A Message From Laura Schroff, International, #1 New York Times  Bestselling Author

“Small acts of kindness can change lives. And the ripple effect can be profound.”
– Laura Schroff”

 
 
I cannot believe it’s ten years. Where did the time go? When An Invisible Thread was released in 2011, I never imagined it would resonate with hundreds of thousands of readers across the country and now around the world. I can honestly say it has been one of the most magical times of my life. My sincere thanks to my family, friends, and readers who have shown Maurice and me such incredible love and support throughout this entire journey. Because of ALL of YOU, An Invisible Thread is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a new edition. I am so touched and honored to have Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin’s mom’s beautiful author blurb on the front cover of my book. The new Foreword — Ten Years Later by me, and the Afterword — Ten Years Later in Maurice’s words. A special thank you to Simon and Schuster for celebrating ten years of An Invisible Thread.

Over the ten-plus years, I have learned about the power of invisible thread connections and small acts of kindness. I know something about invisible threads. I know, because an invisible thread changed my life.

An Invisible Thread  perfectly describes my friendship with Maurice, and how we were destined to meet. After An Invisible Thread was released in November 2011, I never could have imagined how it would resonate with students and teachers across the country. It has been such a privilege and honor to visit schools and to hear first-hand how teachers are using my book as a modern day teaching tool. Teachers are asking their students to think about their own invisible thread connections, and opening up a dialogue to explore the concept of what they think are random acts of kindness. Students of all ages have their own thoughts and profound reactions to An Invisible Thread, An Invisible Thread Christmas Story and Angels on Earth. It is my hope schools will embrace An Invisible Thread Young Readers’ Edition.

In my travels from school to school, there is a concerted effort to teach kids to be kind. I have witnessed first-hand school assemblies, classroom lessons, and hallway decorations are focused on the theme of kindness. For these reasons, An Invisible Thread has been adapted for young readers.

I see how young people of all ages respond to our story—I see their excitement at understanding how kindness can change lives. It is not unreasonable to believe that teaching kindness as part of the curriculum in schools could even help to eliminate the entrenched problem of bullying. I not only believe it can, but I plan to spend the rest of my life working hard to get kindness inserted into school curriculums everywhere. We teach math, science, art and even fitness—why aren’t we teaching our kids to be kind?

Imagine, then, a society full of invisible threads connecting unlikely people—connecting people who can truly help each other. Then imagine each thread leads to an act of kindness, and that each act of kindness is like a tiny pebble tossed into a lake, and each tiny splash ripples outward through years and even generations.

We cannot begin to express our deepest gratitude and thanks to YOU “our educators” for bestowing such an honor to us and for sharing our story in your classrooms.

St. Joseph’s Academy
Clifton High School
Worcester Preparatory School
Bay Middle School
Timken Senior High School
Morris Knolls High School