You Can Get in the Way: How You Can Become a ROADBLOCK to Risk Factors

by Dr. John W. Hodge

Is it possible for one person to make a noticeable difference in the life of a child? Through stories, research, and strategies, Dr. John W. Hodge shows how children can be successful despite the risk factors that typically hold them back. Children who overcome usually have one thing in the presence of educators, counselors, social workers, community advocates, and family members - people just like you - who can see beyond demographic and social limitations to the unlimited potential that lies within the hearts and minds of all children. This book will clearly explain how the actions of caring adults have been the difference between success and failure for children like the ones you see in your schools every day. As you read, you will gain a fundamental understanding of how the resilience phenomenon works and gain insight into ways you can foster resilience in students. You’ll Learn The evidence is overwhelming that one person’s willingness to act can enhance resilience in children to such an extent that they overcome obstacles and eventually thrive. That one person just might be YOU .

96 pages, Paperback

Published July 5, 2022

Reviews

[Zoe Anne M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you #NetGalley and #National Center for Youth Issues for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my own, and unbiased opinion.

I rarely dive into the non-fiction genre, and when it happens, it's either I'm at a certain point in my life when I genuinely need self-help or a personal growth boost, or I'm just curious. Neither of these reasons is why I chose this 96-page book. I wanted to listen to an audiobook on NetGalley, and this one sits in a grid of readily available books that may or may not be to my liking.

So here I am, in a post-reflection phase from the book's key learnings, as I share my perspectives on why this book is essential. Yes, essential.

"You Can Get in the Way: How You Can Become a ROADBLOCK to Risk Factors" by Dr. John W. Hodge discusses how, as a community, we can help children and students overcome the roadblocks that get in the way of their success. It highlights how the Resilience Phenomenon can help them recover quickly from setbacks or difficulties. Teachers and school instructors are the intended audience for the book, but its resonance extends to anyone. As a parent, I admit guilt about many practices I thought were beneficial to my teens, which proved detrimental as I consumed this book.

Notwithstanding its brevity, the book provides insights into positive strategies to help our children succeed. The main takeaway is that the youth's success depends on the adults' willingness to care and that the probability of success or failure depends on how a person reacts to certain risk factors. The book emphasizes the need to transform risk factors into positive ones - working around the consequences of risk factors into incentives and being consistent with their implementation.

Overall, I appreciate that the author personally narrated this book, as his enthusiasm shines through when he conveys vital points and when he recounts glimpses of his childhood. What's great about his writing is that the narrative is easy to follow, and his observations are on point - figures that perhaps we, as adults, are already aware of but still need to be perceptive to their relevance. As an Asian parent - although the book focuses on the American educational system - the roadblocks mentioned in the book are also similar to what our children go through, albeit with some cultural variation. To summarize the author's words, we should all look beyond the current circumstances that befall our youth, collaborate with others, and utilize effective instructional practices with consistency and willingness to care. I cannot recommend this book enough to teachers, parents, community leaders, mentors, etc., as long as you are an adult who is part of society and would want your children to thrive. And remember, it only takes one person who cares to make a difference; how much more if an entire community does so?

[Katy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful for those working with students, a good mindset to hold onto.

As a former teacher/librarian/school worker and now parent to a teen approaching the 'life choices/exams' stage, I was after tips and ideas from professionals. Anything to use and pass on.

This was short and succinct, with good case studies and well-explained, simple thoughts about simply being that person that blocks the risks from a young person's life and life chances: skills aren't needed for this, just really being there and spotting their potential problem and clearing it out of their way.

Resilience is a skill I personally feel is harder for younger generations to develop, for multiple reasons, so anything us adults can do to help with this will benefit us all.

A short audiobook, flowed well from chapter to chapter, though I would definitely like some of it on paper to refer to.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.

[Anne Jisca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never underestimate the power of caring.

The author shares a lot of stories of people who got in the way (in a GOOD way!) of students who had many risk factors stacked against their academic success. He shares helpful tips. What I retain as the core:
-Don't expect them to fail.
-Believe in them.
-Show you care.
-Set up continuous daily rewards instead of quarterly events, to make it a continuous habit.

The book is very much focused on the school system, and helping children there. Still good principles to carry over to other parts of life and interacting positively with children.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Sierra| HooksxBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely one of those books that should be listened to by educators, support staff and parents.

This book gave pretty good advice on how to bridge the gap for your student(s), how to show up for them but also, the best way to create an action plan that would help your child/student succeed.


I enjoyed this audiobook. It was very informative and provided a good bit of information in a short and sweet audiobook.



I volunteered to listen to this audiobook through NetGalley

[Melanie Lafortune · Rating 4 out of 5]

The importance of getting involved with children was evident from the beginning to the end of this book. While this book was geared towards education and teachers I think all people who interact with children would benefit from this book. Showing you care makes a difference
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring manifesto for anyone who wants their life to have meaning and to create real positive change in the world.