Publisher's Synopsis
This book was designed to improve students' confidence and create a better self-concept and appreciation of a students' own abilities. It was field-tested for five years in a public school classroom to ensure that all the vocabulary, content, and messages were appropriate for young and also emergent readers. This book is targeted at three types of students:
1. Ages 4 to 6, as a book read to them. In the five-year study, two teachers both reported an amazing 35% to 40% of parents mentioned the book at the teacher-parent conference. Neither teacher had ever had such a successful response from students telling their parents about the book.
2. Age 5 to 7, for a book to read. Early reading students will find this book an enjoyable book with a positive self-image message. It is only 28 pages of text, with three short chapters, so new readers will not feel overwhelmed.
3. Age 8 to 12 for emergent readers. For older students ("emergent readers") reading, this book gives the reader a chance to believe in themselves. Far too often, struggling students think they are dumb and give up in school. Their self-image is so poor that they feel there will be no benefit gained by trying harder.
For Emergent Readers:
These students are older students learning to read, usually a year or two, or more, behind grade level. Some of these students give up because all they see ahead is a failure. If they try, they fail. If they do nothing, they fail. Worse, yet, their self-image sees no purpose in exerting themselves, which intensifies a vicious cycle. This self-defeating cycle is often unnecessary, for the techniques and skills available to today's teachers permit students the opportunity to reach their potential.
One of the first steps in helping the student is to change his or her perceptions and realize that past failures do not necessarily mean a future of continual disappointment. This book is designed to help the student begin to change his or her self-image. The student realizes that others can feel the same way. This book also shows students that someone many considered the world's smartest man was also a struggling student. He overcame his obstacles and offer inspiration to us all.
