Earl Martin Phalen, a former U.S. Senate exploratory candidate in Massachusetts, has released a children's book titled Aim High Dream Big. The book draws on Phalen's personal journey from being placed in foster care as an infant to graduating from Yale University and Harvard Law School, and founding educational programs that serve thousands of at-risk children.
Phalen spent only 29 minutes with his birth mother before entering the foster system. He was later adopted by George and Veronica Phalen, a large Irish Catholic family in Norwood, Massachusetts. Despite a supportive home, Phalen struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, feeling different from his peers. His experiences motivated him to create organizations that help children facing similar challenges.
Phalen founded one of the largest charter school systems in North America, serving 10,000 children across 23 schools. He also established programs like Great Jobs KC, KC Scholars, and Skilled US, which have granted $100 million in scholarships and created jobs for low-income families. Additionally, Summer Advantage USA has boosted academic growth for 50,000 children. His work earned recognition from First Ladies Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, and he received a Presidential Service Award from Bill Clinton in 1997.
In 2024, Phalen was interviewed by Good Morning America about his programs' success. He launched a U.S. Senate exploratory campaign in Massachusetts last year but decided to return to focus on the children he serves. "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, Phalen's first children's book, uses 21 illustrations to show children how to overcome obstacles. "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," Phalen shared. "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, noted, "Aim High Dream Big is an inspiring story for schools, families, and communities that champion the greatness within their children." The book is available on Amazon and Ingram Spark.
