Lighting Their Fires

Raising Extraordinary Children in a Mixed-up, Muddled-up, Shook-up World

The central theme of the book is that students aren't born extraordinary - they become that way. It takes more than natural smarts and skills to be successful - it takes work on the parts of parents and teachers to ignite in children the drive and determination needed to become more than mediocre.

I liked how the anecdotes, advice and examples were woven around the story of a night at a ballgame with a small group of students. The students learned so many things during their experience and the author uses it to teach us as well.

I was sold by the First Inning since it was focused on the value of time. Esquith had taught his students the importance of being on time especially in that it reflects an appreciation of others. I can remember as early as high school having a great respect for being on time. I felt (and still feel) that those that are chronically late don't care about those they are meeting or don't care about the event they are attending. It's especially sad to see families continually late for school or Mass - what are we teaching our children when we don't value education and worshiping God?

I plan to go back through the book to write down book and movie suggestions for teaching life lessons. Whether a new or seasoned parent or teacher, this book can provide all with ideas for instilling greatness in the next generation.

For more information please visit The Hobart Shakespeareans and Amazon and to read an excerpt go here.