Scam Alert- Message from someone that know's the artist personally and this book is more fictional than truth. A word of advice to all consumers, educators, and community leaders, I have worked with Mr. McCrae in Milwaukee , WI and he is a scam artist. How can someone be considered a subject matter expert when he/she has no long term experience and/or training? Mr. McCrae has very little actual experience; working with youth, or facilitating a functional youth base program, yet he claims to be a "profound speaker on Inspiring Youth Through Urban Art". I know teachers, nonprofit executives, social workers, Judicial Leaders, and law enforcement officers that work day in and day out with this population and I can attest to their involvement and expertise. Youth outreach and art programs were attempted by Mr. McCrae in Milwaukee and once funding ran out, or community leaders noticed no true residual impact the programs were defunded. He also claims to have relatable life experiences to At Risk Children, by growing up poor and homeless, and how art saved his life. (In the 90's more than 75% of black children were labeled poor, there's nothing new there) He claims to have grown up homeless and in despair. He was never homeless growing up in Ohio or Milwaukee. The struggles he claim to have witnessed were not because of family shortcomings but of his personal disobedience. His step-father (known as Bankola or pops) raised him along with his 4 siblings, all of which were not homeless. He also had various close friends to the family that offered refugee when he decided to leave home. But due to his disobedience he decided to do things his way. As a result of self-taught art training's he became an owner / operator of a business in Milwaukee, WI formally known as Sho'Time Wild Image. He never went on to pursue higher education, and this business subsequently failed and landed him in extensive debt. He now claims to have struggled with medical condition ADHD, which it's true, but mentioned to draw on your emotions. If you take a moment to Goolgle the artist varying stories will begin to surface. I really think he has told this story so many different ways that in his mind he isn't certain of the truth of his real birth city, his struggle growing up and his business now. Don't get caught in the story. In addition to, You can't be part of the solution and be part of the problem. Mr. McCrae fled Milwaukee several years ago to the Missouri area due to this failing business, over $100,000 debt owed to the state of Wisconsin related to this business and multiple court filings and suites including thousands of dollars in unpaid child support related to a child he left behind. This child raised by a young single mother, if not for her determination would have been labeled "At Risk" (The very group he is passionate about helping). To date he has NEVER, attended a doctor's appointment, Parent Teacher Conference, various sporting events, etc. for this child. He left Milwaukee leaving behind a path of destruction and will do the same in your home town. Just thought you should know the facts. read more