Born to Rise: A Story of Children and Teachers Reaching Their Highest Potential

“Parents and principals trying to understand what makes successful schools work ought to read Born to Rise.”  — New York Times

The inspiring account of Deborah Kenny’s pursuit of social justice for our nation’s most vulnerable children. Part memoir, part manifesto, it is a hopeful and practical exposition of what it takes to transform schools and create organizations where the staff lights up with entrepreneurial drive. 

Students enter Harlem Village Academies, the network of charter schools Kenny founded, several years behind grade level, but in just a few years they are transformed, ranking among the highest in the nation. How did they do it? For the first time, Kenny reveals the secret to creating a powerful workplace culture that attracts the most talented people and brings out their passion and highest performance—a culture that produces stunning student achievement results and teachers who regularly use words like “magical” to describe the workplace environment. It is a must-read for anyone who cares about children and the future of this country and for leaders who want to inspire fierce dedication in their employees.

How can one person challenge a failing system—and win?

• Inspirational Memoir: After unimaginable personal loss, founder Deborah Kenny channels her grief into a powerful mission: creating world-class schools for Harlem’s children.
• A New Leadership Philosophy: Discover why treating teachers like knowledge workers, not factory workers, is the secret to unlocking passion, innovation, and stunning student achievement.
• Powerful Workplace Culture: Go inside Harlem Village Academies, where teachers describe the environment as "magical" and entrepreneurial drive transforms schools from the ground up.
• A Blueprint for Education Reform: Part memoir and part manifesto, this book offers a practical and hopeful model for anyone looking to challenge bureaucracy and create meaningful change.

“Leaders who want to light an entrepreneurial fire under every employee must read this book.” - Jack Welch

“Deborah’s journey is a gift: she teaches children to love learning” - Bill Cosby

“Deborah Kenny’s inspiring story holds powerful lessons for parents, teachers, administrators, and elected officials across the country.” - Mayor Michael Bloomberg

“Our country needs more schools like Harlem Village Academies.” - Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education

“Deborah has created something extraordinary at Harlem Village Academies. You feel a warmth and an intellectual energy but most of all there’s a passion for learning like I have never before seen at a school.” - Hugh Jackman

“Parents and principals trying to understand what makes successful schools work ought to read Born to Rise.” - New York Times

"Born to Rise is about Deborah Kenny’s ability to see greatness in every child and transform entire communities. Her journey is a passionate one and gives me goose bumps.” - Jason Mraz

“One woman’s tragedy turns into triumph for hundreds of Harlem schoolchildren in Kenny’s personal and professional memoir… the anecdotes of successful teachers (Kenny’s “rock stars”) at work and students whose lives were truly turned around by her work prove persuasive and uplifting.” - Publishers Weekly

“Deborah’s passion and integrity are inspirational. This important story is a must-read.” - John Legend

“This memoir of a young widow’s quest to transform urban education by establishing the groundbreaking Harlem Village Academies will inspire readers everywhere.” - O, the Oprah Magazine

“I forgive Deborah Kenny for writing an interesting book, Born to Rise, for her misinformed - even slanderous - claims about the impact of unions…. it’s a very good book to read-useful, informative and inspiring.… her educational values are close to mine.” - Deborah Meier