KaBOOM!

This New York Times bestseller is a powerfully moving story of a man from humble beginnings, who identified a tragic problem and figured out how to address it on a national scale.

KaBoom chronicles Darell Hammond's amazing journey from a childhood spent living in a group home in Illinois to becoming the founder and CEO of KaBOOM!, one of the most successful nonprofit organizations in the United States. KaBOOM! has raised almost $200 million, directly built 1,743 playgrounds with a million volunteers, and has touched the lives of countless children and families. More than just a memoir, KaBoom is a call to action that will inspire readers by challenging them to rethink traditional notions of community and social change.
“It takes equal parts audacity, creativity, and vision to build an organization as successful as KaBOOM!--and Darell Hammond has that special blend. I'm proud to have partnered with the organization as First Lady of California to bring 31 new playgrounds to the state's neediest communities, including the first volunteer-built intergenerational playground in California. It's a partnership that continues to change lives and transform these communities.” —Maria Shriver, award-winning journalist, bestselling author and activist

“Darell Hammond's visionary work is helping bring national attention to the critical ‘play deficit' so many children face and transforming not just children but entire communities. Read this compelling, engaging book and be inspired.” —Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children's Defense Fund

“The story of Darell and KaBOOM! demonstrates that true leadership and innovation comes from not only celebrating successes, but also embracing and learning from failures. Through his tireless dedication and willingness to continually re-think traditional approaches to creating social change, Darell’s reflections provide powerful insights into what it takes to become a trailblazer not just in the nonprofit sector, but in any sector.” —Jean Case, CEO, the Case Foundation

“The story of Darell and KaBOOM! demonstrates that true leadership and innovation comes from not only celebrating successes, but also embracing and learning from failures. Through his tireless dedication and willingness to continually re-think traditional approaches to creating social change, Darell’s reflections provide powerful insights into what it takes to become a trailblazer not just in the nonprofit sector, but in any sector.” —Jean Case, CEO, the Case Foundation

“Darell Hammond has led an extraordinary life and made extraordinary contributions to the lives of countless others. Part memoir, part manifesto, KaBOOM! is a passionate story of play's transformative power to deepen the quality of children's lives and strengthen the bonds of families and communities. A searching and practical journey through triumphs and disappointments, KaBOOM! will inspire and enlighten you with the boundless possibilities of imagination, creativity, and play.” —Sir Ken Robinson, New York Times bestselling author, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything

“Darell Hammond has led an extraordinary life and made extraordinary contributions to the lives of countless others. Part memoir, part manifesto, KaBOOM! is a passionate story of play’s transformative power to deepen the quality of children’s lives and strengthen the bonds of families and communities. A searching and practical journey through triumphs and disappointments, KaBOOM! will inspire and enlighten you with the boundless possibilities of imagination, creativity, and play” —Sir Ken Robinson, New York Times bestselling author, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything

“Business entrepreneurs build economic prosperity in a society. Social entrepreneurs build communities and knit social fabric. Darell Hammond is an unusual combination of both. His story is both instructional and heartwarming.” —Ram Charan, bestselling author, What the CEO Wants You to Know