I+Beat+the+Odds

//I Beat the Odds// by Michael Oher

The story of the Baltimore Ravens football player, who grew up in extreme poverty with a drug addicted and often absent Mom and no Dad. It details his efforts to try to keep his siblings together and fed, his life in foster care, and his eventual adoption by a wealthy family who helped him get a good education and become a successful college student and football player along with his charity efforts to help others. His story is depicted in The Blind Side. It's a huge testament to his perseverance and also very sad that not all of his siblings were as successful as he was at beating the odds. Ties in well with We Beat the Street. -Beth Strauss, Laconia High School

I liked the story, but not as much as The Blind Side. Too bad the book wasn't on this year's list given the Raven's and their Superbowl bid this year. Kelly Budd, Keene High School

I think this book would be a good one for the list. There is a lot about overcoming poverty and difficult beginnings in here, but the bigger message is that you need to made good decisions, surround yourself with good decisions, not be afraid to start over again... basically that you are the author of your own story. This is one of those books that cries out to be handed to students. ~ Sharon Flesher, Nashua High South