A Circle of Children

This is another wonderful, hopeful story by a wonderful, amazing woman. Although I was a little bummed that the kids on the summary page didn't show up until more then halfway through the book, learning about so many different kids in one book was very interesting. This woman has changed many children's lives through the work she does, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a moving story about how one woman can be so helpful to children in need.

Ever taught a kid that flaps his arms, talks gibberish, and has never eaten anything but saltines and chocolate milk his whole life? Mary has taught this kid, and many others with other abnormal conditions. This book is based on a true story about the life of Mary McCracken. Mary starts out as part of a League that went to visit a school for the emotionally disturbed. After an hour of visiting, Mary really wanted to work there. She started out as a volunteer under the supervision of a teacher named Helga. Mary moved up from being a volunteer to substituting for another teacher and eventually running her own class. Mary and another teacher Dan formed team teaching, which they took both classes into one big room and taught together. Each show more week they took kids to nearby attractions because these kids rarely get out. Mary and Dan were able to teach their students, such as, Brian to eat normal food, Jenny to talk, all the kids how to swim and working other miracles. The book ends with all the kids returning from winter vacation and Mary receiving a message that Dan would be stuck in Florida for awhile. A substitute, named Claude, is hired to teach in Dan's place. The book leaves you guessing as to, will Dan Return? And if he does, when will that be? Can the new substitute allow Mary to teach the way she usually did? How will the kids react when they find out Dan isn't around? show less

A great book that shows the challenges, struggles, and triumphs with working with children with emotional and behavioral issues. I recommend for anyone wanting to take a glimpse into the life of these unique children. Teachers, parents, and social workers of these children will greatly appreciate this book.