Follow My Leader

Rating:
Summary: Give This Book To Your Children
Review: I am delighted to find that this book is still available for today's children. I read this book 40 years ago during summer vacation. It was recommended to me by the driver of the bookmobile that came to our neighborhood every Thursday night.

I have never forgotten this wonderful story of tragedy, loss, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit brought about by the love and guidance of a dog. I recommend it for all children over the age of eight, as a reading project or, even better, as a read-aloud between parents and their children.

Rating:
Summary: A Book that Lasts for Generations
Review: I enjoy reading good children's books even though technically I've "outgrown" them. This one was very absorbing and a wonderful story that every child should read - or have read to them by a parent or relative or somebody, because adults can enjoy it and benefit from it as well.

I won't say anything about the story, but the characters are all very nice. Jimmy's sister is helpful, his teacher and friends are kind, and Jimmy is ultimately forgiving and goes on bravely - very good role-models for young readers to acquaint themselves with.

I don't know exactly what else to say except that I recommend this book very highly.

Rating:
Summary: A book that lives on and on
Review: I first read this book when I was in third grade (that was about 33 years ago). At the time I lived about a block from a Guide Dogs for the Blind training school. Over the years I had the privilege of meeting numerous "students" training at the school. I was able to see firsthand the courage that was portrayed by Jimmy in this book. My children will be reading the same copy of "Follow My Leader" as I did; I still have the same book on my shelf. It has been read many times over the years; I trust my children will be inspired, as I have been, by this special book.

Rating:
Summary: A heartwarming wonderful story.
Review: I have read this book several times and each time it brings wonderful thoughts. When a terrible accident causes young Jimmy to become blind, he learns that with the help of his guide dog and best friend Leader, he can still have a good life. The training that these guide dogs go thru is fascinating and this is a wonderful story. It again proves that a boy's best friend is a dog. You will have the urge to hold your own dog or other pet after reading Follow My Leader.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully Written
Review: I just saw this book here and HAD to review it. Just so you know, it has been probably 15 years since I have even SEEN this book. But I remember having read it over and over and over when I was in grade school. I think I read it because I had to the first time. Then I just picked it up and read it a few more times. It's that good.

This is a book about a kid named Jimmy Carter, who loses his vision when his friend lights a firecracker and it explodes in his face.

The book chronicles Jimmy's schooling at a school for the blind, and his relationship with Leader, his seeing eye dog. The book will also teach your children the value of forgiveness. It will also teach them that, while some things come easy to them, others have to struggle. What this book WON'T teach people is to pity blind poeple. Jimmy is by NO means a weak kid. When you finish reading "Follow My Leader" you will have a new respect for him.

Buy it. It is one memorable book.

Rating:
Summary: A powerful story for young readers
Review: I read this book over 35 years ago as a young child. Although I didn't realize it at the time, it set some powerful things into motion, resulting in my current work with Southeastern Guide Dogs. As I mention this story to others, it continues to amaze me how many people were touched by this book as a child. What a wonderful testament to the author!

Rating:
Summary: My favorite of all time!
Review: I would like to say that ever since I read this book when I was 7 or so (I am now 20), I haven't found any others that even come close to the masterpiece that it was. I re-read this book over and over until I lost it when I was 10. Since I got it used from the library, my Mom couldn't find another copy (I don't think they were printing them) and I was devestated! Hope this helps!

Rating:
Summary: My favorite of all time!
Review: I would like to say that ever since I read this book when I was 7 or so (I am now 20), I haven't found any others that even come close to the masterpiece that it was. I re-read this book over and over until I lost it when I was 10. Since I got it used from the library, my Mom couldn't find another copy (I don't think they were printing them) and I was devestated! Hope this helps!

Rating:
Summary: I could not glow more about this book...
Review: I, too, have not even seen this book in so many years I'm almost ashamed. One of the most amazing things about this book is that at the time you read (and re-read) it when you are young, it is just a wonderful story that is enjoyable, moving and enlightening. Yet you have no idea then how much it will and how deeply it does affect you until much later in life; not only in how unbelievable it is that you remember it, but that you truly learned from and appreciated it's lessons and message.

My mother read this story when she was young, and when I reached the same age, she shared it with me (and even 20 years ago it was hard to get a hold of). Now I can't wait to share it with my own kids and my nieces and nephews, or anyone, any age for that matter!

I commute into the city everyday, and whenever I see a visually impaired person with their guide dog, I can't help but well up - not with pity, but with empathy, respect, admiration and pride...and the chance to appreciate the things I tend to take for granted.

If it seems like this is a lot to take away from a children's/pre-teen book, then you must not have read it.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: My teacher read this book aloud to the class back in 1969, and I was absolutely mesmerized then. I will always remember the story and my positive emotions from that experience. A powerful and a remarkable multi-dimensional lesson for kids. Every young person should experience this book.