Follow My Leader

And another book about a blind kid that I loved as a child. Just to make a theme of it. ( )

Old Children's Book. Liked it as a kid, but haven't read it in years. ( )

As a young boy, Jimmy uses his eyes for everything. He plays ball, climbs trees, watches TV, and sets off fireworks with his friends. But when a firecracker goes off inches from his face, he loses his eyesight. Devastated, he begins to wonder how he can survive, until his mother suggests he get a Seeing Eye dog. Leader, the German Sheppard, gives Jimmy back his independence, and together they traverse the lands, as Jimmy discovers that there is more to the world than simply seeing. Young readers will be able to discover the world outside of just the visible one, find friendship in unusual places, and trust in others.

This book was written in 1957, but when I read it in the late 80s, it didn't seem dated at all. You could feel Jimmy's frustration and at times you got frustrated with him even though you saw how hard adjusting to this new way of life was. Watching him learn to work with Leader and come to trust him, was something I never forgot, and I think I loved that dog as much as Jimmy did.

This book was a great insight into a world that I will probably never enter. It felt real, and was completely accessible for me even as a child. I would recommend this book to anyone, and in fact I think its one of those stories that everyone should read, because it gives them a new understanding of others. ( )

It's a good story, especially helping children understand some of the challenges that disability can bring. My concern is that it is dated (original copyright is 1957) and may be giving inaccurate information. Tackles concepts such as reconciliation and forgiveness, self-sufficiency, and in a small way, humility (although it is not identified as such).