Books
By Dr. Michael W. Cunningham
History, leadership and character-building books for adults, kids and families. Every title is available on Amazon.
For Adults
America at 250: The Fragile Experiment That Changed the World
A 250-year journey of liberty, faith, providence, and the American experiment
At 250 years old, the United States remains one of history's most remarkable political achievements. Historian Michael W. Cunningham examines the ideas, institutions, faith traditions, and constitutional framework that shaped the nation and helped preserve it across two and a half centuries. Rather than offering either blind celebration or cynical dismissal, this book provides a balanced account of America's strengths, failures, challenges, and enduring promise.
Benjamin Franklin: Leadership Lessons
A 30-Day Reader
The only American to sign all four founding documents, and what he can still teach us at 250. This daily companion draws on Franklin's own primary sources: the Autobiography, Poor Richard's Almanack, the Paris correspondence, and the Convention speeches. Each of the thirty entries pairs a verified Franklin quotation with historical context, a leadership reflection, and a Practice for the Day.
For Kids
Fun School Media — Dr. Mike's free social-studies videos for kids on YouTube. These books pair with the channel: watch at youtube.com/@funschoolmedia.
Ben Franklin: The Boy Who Kept Growing
A story about self-improvement, business, science, and diplomacy
Big ideas. Kind heart. Better every day. From curious boy to Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin believed that anyone can grow through learning, hard work, and helping others. Follow Ben's journey through fifteen inspiring lessons on leadership, curiosity, and character.
A Smile Can Change the World
Written by Sharon Cunningham with Michael W. Cunningham
Belle wakes up grumpy, and her frown follows her from home to school. Soon, everyone she meets feels a little gloomy, too. Then Belle remembers her mother's gentle advice. One small smile brightens her mom's morning, lifts the mailman's spirits, and warms her classroom. As kindness spreads from person to person, Belle discovers that one child—and one smile—can make the whole world a happier place.
Military Leadership for Kids
Written for military families and for every kid who looks up to someone in uniform. Dr. Mike — an Army chaplain and a dad — turns the Army's core values and the daily practice of resilience into stories, examples and simple activities children can understand and use at home and at school.
The Military Core Values for Kids
A children's book about character, leadership, and service
The Military Core Values are more than words—they guide Soldiers in everything they do. These values help build trust, inspire leaders, and create a better world for all. In this book, kids discover loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
Military Resilience for Kids
Building strong hearts, strong minds, and strong character
Life can be hard sometimes. But resilient kids don't give up. They learn, they grow, and they keep going—no matter what. This book teaches six important skills that help kids build strong hearts, strong minds, and strong character: self-awareness, self-regulation, optimism, mental agility, character strengths, and connection. Great for military families, classrooms, youth programs, and scouts.