A true story about finding happiness in the last place left to look.
Falling Uphill:
The Secret of Life
As featured on Wisconsin Public Radio and dozens of other media outlets.
Synopsis: This is the true story about a man who bicycles around the world questing for the secret of life. His journey is full of many wonders, but he eventually returns home discouraged—only then does he discover the secret in the last place left to look.
Update 2019: Read it before you buy it. There is an all-new online and e-book edition. This edition also has text and picture descriptions embedded for e-readers to assist the visually impaired. I’ve made this free to everyone because so many people from all over the world have written to say that they can’t afford to purchase a printed book.
More about this book: The children’s edition of Falling Uphill illustrated by elementary students it is my proudest accomplishment — a community project involving about 1500 people, bringing the real world of inspiration into the classroom and creating a book that we believe will inspire generations. Update: it has already inspired thousands when I was honored by the US Dept. of State to become the Cultural Ambassador to Argentina and along with 13 schools we created the Spanish edition Cayendo Hacia Arriba: El Secreto de la Vida.
About Falling Uphill for kids
- Scott’s adventure around the world on a bicycle.
- Scott’s adventure as Cultural Ambassador to Argentina to make the Spanish edition.
- The Spanish Edition: Cayendo Hacia Arriba.
- How this book was made — Project updates.
- Testimonials.
- Classroom Resources.
More ways to order
- Order at your favorite local bookstore. I recommend Bookshop.org. They donate 100% of the profits back to your favorite local bookstore.
- Order at your local library. Try Hoopla to get the e-book from your library. It’s free.
- Order on Amazon. This is a great option if you would like to leave a review and help the book find an audience.
- More e-book options.
- Add to your Goodreads list.
- Even more ways to order.
Part of the Make-A-Book Project
This book was part of the Make-A-Book Project. The books are meant to be inspirational, educational and entertaining. The stories are written by Scott and illustrated by elementary students and jam-packed with fun surprises and suggested activities. The black and white pages leave plenty of room so children can add their own drawings and colors.
- Read about the Make-A-Book Project.
- Read about the step-by-step creation of this book.
The Spanish Edition
Cayendo Hacia Arriba:
El Secreto De La Vida
It has been the honor of a lifetime to be invited by the US Embassy and the schools of Argentina to collaborate on this special Spanish edition featuring all-new illustrations from the point of view of the Argentina culture and several new pages just for the Spanish edition. Once again the kids have been so creative that the book truly turned out better than I could have imagined, and now with a whole new level of meaning. More info.
A great educational tool
Now teachers can use both the English and Spanish children’s books to teach students about the diversity and similarities of culture and language.
Poplar Creek Elementary School photograph
Read more about how this photograph was made.
Inspirational, Educational and Entertaining
Every book in the Make-A-Book project has three main themes. First, they are meant to inspire students. Second, they educate students, so students can put their inspiration into action. And third, they are entertaining, which serves as a hook to get the students involved. You can see these themes in the pages below.
Classroom Resources
Here are two downloadable PDFs to help your students learn more about Scott’s journey and how to create their own dream.
How to Fall Uphill Worksheet
How to fall uphill worksheets in black and white and color. Identify your dream and what step you are on. Good for kids and adults.
Teacher’s Guide and Activities
This free guide to Scott’s bicycle ride around the world includes an exercise for turning dreams into reality, a world-travel trivia quiz, exercises for planning and mapping a world adventure, travel writing lessons, class discussions, backyard adventures, and more.
Testimonials
The feedback for the new children’s edition is beginning to arrive and it is fantastic. I’m honoured to have made such a difference, and truly all my readers have also made a big difference in my life by helping me live my dream, because what is an author without a reader but a tree falling in the forest? Forgive me if I don’t have time to post them all.
Hello from Buenos Aires, Argentina! I came across a signed copy of your beautiful book, “Falling Uphill: The Secret of Life” yesterday… I loved your tale of your adventure and how accessible you made it– it will touch many hearts and give wings to many dreams, as it did mine! I wish you continued success and just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that across the oceans, you are inspiring dreamers to dream bigger. ~
Thank you. I just finished reading “Falling Uphill” with tears streaming down my face. It’s beautifully written and illustrated. You are an inspiration. ~
I am a substitute teacher in New Berlin and have worked at Poplar Creek for many years. My own children attended school there, so it has a special place in our lives. I was working at Poplar Creek the day you ‘flew’ up to the roof to take the picture of the students. I became one of many spokes on your bicycle that day! I also bought your book because I had heard so much about it and was excited to hear how your project had evolved. Today I received your book, and sat down immediately to enjoy your message and the uninhibited artwork that only children seem capable of! A year ago at this time, I was living with cancer and was just at the beginning of chemo and radiation. I found so many parallels within your bicycle trip story and my own journey, that I felt compelled to send you this note! I am comforted to know that others seek answers to questions about life, and that you also found that the answers come from within. I know I am a stronger person for finding that faith and belief in myself! May you experience continued blessings and wizardry in your future! You have certainly touched my life by sharing your story! Thanks so much!! ~
Thank you. I just finished reading “Falling Uphill” with tears streaming down my face. It’s beautifully written and illustrated. You are an inspiration. ~
Read more testimonials for the children’s edition here.
See all the Project Updates.
More ways to order
- Order at your favorite local bookstore. I recommend Bookshop.org. They donate 100% of the profits back to your favorite local bookstore.
- Order at your local library. Try Hoopla to get the e-book from your library. It’s free.
- Order on Amazon. This is a great option if you would like to leave a review and help the book find an audience.
- More e-book options.
- Add to your Goodreads list.
- Even more ways to order.
Author: Scott Stoll
Publisher: TheArgonauts
Format: Paperback and e-book. 114 Pages.
Age group: 5–12+
Publication: Anniversary edition © 02-14-2017
ISBN-13: 978-0982784235
Language: English
Acknowledgments
Working with Poplar Creek Elementary to create the children’s edition (middle-grade chapter book) of Falling Uphill is the result of years of education, years of work experience, years of exploration and heaps of love. This book wouldn’t be possible without the help of teachers like Kate Krzysik and Terry Berg, Principal Jane Gennerman, Assistant Principal Larry Lueck (individuals whose dedication to education has driven them far beyond the call of duty), the 507 students and their parents, and, of course, all the kind and wise people that helped guide me around the world and through the inner self.
