Animals Welcome: A Life of Reading, Writing, and Rescue

I am sure every middle school librarian will agree - our students love Peg Kehret's books! They have read ALL of them and keep asking for more. I was so happy to read Animals Welcome: A Life of Reading, Writing, and Rescue as this talented author takes her readers into the latest part of her life. She shares her and her late husband's love of animals, her inspirations for writing particular characters, and the raw emotions of life changing events in her world. Each animal rescue or encounter is written in their own chapter. I was most amazed at her patience during the most trying times of rescuing some animals that seemed impossible to help. Now when I read a Peg Kehret book, I will think about the warm-hearted woman who loves writing, nature, and, most of all, animals. Thank you to Ms. Kehret and her late husband for making a difference in their area - one rescue at a time.

Life is So Good

Every once in a while a true story catches you by surprise and leaves an imprint on your heart. Life is so Good (published in 2000) written by Richard Glaubman and George Dawson did just that. Thankfully a math teacher at my school shared this book with me. I cannot believe I had never heard of it before. This is George Dawson’s life story beginning when he was just a boy working hard to help his father on the farm. Richard Glaubman would visit George after hearing that he started going to school to learn to read at the age of 98. On those visits, he would bring news articles from the past and books to share with Dawson. My favorite aspect of the book is the discussion the two had about real events in history and Dawson’s memory of having lived through that time. It is remarkable to think that Dawson lived in three separate centuries. Because he was expected to help his father with the farm and bring extra income to take care of the younger kids, he missed the opportunity to attend school. An adventurous man, he tells of his travels and strong work ethic. Once he settled down with a wife and seven kids, he held high expectations of his children and was able to hide that he couldn’t read until they were older. He explains throughout the book about missed opportunities as a result of being illiterate. George Dawson passed away in 2001 after this book was published at the age of 103. This inspirational story is a must read for anyone wondering if it is too late to make a change for the better. George Dawson’s story motivated many people to get their education. Click on the video segment from the Oprah show about how Dawson's legacy lives on in Texas.