LYNN — Todd Burton Jr. discussed his newly published quote book, “Just Smile: At Least You Woke Up Today!” and how he is inspiring future generations to have a positive outlook on life.
For more than a decade, Burton, a Lynn native, has worked in local schools, teaching English, math, history, science, and reading and coaching basketball.
“You just have a lot of kids in this world that don’t really have positive role models or influences,” Burton said. “So a lot of people, they follow people (online), they see things, and they kind of help create an insecure image about themselves sometimes.”
His quote book, Burton said, is a way to give back to the world and the children, and share some positivity that kids might not receive otherwise.
Growing up in Lynn, Burton said that those older than him always looked out for him.
“You know, people saw me at the corner story, (and) they might’ve payed for something for me, allowed me to save a dollar or two,” Burton said. “I do the same things for kids… Each generation should help the next.”
Burton decided to format the book in quotes, because that’s what he’s always known.
“I’ve been quotable almost my whole life. (I was) kind of a clever kid, just always making up my own sayings and things like that,” he said.
While Burton doesn’t have a favorite quote in the book, the one he always teases to those who ask is: “Life is the best ride Disney will never make.”
“Just Smile” is formatted so people can write notes underneath each quote if they want, creating a hands-on reading experience.
Along with his book, Burton hosts a podcast and show on Lynn Community Television titled “After the Whistle.”
“Everything I do is to help the next generation believe they can do anything,” Burton said. “I tell kids everything I’m working on to plant a seed to them that they can do or create anything they put their minds to.”
Burton’s book can be purchased on Amazon.
