You Can Do It!

by Tony Dungy, Amy June Bates (Illustrator)

Tony Dungy's little brother, Linden, is a third grader who is having a bad day at school. Linden is the youngest of the Dungy family and the least motivated because he hasn't found "it." In a family where everyone seems to have found their special talent, all Linden knows is that he wants to make people happy. With encouragement from his parents, a helping hand from his older brother Tony, and inspiration from God, Linden learns that if he dreams big and has faith, he can do anything!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cultural, Family, Religion, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 8, 2008

About the author

Tony Dungy is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose books include Quiet Strength, Uncommon,The Mentor Leader and Uncommon Marriage. He led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory on February 4, 2007, the first such win for an African American head coach. Dungy established another NFL first by becoming the first head coach to lead his teams to the playoffs for ten consecutive years.

Dungy joined the Colts in 2002 after serving as the most successful head coach in Tampa Bay Buccaneers' history. He has also held assistant coaching positions with the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. Before becoming a coach, Dungy played three seasons in the NFL.

Dungy has been involved in a wide variety of charitable organizations, including All Pro Dad, Abe Brown Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boys & Girls Clubs. He also works with Basket of Hope, Impact for Living, the Black Coaches Association National Convention, Indiana Black Expo, the United Way of Central Indiana, and the American Diabetes Association.

He retired from coaching in 2009 and now serves as a studio analyst for NBC's Football Night in America. He and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of ten children.

Connect with Tony at his website (www.coachdungy.com, his blog,Facebook, and Twitter,

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

SO MUCH GOD TALK. Why do picture book writers feel the need to try to indoctrinate their readers? If they want to write about religion for kids, write nonfiction. This could have been a really cute story about a kid figuring out what his interests and passions are. Instead, I kept getting jarred from the story by the constant mention of God fixing everything if you just have faith. Blech.

[Sydney Funk · Rating 5 out of 5]

• You Can Do It! tells the story of a boy named Linden and his brother Tony. Linden is trying to find his It, the thing he wants to do when he grows up. Throughout the story Linden’s family helps him to find his It. His family is very supportive and lets Linden know that he will find his it soon.
• Grades K-3
• I would use this in an English class.
• Individual students that will benefit from this story include African American students or anyone who needs a little encouragement. The main characters are African American and this book can show students that people that look like them can succeed in doing what they want and so can they.
• Small groups can use this book in a literature circle with other books that are encouraging students to do what they want in life; they can be whatever they want.
• I would use this book to introduce the topic of setting goals. We would have a class discussion about what each student wants to be when they grow up and setting goals. Each student can draw pictures of what themselves in that role. We would hang them in the class as inspiration, every time they see the picture they can be motivated to reach their goals. If a student does not know what they want to be, like Linden in the story, they can set a shorter term goal to work to.
• Other books like this include: Bat boy and His Violin by Gavin Curtis. This is another African American inspirational book about following your dreams. I would include it in the literature circle.
• This book is also available as an ebook on amazon.

[Catherine Sotir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book by Tony Dungy. It was uplifting and positive and talked about what a child can accomplish when they believe in themselves. It was about a young boy who had three siblings and his two sisters and brother knew what they wanted to be when they grew up. His brother Tony wanted to be a football player, his two sisters wanted to be a nurse and a doctor. But Linden didn't know what he wanted to be. Tony's parents taught them to "have faith and dream big". This story is about Linden figuring out what he wants to be when he grows up. I was surprised by his choice! It was a great book and I would recommend it to others.

[Julia Jasztal · Rating 5 out of 5]

...


