This book has a big impact on children wanting to ...
588793
This book has a big impact on children wanting to be kind to each other after reading it!  The ending is not to their liking but makes them reflect on how they could change the ending - in their lives!
3727543
This is not a children's book but I will read this book to my kids one day. I think it sends a very important message about life that you can apply at any age.
3172097
A parcel is being jockied down our long dirt driveway by my mob of children emotionally peaked by anticipation. It's a children's book and right there I knew, our day won't move on until we shared it together.

At the first page, they are drawn in by the beautiful colors and images. The story will have to wait until they are finished absorbing what they see. There is so much to read even before we start with the words.

And when the words start, they aren't disappointed either. Andy Andrews takes us on a journey of four generation of boys, stacking their lives like blocks, he allows us to wonder at the strenght and significance of the wall that is built from their lives meshing together, it's legacy fed by the fruit of good choices. As Susan Carver says in the story .. "little things make a big difference".

Following this construction of lives through the story and the butterflies through the pictures, these little things we do illustrate the 'butterfly effect' our lives have. Just like the butterfly's wing makes such a small movement of air, we can offer our small fishes and loaves confidently that our lives will and can make a big difference.
3863579
A great picture book with beautiful illustrations and a timeless story about the power of words.  Young children are so impressionable and the effects of their childhood experience can have lifelong implications.  I remember hearing about a pro baseball player who visited prisons to encourage the men there.  He told of how he would play catch with his father who would keep telling him, "Wow, you are going to play in the big leagues someday".  Afterwards, a prisoner told him how his father always told him he was no good and he would "end up in prison"!
3648792
As an elementary school  teacher, I must say that this book has sparked much interest in this vital issue among my third graders. We feel that this book helped us learn about what is happening in other countries and reminded us just how fortunate we are. The illustrations were bold, yet gentle and impactful. Thanks to the writer, the artist, and the publishers for having the courage to give us a slice of the all too real world we live in now.
4034690
As an elementary teacher and future parent, this book is perhaps the most influential work that I have ever read.  While participating in a Brain-Research Workshop a few months ago, our facilitator mentioned this as the #1 book (in terms of child development) for parents, teachers, and anyone else who spends time with children.  I must say that I am in complete agreement!  Dr. Diamond and Janet Hopson not only touch on the scientific aspects of brain research, but provide readers with "real-life" examples and ideas proven to develop the minds of children from conception to adulthood.  This is a terrific book that is a must read.  I recommend it to the parents, teachers, and administrators in my district.  Don't miss out on the potential enrichment of your children.
2434770
I had children in my reading group read this story and discuss it.  Everyone found it interesting (though our books varied - some had the original language of the area while some were in more modern language) and we all enjoyed seeing characters change because of someone's influence in their life.  Just goes to show that one person DOES have a huge impact, whether you believe it or not.
3485048
It really seems that children's books have changed since I was a child.  I don't remember having access to anything like this.  While it seems that some of the words heavy text and explanations of segregation in schools would go right over the heads of a second grader, this book would be fantastic for older children. This would be a great way to expose kids to the wider struggle of de-segregation and how the Mendez case lead to the now famous Brown case.  And I love how it occasionally sprinkles in a sentence in Spanish, followed by the English translation.
1967918
I'd like to edit this book to improve the cadence, but the message is very powerful and important for kids (and dads!) to hear.
4485841
I LOVED this book! I think it should be a staple in children's libraries. In a society which puts so much pressure on us based on things we can't control, I think it's more important than ever that this charming but meaningful book receive the attention that it deserves, especially to adolescents who may feel alone or anxious (which includes all of us!) Bravo, Steve Lavner!
2715787
As an educator, this book sang true.  The difference one teacher can make in a child's life is huge, it's an awesome responsibility. This book put that responsibility in the spot light.  The book is extremely well written and narration was brilliant.  I would recommend this book whole heatedly.  I have already given the 5th grade teachers copies of this book to read to their classes and have added the cover art and the fish in a tree quote to our school's murals. It's an important read.
4631026
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This is a book that will benefit each child or adult that reads it. Peter can no longer play the game of baseball, something he loves to do. This is because Peter was is a quadriplegic because of a horrible accident playing the game. Now he has to deal with those in his school bullying him about his disability. This book is especially special to me now, because my 12 year old cousin in Florida, one I never got to meet, took her life a few months ago because of the horrific bullying from other young girls in the area. How horrible that kids feel they need to make fun of others that are different. When in reality, kids should be praising and uplifting their fellow students because of the difficulties they overcome daily in order to live.

