Listen to the Wind by Greg Mortenson and Susan Roth. (Picture Book #19 for the Read to Me Picture Book Challenge)
Many of you may have read the NY #1 Bestseller Three Cups of Tea –One Man’s Mission to promote Peace –One school at a time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. In 2009 they brought out a Picture Book version of the events – Listen to the Wind – for children aged 4-9, by Greg Mortenson and Susan Roth.
With simple, informative text and colourful pictures, the book tells the story of “Dr. Greg”. After failing to reach the summit of Pakistan’s K2, the world’s second highest mountain, he stumbles into the village of Korphe, lost and sick. Told from the perspective of the village children, we learn that during his convalescence, Dr Greg observes that the children of the village didn’t have a full time teacher and often learn outside, drawing their lessons in the earth with a stick. He also noticed the deep desire they had to learn. Mortenson was grateful for the kindness they showed him during his stay, and promised the villagers that he would come back and build them a school. The first part of Listen to the Wind tells the story of Dr Greg’s 1st return visit and of the challenges he and the villagers faced as they built that first school. The second part of the book is a scrapbook of actual photographs of the people and events surrounding this incredible undertaking.
Susan Roth’s colourful, bold collages are made of scrap paper, material, and actual fibres from Pakistan, thus bringing a tactile quality to the book that young children will enjoy. There is also an Artists’ Note in the back, where Roth explains how she was inspired by the Pakistanis ability to reuse and recycle everything.
This book is a great way to introduce young readers to global humanitarian issues, such as education and literacy, in terms that are easy to understand. The story is utterly amazing, but the compelling message is that every individual can make a difference in the world, even by donating a few pennies each week.
As of 2010, over 145 schools have been built in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mortenson has dedicated his life to promoting education, especially for girls, in this poverty stricken and war torn region.
NB There is also a Young Adult version of Three Cups of Tea.
http://www.penniesforpeace.org/
http://www.stonesintoschools.com/
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Love the blog, love the name, love the book and love your post! So glad to find out about it! Best, A.
Thanks so much, Alexis… I am now heading off to check out your new blog too.
WhooHoo — an excellent follow-up book to your blog on literacy! I love the picture book “Listen to the Wind,” and agree that it is an excellent book to introduce children to major humanitarian issues in our global community. “Pennies for Peace” is a good project for school children. Kids love to help other kids. And, this post also plays into your multi-cultural interests! Good for you!
I think you know this project is close to my heart. I helped design an exhibit at the Dayton International Peace Museum based on Greg Mortenson’s efforts to build schools for girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Four of us from the Museum had the opportunity to meet Greg last fall. We spent a full hour alone with him talking about literacy and his work. He’s such a humble individual who only cares about one thing: building schools and educating kids.
Again, I’m so happy you selected this book to review!
Pat, I was talking to our awesome school librarian today and she said “wouldn’t it be great to try and invite Greg Mortenson to speak at school?”. I, of course, think this is a wonderful idea if a) We can get the go ahead and b) Greg would be up for it. Watch this spot……………..!
What a wonderful way to follow up on your Literacy post! This looks like such a good book, and such a good way to raise children’s awareness of the fact that the school and homework they complain about is something other children yearn for!
Thank you for this post, Joanna!
I am discovering so many great Picture Books, Beth, on subjects really close to my heart.
What a lovely Post Joanna. I have never read the book so will be going to look for it in our library. I just received in our shop a book which I will do a post on when I have finished checking it out, as I feel it is very worthy of a post. A writer decided to write about the Christchurch quake to help the children affected and at the same time raise money to help them. Thanks again and also for the links, and you have very interesting posts.
I look forward to that review, Diane, what a rapid and valuable response by that author.