Earl Martin Phalen, a former U.S. Senate exploratory candidate in Massachusetts and founder of one of the largest charter school systems in North America, has released a children's book titled "Aim High Dream Big." The book aims to inspire children from all backgrounds to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams. Phalen's own life story—from being placed in foster care as an infant to graduating from Yale University and Harvard Law School—serves as the foundation for the book's message.
Phalen spent only 29 minutes in his mother's arms before entering the foster care system, a statistic that often leads to negative outcomes for many children. However, he was adopted into a large Irish Catholic family in Norwood, Massachusetts, and despite feeling like an outsider, he thrived. He went on to create a charter school network serving 10,000 at-risk children across 23 schools, grant $100 million in scholarships through programs like Great Jobs KC, and support job creation for low-income families via Skilled US. His summer program, Summer Advantage USA, has helped 50,000 children academically.
Phalen's achievements have earned recognition from First Ladies Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, and a Presidential Service Award from Bill Clinton in 1997. In 2024, he was interviewed by Good Morning America about his programs' success. After briefly exploring a U.S. Senate run, Phalen decided to return his focus to the children his programs serve. "I was overwhelmed by the support from across the nation, but felt called to return to my 10,000 children," he said.
"Aim High Dream Big," his first children's book, uses over 21 illustrations to show children how they can overcome obstacles. Phalen shared, "I wrote this for kids who are still figuring themselves out, who may feel unsure of where they fit or what they're capable of. My hope is that my story reminds children that no matter what challenge they face, that greatness is already within them." Since its release, the book has been continually sold out on Amazon.
Dr. Mousson Berrouet, a family physician in Maryland, praised the book as "an inspiring story for schools, families, and communities that champion the greatness within their children." The book is also available through Ingram Spark.
