What started out as typical boys will be boys teasing and horseplay turned into a living nightmare for Kevin Kearns who learned that his once safe neighborhood turned into a war zone of bullies. Small for his age, and not as physically adept at playing sports, Kevin was soon the kid who was always picked last for games.

After losing his father at a young age, Kevin felt adrift and alone… a perfect target for intensified bullying. His mother felt helpless. His teachers felt sorry for him. His uncle decided that he needed to learn to defend himself and enrolled Kevin in martial arts. The training taught him what it meant to be successful at something. It developed his self-esteem and helped him to overcome the environment of bullying at school and at home.

More than a memoir, Always Picked Last contains thoughtful, and at times philosophical, reflections on bullying, childhood, parenting, growth and personal improvement. Coach Kearns has a strong sense of self-awareness, but also recognizes the universality of his experience, so he uses his story as a conduit for inspiration and the self-improvement of others.

The message of Always Picked Last is powerful and the narrative is engaging and relatable. Kevin Kearns does an excellent job of bridging the gap between personal reflection and accessible wisdom, making this a worthwhile read in every way.