The Argonauts Soul Searching Adventure

Falling Uphill: The Secret of Life

The children's edition illustrated
by Poplar Creek Elementary School

As featured on Wisconsin Public Radio and dozens of other sources.

Thank you. I just finished reading "Falling Uphill" with tears streaming down my face. It's beautifully written and illustrated. You are an inspiration. ~ Laura Z.

Falling Uphill: The Secret of Life

Synopsis: This is the true story about a man who bicycles around the world questing for the secret of life. His journey is full of many wonders, but he eventually returns home discouraged—only then does he discover the secret in the last place left to look.

More about this book: The children's edition of Falling Uphill illustrated by elementary students is is my proudest accomplishment -- a community project involving about 1500 people, bringing the real-world of inspiration into the classroom, and creating a book that we believe will inspire generations. Update: it has already inspired thousands when I was honored by the US Dept. of State to become the Cultural Ambassador to Argentina and along with 13 schools we created the Spanish edition Cayendo Hacia Arriba: El Secreto de la Vida.

Read about how this book was made.buy now

 

Poplar Creek Elementary School photograph

Poplar Creek Elementary School
The illustrators of Falling Uphill at Poplar Creek Elementary School. Photo by Scott.

Poplar Creek class photo chalk outline

Poplar Creek class photo line up

More info about this picture.

Acknowledgements: Working with Poplar Creek Elementary to create the children's edition (middle-grade chapter book) of Falling Uphill is the result of years of education, years of work experience, years of exploration and heaps of love. This book wouldn't be possible without the help of teachers like Kate Krzysik and Terry Berg, Principal Jane Gennerman, Assistant Principal Larry Lueck (individuals whose dedication to education has driven them far beyond the call of duty), the 507 students and their parents, and, of course, all the kind and wise people that helped guide me around the world and through the inner self.

Falling Uphill: The Secret of Life page 39

Falling Uphill: The Secret of Life page 50

Falling Uphill: The Secret of Life page 55

buy now

Testimonials

The feedback for the new children's edition is beginning to arrive and it is fantastic. I'm honored to have made such a difference, and truly all my readers have also made a big difference in my life by helping me live my dream, because what is an author without a reader but a tree falling in the forest? Forgive me if I don't have time to post them all.

I am a substitute teacher in New Berlin and have worked at Poplar Creek for many years. My own children attended school there, so it has a special place in our lives. I was working at Poplar Creek the day you 'flew' up to the roof to take the picture of the students. I became one of many spokes on your bicycle that day! I also bought your book because I had heard so much about it and was excited to hear how your project had evolved. Today I received your book, and sat down immediately to enjoy your message and the uninhibited artwork that only children seem capable of! A year ago at this time, I was living with cancer and was just at the beginning of chemo and radiation. I found so many parallels within your bicycle trip story and my own journey, that I felt compelled to send you this note! I am comforted to know that others seek answers to questions about life, and that you also found that the answers come from within. I know I am a stronger person for finding that faith and belief in myself! May you experience continued blessings and wizardry in your future! You have certainly touched my life by sharing your story! Thanks so much!! ~ Jeni B.

Thank you. I just finished reading "Falling Uphill" with tears streaming down my face. It's beautifully written and illustrated. You are an inspiration. ~ Laura Z.

Read more testimonials for the childrens edition here.