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Summary: Packs a Powerful Emotional Punch!!
Review: From the beginning to the end, A Smile As Big As the Moon pulls you into the emotional triumphs and tragedies of a group of special needs kids who really just wanted to be like everyone else.Visiting Space Camp is a pretty straighforward thing for most kids, but for these special needs kids it was like reaching for the moon. You really feel like you are a part of the story. Mike Kersjes's book is very easy to read and well worth the time.
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Summary: A Smile As Big As The Moon Book Review
Review: I am a college senior at Michigan State University and soon to be a middle school science teacher. I thought this was a wonderful book for all ages. It is a great story that depicts a caring teacher and his students on an unforgettable trip to Space Camp. This book shows the trouble this teacher and his kids went through just for the opportunity to go to Space Camp. As well as the wonderful success they experience during their week at Space Camp. Growing up as a special ed student myself I can relate to many of these children and the struggles they went through just to be recognized for their gifts and talents. I would highly recommend this book to everyone I know. The book is easy to read and one you will have a hard time putting down (at least I did). One of the best books I have read in a long time. A wonderful book that I would give 5 stars.
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Summary: A wonderful and touching book...
Review: I have to say that this book is really wonderful. It is amazing to see how these kids and their teacher overcome such odds and live their dreams.I wonder how long it takes Oprah to find this book :-) Wes
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Summary: Absolutely uplifting!
Review: I usually prefer fiction books, however, this true story of a teacher so dedicated to his students was too hard to resist. It is uplifting and motivating to see that there are others in education who will put their heart and soul into helping their students succeed! So many children need teachers like Mike and Robynn.
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Summary: Absolutely uplifting!
Review: I usually prefer fiction books, however, this true story of a teacher so dedicated to his students was too hard to resist. It is uplifting and motivating to see that there are others in education who will put their heart and soul into helping their students succeed! So many children need teachers like Mike and Robynn.
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Summary: Reminded me about everything from when I went
Review: I was part of Coach Kersjes' 1995 group to go to Space Camp. As I read this, it made me think back about what myself and my other team members went through, from the training, to the actual time spent down in Huntsville, Alabama. While there was a six year difference, and some things had been different in our groups' journeys, we had a common goal... to succeed. It also helped me see what was going through Coach's mind and how hard he worked, just so myself and many others can not only have a chance to prove that we are capable of something greater, but possibly fulfil a dream in the process. Needless to say, I could not put the book down, and I had it read through in one day. I recommend this book to parents, teachers, former group members, anyone in college, or anyone else who needs an inspiration.
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Summary: Reminded me about everything from when I went
Review: I was part of Coach Kersjes' 1995 group to go to Space Camp. As I read this, it made me think back about what myself and my other team members went through, from the training, to the actual time spent down in Huntsville, