A Smile as Big as the Moon: A Special Education Teacher, His Class, and Their Inspiring Journey Through U.S. Space Camp

Brief Description: Special education teacher Mike decided to take his class to NASAUs Space Camp. There was one problem--convincing administrators and parents that with disabilities like Tourettes, Down syndrome, and dyslexia, the kids could succeed in a program for gifted students. Kersjes' story is one of determination and perseverance, of empowerment and empathy. Review Quotes: "It's a heartening story, sure to inspire other teachers struggling with students who often seem beyond their reach . . . Dramatic and moving . . . The students end up winning a major award, but their real victory, of course, is their newfound confidence and sense of accomplishment."--"Teacher "magazine "Genuinely inspirational . . . McKinney and Kersjes witnessed a remarkable transformation: kids who were plagued by numerous, often severe emotional, familial, and learning problems became a cohesive team that placed in the top three in all three of the camp's competitions . . . A remarkable story."--"Booklist" "Like the U. S. Space Program, this is a compelling story that shows what can be accomplished when you are only limited by imagination and ingenuity. The reader can readily sense the personal dedication and love that 'Coach' has for his students."--Bob Springer, astronaut "It's hard not to fall under the spell of this Michigan-based David-and-Goliath tale."--"The Detroit Free Press" "A testament to how perseverance can get results and how children can perform surprising feats in a system that doesn't always work to help all children."--"The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" ""A Smile as Big as the Moon "is a terrific book. At once uplifting and thought provoking, it pulls no punches in depicting the hardships encountered by a group of special education students and the teacher who believed in them. A remarkable and unforgettable story."--Jerry Bruckheimer "An inspiration."--"The Roanoke Times" "Heartfelt . . . moving, reveling in the students' strength and quirks, never blinking at their untimely failures."--"The Anniston Star" "Those of us who have witnessed Mike's wonderful work are very happy that they are evident and celebrated in this great book."--Tom Rooney, president of Team Lemieux, LLC "Shoot for the moon--and land among the stars . . . Mike Kersjes has done that in his book."--Captain Gene Cernan, Apollo XVII "Kersjes's refreshing, heart-warming account proves that faith and vision can yield great things."--"Publishers Weekly" "An inspiring David-and-Goliath tale."--"The Christian Science Monitor"Brief Description: Special education teacher Kersjes decided to take his class to NASA's Space Camp. There was one problem--convincing administrators and parents that with disabilities like Tourettes, Down syndrome, and dyslexia, the kids could succeed in a program for gifted students. Kersjes' story is one of determination and perseverance, of empowerment and empathy. Brief Description: After reading an article on NASA's Space Camp, high school football coach and special education teacher Mike Kersjes decided that this program -- where students undergo tests used to prepare astronauts for journeys on the space shuttle -- was just the experience his special education students needed. There was just one problem: convincing administrators, parents, and the students themselves that even with disabilities like Tourette syndrome, Down syndrome, and dyslexia, they could succeed in a program originally designed for gifted students. With limitless faith in his students and unswerving persistence, Kersjes finally got his kids to Camp, where they turned in a performance no one will ever forget. Kersjes' story is one of determination and perseverance, of empowerment and empathy. This book is for anyone who likes to see the underdog triumph. Biographical Note: Mike Kersjes is president of Space Is Special Inc., a not for profit organization that helps special education students enhance their science and mathematics skills using space as a motivational theme. Mike has been a special education teacher and football coach for over 20 years with the Forest Hills Public School system and is currently working with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the University of California, Irvine. The film rights for his book have been sold to Jerry Bruckheimer for Walt Disney Pictures. He lives in Grand Rapids MI. Joe Layden is an award-winning journalist and "New York Times" best selling author. He lives in upstate New York. Marc Notes: Movie Tie-In January 2012; After reading an article on NASA's Space Camp, high school football coach and special education teacher Mike Kersjes decided that this program -- where students undergo tests used to prepare astronauts for journeys on the space shuttle -- was just the experience his special education students needed. There was just one problem: convincing administrators, parents, and the students themselves that even with disabilities like Tourette syndrome, Down syndrome, and dyslexia, they could succeed in a program originally designed for gifted students. With limitless faith in his students and unswerving persistence, Kersjes finally got his kids to Camp, where they turned in a performance no one will ever forget. Kersjes' story is one of determination and perseverance, of empowerment and empathy. This book is for anyone who likes to see the underdog triumph. Review Citations:

Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2001 pg. 1596 (EAN 9780312273149, Hardcover)

Publishers Weekly 12/03/2001 pg. 48 (EAN 9780312273149, Hardcover)

Booklist 12/15/2001 pg. 687 (EAN 9780312273149, Hardcover)

Library Journal 02/01/2002 pg. 112 (EAN 9780312273149, Hardcover)

Voice of Youth Advocates 10/01/2002 pg. 305 (EAN 9780312273149, Hardcover)

Wilson Public Library Catalog 01/01/2002 pg. 32 (EAN 9780312273149, Hardcover)

Wilson Public Library Catalog 01/01/2004 pg. 215 (EAN 9780312273149, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Layden, Joe An award-winning journalist and bestselling author, Joe Layden has written more than thirty books, including The Last Great Fight, which was named one of the best sports books of 2007 by Sports Illustrated and the American Library Association. He is also the co-author of the New York Times bestsellers There and Back Again and The Rock Says. . . . He lives in upstate New York.