We Rise Together is part of a series of books that help young readers take the necessary actions to develop and to humbly own their greatness. We Rise Together uses the pizza-making process to teach vital life lessons. The "rising of the dough" symbolizes the positive culture created by Mrs. Rock's secret recipe. "Feeding the starter" represents the actions Mrs. Rock's students take each day to develop healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. The "pizza sauce" speaks to cultivating their gardens to grow wholesome ingredients. It also speaks to taking the time to remove weeds so their gardens can flourish. The "ingredients and toppings" of the pizza symbolize diversity.
Mrs. Rock encourages her students to try each other's pizzas before they try their own. This action results in her students learning to appreciate differences and learning to be open to change. Cooking the pizza takes time and Mrs. Rock highlights the importance of being mindful of how you spend your time.
The final lesson is life's ultimate lesson-"serving others". Mrs. Rock encourages her students to serve others and helps her students realize that it feels better to give than to receive.
We Rise Together will serve as a bridge to deep and meaningful conversations. This book can be read as a family, a class, or by individuals. When you finish reading your heart will be full of love and joy. You might also be hungry for a slice of pizza!
Christian, Jeff: - "Growing up in Campbell, California as one of eight siblings, Jeff learned the value of serving others. Mostly by witnessing his mother - "The Rock," on a daily basis. The Pizza Day Series is inspired to share life's values through the pizza making process experience. Igniting greatness in people through storytelling is one of Jeff's focuses in writing The Pizza Day Series. Jeff believes in all people, and is passionate in encouraging everyone that they can overcome life's challenges. His keys to success? Take time to slow down, to truly see each other, to be seen, and listen with intention to one another. The Pizza Day Series takes young readers, families, teachers, teams, or anyone else interested, on a journey to better themselves. Each book in the series follows an inspirational journey of communication, chemistry, consistency, and creativity (C4). The four tenets of his Non-Profit group, C4 Leaders. Each story will encourage the reader to "light the fuse", or ¬¬take action, to implement C4 into their daily lives. Jeff is a husband, father, registered nurse, basketball coach, podcast host of Life's Essential Ingredients, and is the founder of the nonprofit organization--C4 Leaders(R). All proceeds from the sale of his books goes toward the nonprofit. C4 Leaders(R) uses pizza and pizza making to build community at no financial cost to the participants. (Although, donations are accepted and appreciated). Grab your seat at the table and enjoy a tasty slice of homemade pizza infused with Life's Essential Ingredients!Connect with Jeff at www.c4leaders.org"
Gutkovskiy, Kathrine: - Kathrine is a mom of two wonderful boys and an illustrator living in Los Alamos NM. When she isn't illustrating, she enjoys spending time with her family and teaching art classes for kids. Traveling is a great way to relax and find inspiration for new projects.
