This is such an incredibly pwerful life story. Michael Tubbs is remarkable, and tells his story well.

WOW The Deeper the Roots by Michael Tubbs was truly amazing. Many places in this book I felt like highlighting the words and posting it on social media as education for the racism in our country. I also felt such great pride for Michael through out the book. He accomplished so much with so many cards stacked against him. I do not know the feelings and effects of racism first hand but reading this book just broken my heart and makes me want to make a difference. I think that is also comes from the strong mom connection I had with this book. The power of a mother's love is limitless and the three " moms" in Michael's life were truly amazing.
The Deeper the Roots is a book that will truly stay with me for a very long time. I also added it to my 13 year old's reading list. It was such an empowering story and I want me children to see the struggles Michael endured, the love he was given, the accomplishments he achieved and the lessons he is teaching other.

"The Deeper the Roots" by Michael Tubbs is a memoir about the author's life and the path that leads him to become the first Black mayor of Stockton, CA. Tubbs grows up surrounded by his "moms" and other close family members while his father, with whom he does not have much contact but is a lingering presence in his mind, is incarcerated. Tubbs' experiences first-hand the consequences of disinvested communities, from violent neighborhoods to underfunded schools, which serve as inspiration for his future roles as teacher and politician. He eventually attends Standford where he develops a network and takes courses that are part of the foundations for his successful grassroots campaign for his first political role. This is a solid read, and I'm curious to learn more about what Tubbs is up to today.

Michael Tubbs is an amazing young man! I requested this book on Netgalley because I thought the blurb sounded interesting. I was wrong, and right. This book wasn't just interesting... It was awe inspiring!

Michael was the first black Mayor of Stockton, California... And he was the youngest mayor ever of a major American City. He accomplished more in his 20's than most people can or have done in their lives. And he did so while having to navigate immense hurdles... One of which was an education system that told him that he would never amount to anything. That he would either be dead or in jail just because of his race. As a white woman, I know these things happen, but to read it and to understand it is heartbreaking. We tell our kids every day that they can be anything they want to be in this country, but to tell a child that he will never amount to anything because of the color of their skin is abhorrent! Teachers.... People whose chosen profession is to educate our youth, doing the exact opposite of what they are supposed to do... Is just so mindnumbingly wrong!

This book, among others, has opened my eyes once again to the prevalent racism in this country.... BUT it has also shown me the power of a mother's love. What three women can do in order to make sure their child will make it in this world. And not only make it, but MAKE IT!!

Thank you to Netgalley, Flatiron Books and Michael Tubbs for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.