Overcoming the Odds looks closely at the lives of an ethnically diverse group of 505 men and women who were born in 1955 on the Hawaiian island of Kauai and who have been monitored from the prenatal period through early adulthood by psychologists, pediatricians, public health professionals, and social workers. Werner and Smith trace the impact of a variety of biological and psycho-social risk factors and stressful events on the development of these individuals, most of whose parents did not graduate from high school and worked as semiskilled or unskilled laborers. Incorporating vivid case study accounts with statistical analysis, the authors focus on both the vulnerability and the resilience of those who overcame great odds to grow into competent and caring adults. They trace the recovery process through which most of the troubled adolescents in the cohort—those with histories of delinquency, teenage pregnancy, and mental health problems—emerged with improved prospects in their twenties and early thirties. Identifying both the self-righting tendencies that enable high risk children later to adapt successfully to work, marriage, and parenthood, and the conditions under which professional and volunteer care is most beneficial, Werner and Smith offer concrete suggestions for effective intervention policies.

How did the man who was on the verge of retiring just two seasons earlier stay optimistic and rally the Philadelphia Eagles to an astounding Super Bowl win? Here Foles discusses the obstacles that threatened to hold him back, his rediscovery of his love for the game, and the faith that grounded him through it all.

When Kim Hamilton rose to fame, she was anything but a typical world-class gymnast. She wasn't white, she didn't come from a middle-class family, and she was tall for a gymnast. But facing those obstacles was nothing compared To The challenges she faced at home. There, she tumbled in a secret world filled with drugs, violence, and financial strain. She met Unfavorable Odds but found hope by persevering through the pain. Here, Kim shares the techniques she learned to catapult herself from the past into the purpose God intended for her life.

Renowned educator Arthur Levine and coauthor Jana Nidiffer explore how some people overcome the most desperate circumstances to achieve the seemingly unreachable goal of a college degree. Drawing on their own study of 24 students, the authors detail the factors--relationships, resources, and activities-- that made a difference and allowed these students to go as far as they did.

Chuck Pagano, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, has become one of the most inspiring, intriguing personalities in the game of football. Only three games into his rookie season in 2012, Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia, sidelined by the side effects chemotherapy and months of recovery. Undeterred, Pagano didn’t let the confines of his hospital bed keep him from coaching: texts, calls, and emails kept him in constant contact with players, staff, and assistants. Motivated to be just as strong and determined as their ailing coach the team started winning game after game, compiling an impressive 11-5 record. The players weren’t the only ones touched by Pagano’s hope and strength of character. Inspired by the tenacity and toughness of their beloved coach, a newcomer to town, thousands of fans united to form Chuckstrong, a movement that soon raised millions to help beat cancer. Pagano, fueled by his faith, his family, and his love of football, returned to lead the Colts to another winning season and the divisional playoffs in 2013. With Pagano’s practical lessons on living, loving, and leading, Sidelined, which includes an 8-page color photo section, inspires us all to stay in the game and never accept defeat.

Reading Disabilities: Beating the Odds answers two critical questions. Does my child have a reading disability? If so, how can I get the services my child needs? Beating the Odds helps parents to identify different kinds of reading disabilities, to evaluate the quality of their child's reading program, to resolve conflicts with the school without sacrificing their child's needs, to monitor the effectiveness of their child's program, and to use federal and state laws to ensure that the school meets their child's needs. The book explains a complex subject in clear, practical terms. Written by two authorities on learning disabilities, it gives parents the knowledge and strategies they need to help their child overcome reading disabilities.

The Nelson Beats the Odds: Compendium One gives readers a chance to experience Nelson Beats the Odds and Tameka's New Dress in one thrilling graphic novel. The compendium presents real tips for real life situations and is a great addition to library shelves. Nelson Beats the Odds features Nelson, a young man who used to think school was all about playing and talking with his friends. When Nelson learns that he's been diagnosed as having a learning disability and ADHD, he is placed in special education and separated from his friends. Out of fear of being ridiculed and teased by classmates, Nelson attempts to keep his disability and struggles with learning a secret. With the encouragement of his parents and assistance from Mrs. T., his special education teacher, Nelson succeeds academically and reaches his full potential. Tameka's New Dress presents sensitive issues, including childhood trauma, parental substance abuse, kinship care, and bullying in a way that's gentle and suitable for children of all ages. In Tameka's New Dress, a gifted middle school student faces the challenges and fears of being the new kid at school while dealing with the harsh reality of living in an abusive home. Throughout the short story, Tameka receives the encouragement she needs from her caregiver and other adults in the community to fight off the school's bully without using violence.

“Overcoming Odds and Obstacles,” is a story of a focused and determined high school basketball team, who with the vision and guidance of two coaches completed a phenomenal season. The Central squad, many times considered the underdog, believed in, and bought into, a coach’s vision which would ultimately take them to the 1965 North Carolina State 2A Finals, where they would eventually be crowned state champions.

In 1990, Mario Lemieux had surgery on his spine but returned to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup. Diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease in 1993, he continued his All-Star career until 1997.

Dare To Be Great; Overcoming Lifes Challenges On Your Way To The Top ! presents a brilliant road map for you to skillfully navigate your way to a very fulfilling and successful life. Spence Finlayson , a highly skilled practitioner of universally proven success principles crystallizes everything that you will need to know to overcome lifes challenges and enjoy a successful life at the top. Finlayson draws from his own life and the lives of others who have aspired for greatness and the tools utilize to make his a reality. A veteran of the personal and professional development industry , Spence Finlayson, through this book, raises the ceiling on the possibilities of a generation of people.