In one of her previous books, Thank You, Mr. Falker, she tells the story of how she struggled with learning to read. It wasn't until she was a 5th grader that a teacher realized it and she finally learned to read. Now in her new book, she writes about one of her experiences being labeled as a special education student.
As the story begins, Trisha chooses to move to live with her dad and grandmother so she can go to a new school where students don't know that she just learned to read. As soon as kids find out who her teacher is she is told her classroom is the "junkyard." The "junkyard" has students with a variety of needs, but their common characteristic is that they are not "normal." It is in this place where she finds the acceptance and support from peers that she's seeking.
Luckily, her teacher is far from "normal." The teacher is one who truly sees studens as individuals and absolutely believes that every student has a gift. She nurtures their individuality. She builds a community of trust. She challenges them. In doing so, these students begin to value themselves and what they have to offer.
By the end of the story, you learn that they accomplished great things in their lives. I predict you will be either wiping tears, or standing up and cheering, or maybe both.
For me it reminded me of the responsibility I have as an educator. In our day-to-day madness of covering curriculum, preparing kids for state assessments, dealing with all students bring into a classroom, etc., etc., etc. it is so easy to lose sight of how we impact kids. Nothing we do is more important than helping students believe in themselves and know they are valued.
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