Book excerpt: While giving a speech at her high school graduation, Faith, the class valedictorian, shares her childhood dreams and the lessons that served as the foundation for her courage. As a child she dreamed of touching the stars, going back in time to sing with Mahalia Jackson, and meeting with other African-American heroes. During the speech she also discusses her childhood dreams of things that are more attainable such as visiting the Louvre in Paris, France, and embarking on a safari in South Africa! By sharing her dreams and passions, the valedictorian hopes to inspire her classmates to set big goals and exceed their own expectations. "