~ BOOKS GIVE US WINGS ~
Books have wings. You can't see them, but they are there just the same. Books may give YOU wings to understand the world around you. A book's characters can help you rise above bullying and peer pressure to discover pride and happiness in just being yourself. Or a book's wings can help you cope with difficult situations - an illness, the disappointment of not making the team, or even the death of a loved one.
Below are the first two paragraphs from a letter written by a Hollywood, Florida fifth grader. As you are reading think about what kind of wings did Gut Opdyke's book give her.
Dear Mrs. Gut Opdyke,
Your book is titled In My Hands, but I know that you found your courage "in your heart." Like the twelve people you saved, my grandmother was also "hidden" as a child during the war. If her Polish heroes had done nothing, I would not be here today. Your book has inspired me because it has shown me how to become a more sensitive and compassionate person. It has also shown me how to take the first step to stand up for what I know is right.
Recently I thought of you when I saw my friends taunting another girl. My friends asked me to join them. I refused. I befriended her and told my friends they were being cruel. They turned against me instead. I felt alone but doing the right thing meant more to me. After reading your book, I understand that it is "in my hands" to make a difference in this world..."
Click here for activity 1.1
Below are the first two paragraphs from a letter written by a Hollywood, Florida fifth grader. As you are reading think about what kind of wings did Gut Opdyke's book give her.
Dear Mrs. Gut Opdyke,
Your book is titled In My Hands, but I know that you found your courage "in your heart." Like the twelve people you saved, my grandmother was also "hidden" as a child during the war. If her Polish heroes had done nothing, I would not be here today. Your book has inspired me because it has shown me how to become a more sensitive and compassionate person. It has also shown me how to take the first step to stand up for what I know is right.
Recently I thought of you when I saw my friends taunting another girl. My friends asked me to join them. I refused. I befriended her and told my friends they were being cruel. They turned against me instead. I felt alone but doing the right thing meant more to me. After reading your book, I understand that it is "in my hands" to make a difference in this world..."
Click here for activity 1.1