Today I Will [Library Binding]

Jerry Spinelli (Author), Eileen Spinelli (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Reassuring advice for every day of the year

From an esteemed husband-and-wife team comes a book of daily advice and insight. In dated entries meant to be read one per day, the Spinellis open with a brief quote from children’s literature, write a paragraph of lively advice inspired by that quote, and end with a “Today I will . . .” promise. The entries range from the broad (self-esteem, the environment, gratitude, and openmindedness) to the simple and specific (Today I will call a grandparent . . . smile at a new kid . . . take a walk . . . and send a snail-mail letter.).

With wide appeal to fans of both children’s literature and advice books, this cozy page-a-day volume (with black-and-white spot art) offers inspiring quotes, gentle guidance, and 366 “Today I will . . .” promises to thoughtful readers everywhere.


From the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5–8—In a departure from their usual works, the Spinellis turn their skills to inspiring readers with quotes and promises for every day of the year. There is a single-page entry for each day, and each one begins with a quote from children's literature. For example, the quote for November 4 is, "When he was in school he longed to be out, and when he was out he longed to be in," from Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth. A quote for December 5 is from Dr. Seuss's The Lorax: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot nothing is going to get better." Anne Frank's birthday on June 12 is commemorated with a quote from The Diary of a Young Girl: "In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart." Each quote is followed by an explanatory note. Each note is then summarized into a short promise on which readers can reflect. For example, The Lorax entry tells readers to find one thing they care about and ask how they can make it better. The book covers a vast array of topics and themes, from serious to silly, and is inspiring and helpful. This is a book that that kids can dip into throughout the year.—Kristen Oravec, Flint Hill Middle School, Oakton, VA END --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

The popular husband-and-wife authors join together in this new direction for both: an advice book. Arranged in a chronological format, with one page dedicated to each day of the year, the book features three sections in each daily entry: a quotation from a children’s book, a short passage of advice, and an affirmation. March 29, for example, features a quote from Paula Fox’s novel Western Wind (1993): “You can’t take words back . . . They sit there like big damp frogs.” The following advice speaks about regret for something that was said, and the closing affirmation is, “Today if I feel myself about to release a word I’ll regret, I’ll bite my frog.” Subjects cover a broad range of topics, including contacting grandparents, buckling seatbelts, resisting peer pressures, and turning off the TV. Readers can dip in at random and read a page per day or as many as they choose. The advice, while often humorous, is practical and age appropriate. Young book lovers will delight in the quotations (as will teachers and librarians), and fans of the Chicken Soup series will eat up this appealing offering. Grades 5-8. --Lynn Rutan --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 384 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375962301
• ISBN-13: 978-0375962301
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.3 x 7.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,967,875 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Eileen Spinelli is no stranger to the Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers list. Since her debut in 1991 with Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, an IRA/CBC Children's Choice book and Christopher Award winner, she has gone on to author numerous picture books, poetry collections, and chapter books, including the best-selling When Mama Comes Home Tonight, and the critically acclaimed Sophie's Masterpiece. Eileen lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great inspiration for middle schoolers!, November 25, 2011

By 

Marguarite Moore - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Today I Will: A Year of Quotes, Notes, and Promises to Myself (Hardcover)

These quotes and quips are just the kind of things I want my middle school students to be thinking about. I love using them as writing prompts. The collection is the perfect combination of wit and wisdom.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and constructive, September 17, 2011

By 

Jessica K. Olds - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Today I Will: A Year of Quotes, Notes, and Promises to Myself (Hardcover)

We checked this book out from our library a few weeks ago and have used it every day. There are ideas and inspirational quotes/book passages each day and it has made our days more interesting. I like to make my kids think about how they go through life interacting with others and how they treat themselves and this book is awesome for just that. Can't wait to get our own copy!

5.0 out of 5 stars If Only I Could, August 28, 2010

By 

Jeri L. Atkingiftsforme - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Today I Will: A Year of Quotes, Notes, and Promises to Myself (Hardcover)

What a delightful little book. So many thoughtful ideas for living happy within yourself.
I must confess I did not read the book daily, rather I read the entire book at one sitting.
Then I started on a daily basis to read each day. Every day is wonderful guide to how
improve yourself and your surroundings.
Truly a lovely book for you or a thoughtful gift for friend or family. Thank you Jeri Atkin