude.
In his inspiring children's book, Avery addresses the theme of self-belief as a way to build confidence and achieve goals, particularly for children who struggle with learning or feel incapable of achieving anything. The story features a teacher who faces his own challenges resulting from a concussion sustained during his professional football career, which causes him to forget small details. This shared experience allows the students and their teacher to relate to one another, fostering a strong understanding between them. Young readers who face similar situations can connect with the characters and their emotions, creating a deeper bond. The author skillfully uses this relatable dynamic to illustrate the challenges both the students and the teacher face. Additionally, Avery explores internal and external validation, encouraging children to focus on internal validation to build confidence and reach their goals rather than relying solely on external validation. Overall, this book should inspire children to believe in themselves and see challenges as surmountable rather than impossible to overcome.
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