Ma'am, no ma'am!

This book takes on the issue of urban blight and the battle to reclaim vacant and abandoned houses through an unexpected lens: the timeless narrative of Green Eggs and Ham. Much like the tale of Sam-I-Am, who persistently champions the overlooked potential of a seemingly unappealing dish, this story explores how individuals, visionaries, fight to transform dilapidated homes and revitalize neighborhoods. Blighted properties, much like green eggs and ham, are often unappealing and dismissed at first glance - deemed undesirable. In the United States, over 16 million houses sit vacant, and in cities like Birmingham, Alabama, nearly twenty-five percent of properties are categorized as abandoned. These structures are seen as burdens, increasing crime by up to fifteen percent around them and dragging down nearby property values by as much as twenty percent. They are, in the eyes of many, "not worth it." But as Sam-I-Am knew, appearances can be deceiving. This book shows how determined individuals, much like the persistent protagonist, embrace the challenge of flipping these neglected homes, advocating for their potential despite widespread doubt. Their efforts to renovated homes can increase surrounding property values, reduce crime, and reignite a sense of community pride. But even the visionaries have their limits. Unrealistic owners and unscrupulous sellers can often undermine the greatest of intentions and the battle continues. Through this metaphor, the book weaves together the challenges of overcoming skepticism and the victories of proving doubters wrong. Just as Sam-I-Am convinces his companion to try something new, those battling blight reveal the possibility of renewal where others see despair. Ultimately, this story celebrates the transformative power of persistence and creativity in rebuilding neighborhoods, one "green eggs and house" at a time.