I love my story. This journey is what taught me how to dream. Unfortunately, most kids and schools around the world can’t afford my favorite book. So I’ve decided to make it free. I consider this online edition a living book. I plan to add drawings from kids all over the world.
There are also a lot of hidden treasures, such as: new color photos, animations, alternate pictures (rollover some images to see the Spanish version, try it on the cover image). This edition also has the text and picture descriptions embedded for eReaders to assist the visually impaired.
At the end, there are some resources for how the book was made and credits. There were literally thousands of people involved in the creation of this book, including over 500 elementary students that illustrated the story.
If so, please share our message with your friends. It is also the best way to help other people find the book and be inspired to live the life of their dreams. Thanks.
If you found this inspirational please help us by sharing Scott’s story or writing a review. It is also the best way to help other people find the book and be inspired to live the life of their dreams. And, don’t miss the Spanish edition. Thanks.
This book represents thousands of peoples efforts, some of which are pictured here standing in the shape of a bicycle. Specifically, thanks to Poplar Creek Elementary and all the schools in Argentina. (To protect people’s privacy the full credits are available only in the printed books.) And thanks to the United States Department of State, the community leaders, teachers and hundreds of other people that made this book possible. It was an honor ~ Scott.
We all hope you enjoy this universal story of self-discovery. If so, please share our message with your friends. It is also the best way to help other people find the book and be inspired to live the life of their dreams. Thanks.
The myth of Jason and the Argonauts and the quest for the Golden Fleece for kids with fun illustrations. One of the first heroic adventures ever written.
Read the original, award-winning story by our co-author, Sara, that she wrote when she was in the 4th grade. Reprinted here with an alternative ending and new illustrations by Scott.
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. ~ Yamilee B.
Thank you. I just finished reading “Falling Uphill” with tears streaming down my face. It’s beautifully written and illustrated. You are an inspiration. ~ Laura Z.
Falling Uphill: The Secret of Life
By Scott Stoll. Illustrated by Poplar Creek Elementary School
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 the 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.
After seeing the world wonders and taking thousands of photographs, this is my favorite photograph that I made when I returned home.
Cayendo Hacia Arriba: El Secreto De La Vida
Written by Scott Stoll Illustrated by the elementary schools of Argentina
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.
After seeing the world wonders and taking thousands of photographs, this is my favorite photograph that I made when I returned home.
Bicycle shaped kids school photo chalk outline
The students at Poplar Creek Elementary begin to line up on the chalk outline of a bicycle. Photo by Scott. He’s standing on the roof of the gymnasium with the custodian. This was one of the highlights of Scott’s life.
Every book in the Make-A-Book project has two main themes: it’s both educational and inspirational. You can see a little of both in the pages below.
Scott bicycling around the world asking people what the secret of life is. Notice how each person has a different passion.
This is a page from the section about all my adventures with the animals that I met, like almost being trampled by an elephant.
This is one of my all-time, favorite illustrations. Believe it or not, there were days when I just felt like I was a part of my bicycle and that I could fly down the mountains.
If your dream is a mountain, where are you? Going from the impossible to the possible.
Here is a fun new graphic that I created. It has been simmering in my brain for years. I think it really captures the essence of how doubt and fear are essential to any adventure. The trick is harnessing that emotional fuel and turning disadvantages into advantages. Update: This graphic was actually adapted and used in our new book “Dream it!” to teach kids how to turn dreams into reality.
Now you can download the 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.
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.
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!! ~ Jeni B.
Thank you. I just finished reading “Falling Uphill” with tears streaming down my face. It’s beautifully written and illustrated. You are an inspiration. ~ Laura Z.
Read more testimonials for the children’s edition here.
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.
Please support the Make-A-Book Project
We give every child a free book. Your support helps us keep going.
❤️❤️❤️