Entertaining an Elephant: A Novel About Learning and Letting Go [Paperback]

William McBride (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0965625400 | ISBN-13: 978-0965625401

Entertaining an Elephant is the heartwarming story of a burned-out teacher struggling though his fifteenth year of teaching. Through a set of unexpected events, this teacher becomes re-inspired with both his profession and his own life. Woven into this short novel are quotes from world-renown spiritual and philosophical writers who suggest ways for us to face the tough challenges of today's world. Already in its 16th printing, the book is a favorite among educators and parents. Priced to sell in bulk, administrators and instructors often use the novel as a book study with faculties or in schools of education.


Here's what people are saying about Entertaining an Elephant:


Powerful! Super! Splendid! Explosive! A thousand thanks! - Cora Miles, Principal, White Plains, NY


It should be on every educator's recommended reading list. - Nel Noddings, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education, Stanford University


I bought a copy for every teacher at my school. What a wonderful book! - Sandra Farmer, Principal, Rocky Mount, NC


I couldn't put it down. I loved it! - Inga Smith, Ohio Teacher of the Year


A poignant story about teaching only love that will open up your heart to how important it is to let go, to be open-minded, and to forgive others and ourselves. - Gerald Jampolsky, M.D., Author of Love is Letting Go of Fear


This novel touched me. - Peter Elbow, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA


Entertaining an Elephant is wonderful. I loved it! - Carol Jago, Editor, California English, Pacific Palisades, CA


*****If you love this book, check out the sequel, Carrying a Load of Feathers*****


Half the proceeds of every sale go to charity.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bill McBride has worked in a variety of public school and university settings. In middle and secondary schools, he has served as a Reading Specialist, English and Social Studies teacher, Drama teacher, and Gifted and Talented instructor. On the university level, Bill assisted in the training and evaluation of middle and secondary Language Arts interns. He holds a Masters in Reading and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Though he grew up in the South, Bill has lived in places as varied as Germany, Illinois, and California. He is a former Department of Defense teacher during which time he won sustained superlative performance awards. After leaving the classroom, he became an Editor and National Reading Consultant for McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin publishing company for fifteen years. Bill now works independently. He is well known both nationally and internationally as a humorous and inspirational speaker and engaging presenter of innovative teaching methodologies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 115 pages
• Publisher: Under One Roof (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965625400
• ISBN-13: 978-0965625401
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #252,730 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly uplifting read!, April 10, 1999

By 

Carolyn Phipps (Memphis, Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Entertaining an Elephant: A Novel About Learning and Letting Go (Paperback)

One of my all-time favorite teacher books is Bill McBride's Entertaining an Elephant: a novel about learning and letting go. The dedication is to those who have chosen to teach love rather than fear. McBride's heartwarming story is about a teacher who resisted change, clung to the grammar drill and kill and had trouble dealing with students. The janitor shows him a better way to relate to kids, people in general. "The future will depend on what we do in the present." Gandhi As we struggle with new strategies, reform movements, and the demand to change the way we are as teachers, this book can soften our hearts, relieve our stress, lessen our fears, and give us hope for the future.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a "must read" for every teacher!, April 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Entertaining an Elephant: A Novel About Learning and Letting Go (Paperback)

As a 28-year veteran high school English teacher, I entered Entertaining an Elephant with minimal expectations. After all, I pride myself on being "up" on current research in the teaching of writing, language and literature. I'm not afraid to gut my curriculum when something better for my students comes along. However, after reading Bill McBride's book, I realized that I still had much to learn about "letting go." In fact, the book so influenced me that I have altered my annual plan for English I Honors for the year 2000 already! I found the book to be extremely realistic in its depiction of the broad spectrum of humanity we teach every day. It was equally on target in relating the kinds of conflicts, the stress, the burn-out many professionals experience, particularly in public education. I understand that over 20 colleges and universities around the country are using the book as required reading in various education departments. Every teacher, whether in English or not, and every wannabe teacher should read this truly insightful and inspirational text. Wannabes will gain insight; veterans will acquire either affirmation or an epiphany! Either way, our students win as well.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A shot in the arm book for teachers,a real jewel!, April 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Entertaining an Elephant: A Novel About Learning and Letting Go (Paperback)

Bill McBride takes a tired out teacher and shows how everyone can learn new things. The book is popular with teachers...and for good reason. It helps them see how there is always the possibility of renewal and transformation. The search for the title reference is worth the whole reading and it makes perfect sense. Especially now, as the end of the year begins to roll down, teachers will relate to the situation! Buy it now.