Finalist

Assessment:

Idea: The author presents an instructive book on learning and teaching in a new environment, especially now that the pandemic has seriously impacted traditional education. It's a book that takes traditional learning modules and provides a modern twist; it’s timely, well-written, and creative.

Prose: The author delivers a well-structured and thoughtful book on education. He presents a business model that he calls ‘out-of-the-box,’ but the business model is more in the box in 2021 than traditionally structured educational how-to books.

Originality: Vanhonacker takes a novel, hands-on approach to the topic of education by urging teachers to help their students reconnect with a passion for learning and to embrace adaptability, variability, and innovation.

Character/Execution: Rough Diamonds has a strong hook. As the author writes, "a new reality will shake education to its core." Educators and parents will embrace Vanhonacker’s thoughtful articulation concerning a new future (and present) for how we teach.

Date Submitted: January 29, 2021