Foster care survivor Earl Martin Phalen's book "Aim High Dream Big" reminds children that "no matter what challenge they face, greatness is already within them."
BOSTON, MA, February 27, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As a little baby, Earl Martin Phalen only spent 29 minutes in his mother's arms before being pushed into the foster care system, where 70% of his African American peers would end up in jail.
As a helpless child, Earl faced scary environments prior to being adopted into a large Irish Catholic family in Norwood, Massachusetts. Although his parents, George and Veronica Phalen, adored him, he never felt like he fit in. He was different than everyone at home and school. As a child, Earl had to manage a high level of anxiety and self-doubt.
Despite a tornado of early trauma, Earl graduated from Yale University and Harvard Law School. He went from childhood uncertainty - - to creating one of the largest charter school systems in North America serving 10,000 at-risk children at 23 schools across the nation, granting $100M in scholarships and creating jobs for low-income families through Great Jobs KC, KC Scholars, and Skilled US.
He also helped the academic growth of 50,000 children through Summer Advantage USA. In light of his miraculous service, Earl was recognized by First Ladies Michelle Obama and Jill Biden. He received the Presidential Service Award from Bill Clinton in 1997.
In 2024, he was interviewed by Good Morning America regarding the success of his programs.
Last year, he was a U.S. Senate Exploratory Candidate in Massachusetts. "I was overwhelmed by the support from across the nation, but felt called to return to my 10,000 children."
His first children's book, Aim High Dream Big, hopes to inspire all children regardless of their background. The book, through over 21 beautiful pictures, shows children how they can overcome any obstacle.
Earl 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 Aim High Dream Big's release, it has been continually sold out on Amazon.
Dr. Mousson Berrouet, a family physician in Maryland, notes "Aim High Dream Big is an inspiring story for schools, families, and communities that champion the greatness within their children."
Aim High Dream Big is available on Amazon and Ingram Spark.
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