Written by the sons of Roy Clay Sr., one of the first Black engineers in Silicon Valley, this beautifully illustrated children’s book brings to life the journey of a man who turned obstacles into opportunities — and rejection into reinvention. It’s a story of perseverance, purpose, and possibility.
But beyond its historical importance, Dream Big carries lessons that every family can embrace — lessons about courage, humility, and the power of believing in your potential, even when the world doesn’t see it yet.
So, as you settle in for tonight’s family reading time, here are five powerful lessons from Roy Clay Sr.’s story that children (and adults) can take to heart.
Lesson 1: Never Let “No” Define You
Roy Clay Sr. grew up in Kinloch, Missouri — one of the oldest Black communities in America — during a time when opportunities for African Americans were painfully limited. Even after earning a degree in mathematics from Saint Louis University, he faced rejection after rejection while applying for jobs. Companies simply wouldn’t hire a Black engineer.
But instead of letting those “no’s” define him, Clay used them to fuel his determination. He refused to accept that the limits others placed on him were the limits of his life.
That’s a powerful message for children: “No” doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It means you have to find another way forward.
You can share this lesson by asking your kids to reflect on a time they faced disappointment — maybe not making a team, struggling with a project, or feeling left out. Then ask:
“What could you do differently next time? What might this challenge be trying to teach you?”
When children learn early that rejection is just redirection, they build resilience that will carry them through life.
Lesson 2: Curiosity Is the Key to Discovery
From a young age, Roy Clay loved figuring out how things worked. Radios, gadgets, circuits — his curiosity was boundless. That curiosity would eventually lead him to the cutting edge of computer science, where he helped develop one of Hewlett-Packard’s first mini-computers, the HP 2116A.
Clay’s success wasn’t built on privilege or connections — it was built on wonder.
That’s an essential lesson for kids today, especially in an age of instant answers and shortcuts. True learning happens when we ask questions, explore, and experiment.
You might remind your children:
“Every great inventor started by being curious. It’s okay not to know something — it’s exciting! That’s how discovery begins.”
At home, nurture curiosity by encouraging creative exploration. Whether it’s tinkering with toys, reading about how things are made, or trying a simple science experiment, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s discovery.
Lesson 3: Success Means Lifting Others as You Climb
One of the most beautiful parts of Roy Clay Sr.’s story is that he never saw success as something to keep to himself. When he became one of Hewlett-Packard’s first Black engineers — and later a leader in its computer division — he used his position to hire and mentor other underrepresented engineers.
He knew that progress means little if you’re the only one who benefits.
This lesson teaches children that real success isn’t about being first — it’s about making sure you’re not the last.
As a family, you can explore this idea by talking about how helping others feels just as good as achieving something for yourself. Ask your kids:
“Who’s someone you could help at school or in your neighborhood? What’s one thing you could do to make someone’s day easier?”
You can even turn this lesson into a family project — volunteering together, helping a classmate, or mentoring a younger sibling. It reminds kids that kindness and leadership go hand in hand.
Lesson 4: Faith and Family Give You Strength
In Dream Big, Roy Clay Sr.’s strength doesn’t come from technology or education alone — it comes from faith and family. His mother, in particular, was a guiding force, teaching him dignity, self-worth, and the belief that he was capable of greatness even when the world said otherwise.
This spiritual and emotional foundation shaped how he approached life. He didn’t just want to build computers; he wanted to build people.
Families can use this lesson to remind children that inner strength starts at home. Whether that means faith, values, or family traditions, these roots help us stay grounded when life gets hard.
You could say:
“Roy Clay’s mother told him he could do great things — and he believed her. Who are the people who help you believe in yourself?”
Encouraging gratitude and family connection helps kids understand that even great achievers don’t walk their paths alone. They’re supported, loved, and guided — just as Roy was.
Lesson 5: Dream Bigger Than Your Circumstances
Perhaps the most powerful message in Dream Big is the title itself.
Roy Clay Sr. came from a segregated town with few opportunities. Statistically, his chances of becoming a Silicon Valley pioneer were nearly zero. But he refused to let his environment define his future. He dreamed beyond what he could see — and then he built it.
This lesson reminds children that their dreams should always outgrow their circumstances. No matter where they start, they can choose where they’re going.
You can reinforce this message at home by making a “Dream Board” together. Have your children cut out pictures or write words that represent their goals — big or small. Keep it somewhere visible as a reminder that dreaming isn’t just imagining — it’s planning for possibility.
Tell them:
“Dreams don’t have to be realistic right away. They just have to be yours — and you have to believe in them.”
Why This Book Matters Right Now
In a world that often celebrates quick fame over quiet perseverance, Dream Big re-centers what it truly means to succeed. It reminds both kids and adults that greatness isn’t about being noticed — it’s about making a difference.
Roy Clay Sr.’s story is living proof that your background doesn’t limit your potential — your mindset does.
By sharing this book at home, families do more than read a story; they pass down a philosophy. They show that history isn’t just made by famous names, but by people who dare to stay kind, curious, and courageous no matter what.
Bringing the Lessons Home
To make your Dream Big reading experience even more meaningful, try ending with a short reflection each time you read. Ask your kids:
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“What would you have done in Roy’s place?”
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“What did he do that you can try in your life?”
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“How can we dream bigger as a family?”
Let every answer become a step toward growth.
Because when families talk about courage, kindness, and possibility — when they dream together — that’s how the next generation of innovators begins.
Conclusion: Dream Big, Every Day
Roy Clay Sr.’s life began in a world that didn’t see his potential. But he dreamed anyway. He learned, built, created, and gave back — and in doing so, he changed not only the course of technology but the way we think about perseverance and purpose.
As Dream Big reminds us, the most powerful inventions aren’t machines — they’re mindsets.
So, tonight, as you read with your family, remember: every child who dreams big has the power to build something greater than themselves.
And maybe, just maybe, your next bedtime story will plant the seed for tomorrow’s pioneer.