The Book of Courage I Woke Up When I Supposed to Be Asleep

By Curtis Luster Sr.

The book of courage is a true story of a young black boy growing up in the Mid-west. His education was put on the back burner at a young age; instant survival was how he navigated though life. Hello! My name is Mr. Luster.

I learned to choose between school and surviving the real world, quickly. I wanted to learn in school with other children. Unfortunately, an unfair school system looked solely at the competence of young black boys in sports rather than our capability of learning academically.

Consequently, I read and wrote at a middle school level and placed into high school. I struggled with classes but played sports well. Therefore, I advanced to the following grade. I am thankful to God for a second chance to get an education by participating in an adult literacy program, the experience, and through the exceptional staff who showed confidence, patience, and tremendous skills in working with my need.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9781648015472

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Introduction

The Book of Courage

cover.jpg

The Book of Courage I Woke Up When I Supposed to Be Asleep

Curtis Luster Sr.

Copyright © 2023 Curtis Luster Sr.

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2023

ISBN 978-1-64801-546-5 (Hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-64801-547-2 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

You are your great encouragement.

A True Story

I, first and foremost, acknowledge God for his love and grace. Without his blessings, The Book of Courage would not be written. I pray my educational experiences created an opportunity to pass down the Luster's legacy for future generation. The Book of Courage has now became part of the Ida Luster Literacy Foundation. The organization, which was established since 2012, is designed to support grandparents that independently raise grandchildren. Michael Bryant, Vice President, creator of Don't Be Enslaved, create your own path.

Thank you for inspiring and encouraging me along my life's journeys.

Dr. Obadiah Bonds, Th.D. Ph.D.

The Adult Literacy Program

Patty Parker

Donald Eugene Fields

Christopher Gibbs

Donald Gibbs

Pann Washington

Malcolm X

Steve Harvey

Deion Sander

Oprah Winfrey

Ellen DeGeneres

Introduction

The book of courage is a true story of a young black boy growing up in the Mid-west. His education was put on the back burner at a young age; instant survival was how he navigated though life. Hello! My name is Mr. Luster.

I learned to choose between school and surviving the real world, quickly. I wanted to learn in school with other children. Unfortunately, an unfair school system looked solely at the competence of young black boys in sports rather than our capability of learning academically.

Consequently, I read and wrote at a middle school level and placed into high school. I struggled with classes but played sports well. Therefore, I advanced to the following grade. I am thankful to God for a second chance to get an education by participating in an adult literacy program, the experience, and through the exceptional staff who showed confidence, patience, and tremendous skills in working with my need.

The program provided necessary tools for achievement development instead of just traditional approaches. I developed a desire to help others with similar needs. The need to improve literacy skills range outside of skin color but in the mind of the person. Education is a right.

Please continue your support for literacy programs worldwide because many families and individuals need help. We do not only need policymakers, advocates, and researchers to make final decisions for literacy programs.

Regardless of existing research, more important is the great need for particularly parents, volunteer tutors, business leaders, and the community participation. I ask you personally not to ignore the fact that literacy helps. It is important for everyone to have a right to education. I cannot stress enough the need for independent readers. You are a lifelong learner.

The Book of Courage

Has education really changed? Are children still growing up with parents and grandparents not able to help with academic reading, writing, and math?

In some cases, children attend school at