This is truly a book that every school age child should read! Dr. Pirnot has written many awesome childrens books, and I label this one as my favorite of hers so far. I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of Peter, the Pole and the Knob for your child to read, and I also encourage everyone who reads this to make sure the school and public libraries in your area have this book on their shelves.

I received this book from the author, Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot to read and review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 55.
1853382
It has been a long time coming -- I wish we could have had a book like this a long time ago.  I feel that this book will be a big help to lots of children who are going through many of the same things that the the child in this story was going through.  I feel that there have been many children who could have benfitted if they could have had this book to read.  It should be a big help to younger children.  Top-Notch in my book!!
4463990
This is one of the most energizing books I have read in awhile.  Why? It provides thirty examples of young people from sixteen countries, I mean really young, one starting at age five, who have had a very positive impact on their country and in many cases the world, through their efforts.

There are multiple reasons why this book is impressive in its message and how it is structured. First the message.  These stories are real, and every one of them involved kids identifying something that they felt was wrong and then doing something successful about it.  Not one of the examples was easy.  This was not kids going to their parents and their parents taking over.  In many cases their parents were an obstacle. It was kids doing something that many said could not be done.

Now the structure.  It is organized by the nature of the projects described in each chapter.  The five chapters are Kids Saving the Environment, Kids Standing Up for Themselves, Kids Helping Others, Kids Overcoming Challenges, Kids Using Talents and Creativity.  The stories are short and very easy to read, with pictures and graphics that help the story move ahead.  There are Fast Fact boxes that provide information about the country where the action is occurring, or the kid taking action, or the success of the initiative.  There are also Get Inspired postcard images in most chapters that provide information about how the reader can get involved in efforts that promote the particular initiative that has been described in the chapter.

The Bibliography at the end of the book provides additional information about articles, books and other resources related to each chapter.  Finally, the publisher Free Spirit needs a shout out. They have published other books about kids doing amazing things including Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Character&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Real-Kids-Real-Stories-Real-Character-Choices-That-Matter-Around-the-World/dp/1631980262/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Character: Choices That Matter Around the World</a>

Bottom Line - this is an inspiring and at the same time very informative book for anybody interested in identifying ways to improve our world and the resources that support that goal.
2126888
Summary & Impact: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is a classic childrens book that focuses on friendship, imagination, and loss. The story centers on two 5th grade students who are individually unique and perhaps unlikely new friends. Together they create an imaginary world in the woods that has no limits except their own imaginations. The two children learn from each other, and Jesse who was once an angry young boy, becomes happy and spirited through his friendship with Leslie. Jesse and Leslie then take on the hardships of family life and middle school together while using Terabithia as an escape along the way. A tragic accident forces the characters to truly cope with a loss that is heartbreaking as well as life changing for all of those involved. This book is impactful because it addresses real-life issues and hardships that 5th grade students may be experiencing. These hardships such as bullying, family responsibility, and loss, should not be ignored in school. This text offers a beautiful story to address these topics with a deep focus on friendship, personal growth, and overcoming obstacles. This text may also have an impact on your students in the essence of making them more understanding and aware that their classmates may be experiencing hardships that they know nothing about. A more accepting and understanding classroom community goes a long way for all students involved.

