
Calvin D. Sims
THE
BACKFLIP
Teacher Resources included inside,
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If you’re a teacher seeking to build relational capacity with your students, this book is for you. If you’re a parent who wants to enlighten your child with stories of historical figures who look like them, look no further. If you’re seeking to better understand diverse heritages, you’ve come to the right place. This book is designed to positively impact people of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It aims to enhance cultural understanding and foster meaningful connections, ultimately empowering readers to educate others using cultural relevancy and relational capacity.
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Paperback
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Hardcover
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About the Book
Cee Dee loves recess, especially playing basketball with his friends. But when a new kid impresses everyone with his backflip, the entire school becomes obsessed with learning the trick. Cee Dee struggles to master the backflip and resorts to pretending he can do it.
Inspired by the story of Elijah Mccoy, an inventor who became known for his genuine and high-quality work, Cee Dee decided to practice and become the "Real McCoy"of backflipping through perseverance and self-belief.Meet the Author

Calvin D. Sims
Leader in Education
Calvin D. Sims, a proud Flint, Michigan native, draws inspiration from his upbringing in River Park Apartments to create stories that celebrate resilience, strength, and community. His work reflects a deep commitment to breaking down systemic barriers and creating opportunities for underserved groups.
With over 20 years in education, Sims has served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, earning degrees in Speech Communication and Educational Leadership. Passionate about equity and excellence, he highlights shared human experiences, fosters pride in underrepresented voices, and inspires readers of all backgrounds. Sims believes in the transformative power of education and is dedicated to creating brighter futures for all.
Classroom Activity Sheets
FUN FACTS FOR KIDS
Elijah McCoy
Elijah McCoy was an inventor whose work was so good that people started saying the "Real McCoy” to describe something genuine or high-quality.
Family History
Elijah McCoy was born in Canada to parents who escaped slavery in the U.S. through the Underground Railroad.
Patents
Elijah McCoy held over 50 patents for inventions, including designs for ironing boards and lawn sprinklers.
Transpotation
The steam engine powered trains and boats, making transportation faster and more reliable in the 1800s. Before that, people relied on horses or wind-powered ships.
Steam Power
Steam engines use boiling water to create steam, which moves parts of the engine to produce energy. It’s like using a tea kettle to power a machine!
Steam Engines
Steam engine lubrication involves applying oil or lubricants to the moving parts of a steam engine to reduce friction and wear. This ensures smooth operation, minimizes heat generate by friction, and helps maintain the efficiency and longevity of the engine. Elijah McCoy's innovation in automatic lubrication devices played a crucial role in simplifying and enhancing this process.
Sankofa Series
What is Sankofa?
Sankofa is a word in the Akan language of Ghana, meaning "go back and get it." It symbolizes the importance of learning from the past to build a better future. The Sankofa bird, often depicted with its head turned backward while moving forward, represents this concept of reflection and understanding one's roots.
Our Mission: Empower today's youth by drawing upon the rich experiences of lesser-known historical figures, fostering inspiration and resilience that will lead to successful outcomes.
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