(Mommy's review from 7/16/10)

I wasn't sure if Julia would like this because she's very anti-boy at the moment and the cover shows two boys and a football. I liked the title of the book and I liked what I assumed, from the title, what the story would be about so I decided to try and I'm so happy I did. I should note that I usually shy away from books written by celebs whether they be actresses/actors, atheletes, politicians, etc. and I didn't know this was written by a former NFL player. I also want to note that, and I didn't know this before we finished the story, this is based on Dungy and his brother and, probably because of my love for non-fiction, I adore childrens books that are based on something true. That was an added bonus for me. Julia couldn't have cared an iota less. :)
The story. Tony and Linden are brothers and Linden isn't happy because he can't find his "it". Tony and their two sisters all know what they're good at and this is constantly eluding Linden. Linden goes to his Father and Tony also lends a hand in trying to help his brother. As fate would have it, Linden soon finds his very own "it".
Julia was intrigued because I think she could relate, as many children can, to wanting to be good at something and missing the mark. Or thinking you missed the mark. I loved the lessons because they're not shoved at you, they're subtle and not glaring in your face and in my opinion this goes much farther for children and adults. The way Linden goes to his family for help instead of keeping it inside, the way the family said grace before their meal, the way Tony Linden spoke of God and the way Tony assured his little brother that God knows what He's doing, all of those aspects helped make this book absolutely beautiful to me.
Dungy has a real reason to be proud because this is contribution to childrens books that most childrens authors do not make. Even the books for kids with the so-called lessons many times fall short. By telling an interesting story and intertwining the "lessons" seamlessly, Dungy manages to do what a lot of other authors try to do. But Dungy makes it happen.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

In You Can Do It Tony Dungy takes us back to his childhood in Michigan and tells the story of his little brother, Linden, who is a cut-up in class but can't seem to find his way. He can't figure out what is his "it". Tony is an athlete. His sisters take care of animals. What is his thing, his "it"?

To Dungy's credit, the story is simple, but not preachy and not so simple that it bores the adult reader. I read right to the end and was genuinely interested in seeing how it came out. The illustrations are perfect and really help tell the story.

My daughter, an 8 year-old and an excellent reader liked the story as well. She liked the way Dungy addressed the issue of Linden not knowing what he wanted to be when he grew up...

Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...

[Nikki Smith]

The book You Can Do It, is a story about a little boy who wants to find what he will be when he grows up. With the help of his brother and parents, he soon finds his passion of making people smile turn into the job of being a dentist. This book was a very cute children's book and encompassed the ideas of family and behavior. Some of the morals of treating siblings right and having faith in what is to come. This book talked about praying to God although the main focus was faith, it could be a sensitive topic for some children if read aloud in a classroom. All together I though this book taught good morals, and was very child friendly. You could see the story through the pictures and children could follow along the story even if they didn't know how to read.

[Seth Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book that delivers a great message to kids. It is a story about Tony Dungy's little brother trying to discover what he wants to do. All of his siblings have their own unique talents and know what they want to do with their life but that isn't the case for him. His knack for making people smile turns into dentistry. I looked into Dungy's other books some more and found all of his children's books to be perfect for young readers. He uses his experience in dealing with young people through coaching and other projects he's involved in to always deliver a great message. I highly recommend looking him up and looking at all of his books, not just the children books. He offers books that could be used for all students, grades K-12, that offer those same life lessons.

[Teri Swain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a realistic fiction. I would recommend it for grades 2-4 due to language and length. This book focused on the main character Linden. Linden was trying to find his "it". His brother Tony and both his sisters had that one thing that they were good at but he just couldn't seem to find what his was. His brother was an athlete and his sisters took care of animals. Linden goes to his father for help finding his "it" and his brother even agrees to help. This book taught a life lesson and also taught never to give up and to always look to God when you need answers. Tony assured his little brother that God knew what he was doing. It also taught you that everybody has that special "it" because before the end of the book Linden had finally found his special "it".

[Tyffani Mine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This fictional narrative tells about a young boy who cannot seem to find his “it” or career of choice and purpose in life. Linden, looks to his parents, siblings, and community members for advice but later finds out his answer was within. As a teacher, I may not use the story in the classroom because of its continuous reference to religion. However, it could teach about family and goals and about persistence. It could also be used to teach about different form of dialogue, because in the story Tony and his family use an at home dialect that is a little different from standard English.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about a child trying to find his "it", which is another word for a career that he will enjoy. But at the end of the story he figures out that he wants to be a dentist after a painful encounter with his own dentist. However, the writing style of this author can be confusing but its a great motivational book for children that are trying find their "it". This book many children may relate to because many children are worried are finding their "it" too.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains some nice variations on the Little Engine That Could parable, including connotations centered upon the Dungy family's Christian life and the way it affected their attitudes going forward, with Tony Dungy in regard to his football and with his brother, too, in choosing a career path.
This is a well-written book, and I recommend it.

