Customer Reviews

I Can Hear the Sun

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I use this book in my classroom where I work with kids who have ADHD and other learning diabilities. I first discovered this book while searching for another by the same author. My daughter and I sat in the floor and read it. She is a child who has never felt like she fits in. She said that Fondo was like her. When Fondo miraculously finds his place in life I told her that all of us have a place in this world, it just takes some of us longer to find it. The other day I read this book to my class, sharing the same message with them. I noticed a girl crying afterwards. She raised her hand and said, "This book tells me that there is hope for me. I can belong somewhere." Now, there is no way that the kids in my class see her as they did before. They have reached out to her. This book has an important message for us all.

As an elementary school librarian, I had the pleasure ofintroducing this treasure to many classes the last few years. All ofthe above reviews are valid for me. While discussing how unique each person is, I always get asked about Stephanie. I promised the students I would go to Lake Merrit and look for her, see if she truly exists and if so, if she's still there. Yesterday (5/22/00) was the magic day. She and Ms. Polocco have been close friends for years, and it was right that the author write about the warmth of Stephanie's character. I could not have been welcomed more graciously, and Stephanie, on her own time, will be meeting with the students at my school. I also learned that the other main character, Fondo, is connected with Ms. Polacco's nephew to whom the book is dedicated. If you can take only one fiction (?) book with you on a desert island, each time you reread this, you will have new joy in your heart.

This book is a great book for starting discussions in literature circles. It pairs nicely with other picture books like Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting and Way Home by Libby Hathorn (unfortunately out of print). Paula Fox's chapter book "Monkey Island" also connects nicely.

Mrs. Polacco's characters alway touch your heart and this one is no exception. Fondo is a small boy in a big world that needs much love and compation. He finds it at the lake with a game keeper, homeless people, and unconditional love in a blind goose. This story shows that the outside is not always what is on the inside. a must for any library.

This book about a lost boy who befriends a blind goose brought tears to my eyes. I believe it can teach those who read it to look beyond the exterior and give all people a chance to be seen, heard and loved. This will be a part of my 8th grade LArts curriculum.

This is a beautiful book, very moving and life-affirming. I would recommend this to anyone; young or old. The illustrations are very charming and heart-felt as is the story. This is what a children's book should be: timeless, personal yet universal in its themes of love, hope

and kindness. This is a book for all the dreamers in the world, and those

for whom compassion and gentleness is a way of life.

This story of love between a boy and a blind Canada goose is a beautiful one and sadly, a connection that society is destroying with lies. We need to seek to connect with animals again because our lives depend on it; this world needs love, not hatred, not war. I highly recommend this book for all ages!

I get Patricia Polacco's books for a daughter that's a teacher. I always read them before she and her class them. She writes wonderful stories.

Polacco's I Can Hear the Sun is a touching, heartfelt story about a young boy needing compassion, love, and an escape from his harsh reality. It is human nature to have moments of self-doubt, feeling like one does not fit in. This story offers an alternative perspective. Stephanie Michele is a compassionate caregiver to Fondo, the geese, and the Throwaway people. Instead of focusing on the external flaws that many might notice, i.e., blindness, homelessness, abandonment, Stephanie Michele sees past these things and realizes the inward beauty of both humans and animals. She also cultivates the imagination of a young boy and allows him to dream, something that helps Fondo cope with his family and educational struggles. All children can benefit from a healthy imagination and the ability to dream.

I love all the Patricia Polacco books. She is a wonderful writer, and shares such great stories.