At 17, sitting overnight in a Queens jail cell on an overblown traffic violation, Karim Abouelnaga could not have imagined in his wildest dreams that six years later he would be numbered among Forbes’ “30 under 30.” Founder and CEO of Practice Makes Perfect, an education company dedicated to leveling the educational playing field for kids growing up in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, Karim discovered in his late teens the “up elevator” of education – a rocket ride that took him from living hand-to-mouth on the streets of Queens to graduation from Cornell. In BREAKING THROUGH: From Rough to Ready, Karim reflects on the principles and priorities that changed his life so dramatically. He aims in these pages to inspire young people to come along his journey – in effect, to follow his lead in transforming daily life and habits of living from “rough” to “ready” – prepared in every way to reach the top in financial, social, and personal goals. Karim's story is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. His triumph from jail to CEO is a testament to those inner-city youths that where you start is not as important as where you finish. This is a must read for all high school students! 10 Stars! - Naphtali T. Bryant Karim's story is a blend of rawness and inspiration! REAL life struggle of a minority who rises from the level of stealing and excels to Cornell, is by far a path not often found but should be emulated. - Susan Tanner, Associate Director, Moody's Analytics Karim's book is a story on how to use your struggles to fuel your success. Karim provides numerous nuggets of priceless advice I wish I were exposed to when I was in high school. Any young person will highly benefit from reading this story. - Veronica Canton, JD Candidate, University of Notre Dame This book provides an inspiring message for those seeking success. As a millennial leader and a pioneer in education, Karim is at the forefront of understanding the socioeconomic circumstances that can often dissuade people from reaching their full potential and greater success. - Greg Weatherford II, Millennial Entrepreneur & Higher Education Executive A book for those inner-city kids that think they don't have a chance of leaving the hood. A book that sheds light on bridging social capital. - Yesenia Peralta, Teacher, New York City Department of Education Those of you who have an inward feeling that your life can be more than what it seems to be...please take advantage of similar and other opportunities he did, knowing that your life matters! - Elizabeth Ngonzi, NYU Adjunct Faculty This book belongs in a must-read list for those students who are looking to be inspired and who want to understand why getting an education and going to college is the best way to discover their life's purpose. - Jorge Perdomo, Principal, New York City Department of Education This book is a blueprint for minority children who want to be successful in a world that has intentional barriers. - Luis Torres, Principal and Chairperson of the Bronx Elementary Schools Principals Consortium, New York City Department of Education This is a must-read for students, educators, parents, counselors, and businesspeople alike, as its message is clear - anyone can achieve anything. - Charlie Clausner, Teach for America Educator - Hawaii, Johns Hopkins University - Masters of Educational Studies Karim has written the blueprint for young people to build a successful foundation in their personal and professional lives. I wish someone gave me this book and forced me to read it when I was younger as it would have saved me years of pain and confusion. - Mahmoud Khedr, City College of New York Karim's honest and heartfelt story is one that uplifts and encourages all of us to do better and be better, and his insights inspire us to achieve more than we ever imagined. - Wendy M. Lau, Partner, Wood Smith Henning & Berman, LLP This book will fill you up. You will be propelled toward righteous action. You will pay it forward. - Jordan Stockdale, Former Harlem middle school teacher Every leader ought to add this book to their library. Karim expresses the type of vulnerability it takes to be an impactful leader in today's world. - Mason Singer, CEO, Unboxd, INC.