AT ITS CORE, THE FIRST THIRTY IS BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF THE ANYTHING-BUT-SIMPLE FIRST THIRTY YEARS IN ONE SIMPLE MAN'S LIFE, HIS DREAM TO BRING THE WORLD TOGETHER FOR MILKSHAKES, AND THE THIRTY LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE SETBACKS AND SUCCESSES ALONG THE WAY.     IT IS A STORY ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE, THE EVENTS OF OUR YOUTH THAT CAN INSPIRE THAT PASSION WITHIN US TO HELP OTHERS, THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT EXIST FOR US TO PURSUE THAT PASSION AT ANY AGE AND THE BARRIERS WE CONFRONT ALONG THE WAY.  THE BOOK'S THIRTY LESSONS REVOLVE AROUND TOPICS LIKE STARTING SMALL, THINKING BIG, CHASING DREAMS, WORKING HARD, OVERCOMING OBSTACLES, EMBRACING REJECTION, SHATTERING STEREOTYPES, ADDRESSING INTOLERANCE, GIVING BACK...AND ALWAYS LISTENING TO YOUR GRANDMA.   (And don't be fooled by the cover - The First Thirty is used with 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders around North America - but it is also used by many high schools, colleges, nonprofit organizations and corporations.  It's not just a book for kids!)  Here are some reviews:

MIDDLE SCHOOL-RELATED:   ",,,,[The] message of making a difference in the world outside your window was extremely well received and links into so many of our stewardship and volunteerism lessons and activities within our school...." - Jackie Fredrickson, Administrator, Bishop Gallagher School (Canada) HIGH SCHOOL-RELATED:   "An American tale with global relevance, The First Thirty illustrates the ability within each of us to help bridge the divisions that have separated so many for so long." - Peter K, High School student, Kenya COLLEGE-RELATED:   "A remarkable story of strength and conviction filled with lessons that will take every student through the college years and beyond."  - College News TEACHER-RELATED:  "Every educator in America should read this story.  It reminds me why I became one..."  - Amy Ziperstein, Elementary School teacher, Illinois YOUNG PROFESSIONAL-RELATED:  "...I am just starting a career, and am at a critical point in choosing where I will take it.  I have always looked at my career in terms of finding the right balance of [how much I enjoy myself and how much money I make].  Reading The First Thirty has modified my view of success to include the interaction I have with the people around me."  - David Cramer, Allstate NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION RELATED:  "Any man, woman, child with an idea or dream HAS to read this book.   Not only will it give them hope, it will inspire them to do more than they could have ever imagined.  Throughout my life, I have spent countless hours volunteering in the nonprofit sector.  Not only did the book resonate with my experiences, it has encouraged me to do more and accomplish more." - Lindsay K. Walls, Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program, University of Missouri-St. Louis PARENT/BUSINESS EXECUTIVE-RELATED:   "The First Thirty illustrates the responsibilities we have as parents, grandparents, teachers and business leaders to influence the people around us...Every teacher should make The First Thirty required reading. It's William Saroyan for the next generation."   - Sam Geil, Parent & Company President GRANDPARENT-RELATED:  "I loved the book!!!!...What an amazing woman [the Grandma character is]. I hope someday that I can have that kind of positive impact on my grandchildren whenever that day comes..." - Lucy Ruiz, CBS 47 (Fresno, California)

FOR MORE BACKGROUND ON THE STORY, SCROLL DOWN THIS LIST AND SELECT THE BEST CATEGORY FOR YOU - AND IT WILL PROVIDE YOU INFORMATION ON THE STORY'S 'CONNECTION' TO THAT TOPIC, FIELD OR AGE RANGE - AS WELL AS FEEDBACK FROM THOSE WITHIN IT Academics Art Athletics-Health-Fitness Civil Rights Colleges / Universities Commencements Community Colleges & City Colleges Community Service Corporate Creative Writing / English classes / Future Authors courses Dealing with intolerance Dealing with physical obstacles Diversity Educators & Future Educators Entrepreneurship F&B-Hotel-Restaurant Industry  Film Grandparent Events Greek Life High schools International Ivy Leagues Labels & Stereotypes Leadership & Teamwork Louisiana Making the most of your time in school Marketing & Innovation Media & Journalism Middle Schools Milkshakes Multiculturalism Navigating the College Selection Process (and dealing with the results) Nonprofit Management Orientation / First Year Programs  Philanthropy Public Service Social Entrepreneurship The South Tzedakah Universities / Colleges Volunteering Writing Youth Philanthropy To purchase your copy or copies, go to the Shopping Cart To inquire about bulk orders for your class, conference, camp, library, store or organization, email Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com Contact Events@GregForbes.com about booking Greg (the real-life person upon whom the book is based) for an event