[Sarah Frobisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great because it teaches children that they are unique in their likings, and that they will find their niche when the time is right. It teaches perserverance and dedication, as well as the importance of family support.

[Shira Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone at some point and time in their life wants to know their purpose in life. The main character in this book Linden finds his purpose in life through a painful sensation in his mouth and guidance from his family. This book would be great to motivate young children.

[Carman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linden is feeling insecure as everyone around him has an idea about his future and he does not. I would use this book to emphasize to students that everyone grows at their own pace and it may take time to figure out what is good for them. This book is sure to be on my classroom shelf.

[Paris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to 1st-4th grade readers because of the message the author conveys. I know at some point, children will wonder what their "it" is. I think reading this book would be a good way to motivate and promote self-reflection.

[Efundunke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it every time that I read it. My kindergarten students loved it. We talked about what it means to find your "it," what you love to do. This book could also be read during career day, especially if students do not know what they want to be when they grow up.

[Keia Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked most about this book is how it inspires children to dream. It also shows that you don't have to know exactly what your future holds as long as you follow your dreams and have faith that everything will work out in the end.

[Emily Blay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a great message: you can do it. No matter what someone is facing as long as they try their best they can make it through. This is a great lesson for all students to learn. No matter what background they come from I want all my students to feel hopefully.

[Tristan Doane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of faith and perseverance and it teaches the reader never to give up and always be strong, mentally and spiritually. It is a good book who does go to church and maybe not the best for those who do not go to church because they may be too young to understand faith and Religion.

[Andrew]

YAY!!!

[Candi]

Ages 4 to 7

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent picture book for older students (grades 1-3).

[Monique Mcdonald]

absolutely amazing book. Its inspiration and dreams come true. It teaches children to have hope and always have faith.

[Kristin Sprague · Rating 4 out of 5]

this goes along with the idea that you can be the change you want too see in the world.

[Dana Pressnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Dungy, coach for the Indianapolis colts writes about his little brothers uncertainty of what he wants to be when he grows up. Encouraging. Including praying for guidance

[Amanda Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book to read to boys. Also a good read when talking about it other cultures.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linden's brothers and sisters all know what they want to be when they grow up. He only knows that he likes to make people smile. He finds answers in a surprising place.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book about finding the "it" that you want to do/be.

Although I do think it could be discouraging for multi-potential kids who have a hard time deciding.

[Ellon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure a professional football player should become a children’s book author.
I found this book to be pretty text heavy and the text wasn’t all that interesting. There’s the old writing tip to “show, not tell” and this author was mostly telling throughout the book. I think the resolution came too quickly without adequately showing the struggle of finding your it .
I also wasn’t a fan of the faith aspect of this book. I try to be open minded when books involve strong faith and there have been books where I overlook that part of it but it was kind of shoved down your throat in this one.
I find it ironic that the main character becomes a dentist to “make people smile” considering dentists have the highest rate of suicide of any profession because they are disliked due to the pain they cause people.
I did like the message of perseverance and the obvious family love between the characters.

[Jazmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book you can do it is a book I would like to implement into my classroom because it teaches students the value of being confident. The story is about a boy who is facing a variety of obstacles both on in baseball and through his personal life but with support is encouraged to preserver through it . This book can resonate with children of all ages especially those who have a hard time with self doubt and other challenges. This book strives to encourage students to have a growth mindset and help students know that failing is ok. It is a great way to bring into the classroom conversations about setting goals and staying motivated, not just through school but life as well. It also brings to light sports for students who are interesting in that genre while also teaching the value of working hard, being a team player and respect which is vital for students to develop for both school and the real world.