Cover Image: Don't Tell Me I Can't

Don't Tell Me I Can't

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Member Reviews

This is such an amazing book, written by an unschooled teenager who was such a remarkable kid. Raised in poverty by disabled parents, he accomplished so much in his tragically short life. I plan to write a much lengthier review on my homeschooling site, A Magical Homeschool, but I will absolutely say that the book should be required reading for all homeschoolers, parents, teachers, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, and… well, everyone. What a loss his tragic accident was, but his memoir can help inspire the rest of us to carry on his environmental rescue plan for his area and to give our kids the autonomy to make their own remarkable lives.

I read a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley.

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This book is inspiring, heartbreaking and written with a maturity beyond his years, Cole Summers tells his story well!
The storyline outlines a young man’s journey, his determination and ability to do what he set his mind to. I found myself turning the pages to hear what else Cole could do!
Cole learns his life skills at home, following his dreams and leaving anyone who reads this book pondering their own life skills and dreams!
An amazing story of an incredibly talented young man!

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and share this amazing book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Cole Summers lived more in his fourteen years than most people live in a lifetime. Never accepting being told that he couldn’t do something, he proved many adults wrong with his abilities to do anything he set his mind to. At three he could change a tire on a truck. At four years old he disassembled a truck engine and help rebuild it. At eight he traded some mechanic work for a 1976 Chevy 4x4. At nine he bought his first property, a 350 acre ranch. According to Cole’s dad, he didn’t just think outside of the box, but he ripped up every box he could get his hand on. Cole’s motto was “don’t ever take “can’t” as the answer unless you’ve verified that it is against the law or or against the laws of physics”. While his parents homeschooled him, he was really unschooled. Learning the way that worked best for him. He kept getting up no matter how many times life knocked him down. Growing up poor to a disabled father and a full time caretaker mother, didn’t stop Cole from pursuing his dreams. Cole realized he was different, not smarter, just different. He just thought of things in different ways. At fourteen Cole had big plans for his future. Plans to earn millions of dollars to buy farmland to help avoid an environmental and supply chain disaster. What an extraordinary young man!

Heartbreakingly Cole’s short life met a tragic ending when he was killed in a kayaking accident in the summer of 2022 right after finishing this book😢

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In this short book, 14-year-old Cole Summers shares his life journey thus far. From growing up poor with 2 disabled parents, to homeschooling, to becoming a success at a very young age, Cole shows what can happen with hard work, the desire to learn, and the freedom to try new things. Cole admits his learning style and his parents’ training style is not for everyone, and that he is “weird” and “different” from other children. But you can’t look at an ambitious, responsible teen who has worked hard to own multiple vehicles, properties, and businesses (all a result of his unique education) and think they did something wrong. He also seems to stay humble, taking his parents advice and not feeling smarter than anyone else, just given more opportunities in certain areas and a desire to go against the flow. And then he takes on his biggest challenge yet – solving the problem of the rapid decline of the aquifer of the Great Basin Desert that threatens his home and livelihood.
I thought Cole’s story was absolutely amazing. He accomplished in a few short years what most people don’t do in a lifetime – and all before entering high school. I easily read the 120 or so pages in a day and went to Amazon to buy the book to support his continuing ventures. The Amazon listing indicated that Cole (real name Kevin Cooper) passed away in an accident in June 2022, just the month after this book released, at age 14. A quick Google search provided many links to articles, obituaries, and his facebook page. My heart is broken to read about this bright young man gone too soon. He has written other books, including books on business for children, that the family plans to eventually publish. I hope for the chance to read them someday. The audio book is also available on Audible. Cole finished recording it himself just days before he died.
This concise book is a must read for any adult or teen, especially homeschoolers, who want to consider out-of-the-box education and be inspired to make a difference right where they are. I recommend purchasing this book in support of his family and his ongoing influence. May some of our children push against the nay-sayers and status quo and carry on his legacy.
*I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley and the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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An inspiring book that will leave readers feeling empowered and motivated to pursue their dreams. The story of Cole Summers is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, and his journey serves as a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. The writing is engaging and relatable, and readers are sure to find themselves drawn into Cole's story and inspired by his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. This is a must-read book for anyone looking to overcome adversity and pursue their own calling in life.

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An autobiography written by a 14 year old boy who was being (self) home schooled. What an amazing young man. This should be required reading for all who are home schooled ... and really ... it ought to be required reading for all students. Absolutely fantastic!

Published May 2022. Many thanks to NetGalley for making available again for the opportunity to review in exchange for the advance read copy.

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A captivating book that tells the story of Cole Summers, a young man who discovers an impending environmental disaster in his community and takes it upon himself to prevent it. The book is a powerful testament to the power of perseverance and determination, showcasing Cole's unique upbringing and entrepreneurial spirit as he navigates the challenges of taking on such a daunting task. The writing is engaging and inspiring, and readers are sure to find themselves rooting for Cole as he fights for what he believes in. This is a must-read book for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the world.

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