Potential Problems: Potential problems that may arise when using this text in the classroom may be that parents do not find the subject matter appropriate. The story does deal with a heartbreaking loss that parents may not want to subject their children to. However, loss is a topic that many students by grade 5 may have already been exposed to and this book can offer an opening into discussion of these life-changing events. Other critiques of the book have also addressed the profanity used in the text as inappropriate, as well as the potential aspect of witchcraft of Satanism associated with the imaginary world that the two young children create. However, both the language as well as the imaginary world are central to either developing the characters (an angry young boy may very well use profanity), or the essential plot of creating an escape. These problems are minimal compared to what is gained from reading this text.

Alternative Texts:
1. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
2. Where the Red Fern Grow by Wilson Rawls
3. A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline LEngle
4. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
5. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Personal Reaction: Personally, I believe that this text is an essential element of childrens literature. I first read this book when I was in 4th grade and it remains one of my favorite books to this day. The issues that are addressed through this wonderfully written book are extremely relatable in one way or another to students from a range of ages. The characters that Paterson develops are again completely relevant for students. Through reading the text students are able to connect to these characters as if they are their own friends. The potential problems with including this book in the curriculum are far outweighed by the issues that students are exposed to and the discussions that you as a teacher can foster with and between your students based on this book.
52510
This was one of the first books I remember my mother reading to me, and it made a lasting impression on me. I think this is very, very important for children today to hear and understand.
2764944
This book is a raritya compelling read, on a hugely important topic, that not only describes a profound social problem, but offers concrete, actionable solutions.

Bazelon powerfully documents bullyings impact through the stories of 3 kids, all from different backgrounds.  I wanted to weep as I learned of their persistent hazing.  I shook the book with frustration as I read about lame school officials doing too little and parents doing nothing (or the wrong thing).  But Bazelon is also relentlessly honest.  She argues that bullying merits serious and sustained attention, but she also rebuts myths like: bullying has become an epidemic (it hasnt), bullying is the biggest problem kids face in school (it isnt), and we should respond to bullying with punitive school discipline policies (we shouldnt).

I was especially pleased to read Bazelons take on school discipline because some of the interventions she recommends for bullying (including the terribly named but really awesome Positive Behavioral and Intervention Supports (PBIS) program) are vastly superior to zero tolerance.  Im a law professor who teaches about positive school climate programs such as PBIS and Bazelon is right to argue that the effective programs are well worth the extra dollars they cost to implement.

I also really loved the appendix (Resource for Readers), where Bazelon offers an annotated bibliography of resources for parents, educators, kids and others.  Years ago I remember coming across Deborah Meiers book called The Power of Their Ideas, about her amazing work at Central Park East school in New York City.  The book came with an added bonusMeiers wonderfully opinionated bibliography, a godsend to a reader like me who was hungry for more but didn't know the classics in the field.  I suspect Bazelons resources section will have the same impactit already has for me.  I just ordered a book she recommends called Hooway for Wodney Wat to read with my 3 year old.

Before I close, 2 disclaimers.  First, Im friends with Bazelon and I read part of this book in draft.  Second, I was bullied in 5th grade.  To this day Im not sure why.  But whatever the reason, I got on the wrong side of one of the toughest kids in my grade; one day he calmly informed me that the next morning he would be waiting to beat me up as I approached school.  He was, and he did.  From that day forward walking the 6 blocks to school filled me with dread because, although he didn't attack me every day, he did so periodically, and with little warning.  My mom eventually removed me from school for the yearin addition to being jumped I wasn't learning anything in class.  I moved on, with no scars Im aware of, and never found myself in that situation again.

I hadnt exactly forgotten those days, but I also don't think about them much. I suspect that, like me, many readers of this book will find old childhood memories (as victims, bullies, or witnesses) crowding their consciousness.  And while painful, reviewing these memories will be worth itwe might even find ourselves propelled to act on some of Bazelons recommendations.  A policy-maker might fund an effective anti-bullying program; an educator might work to create safe hallways and stairwells; a mom or dad might make these issues central to his or her parenting choices.  This would all be to the good, and if it happens, we will have Emily Bazelon to thank.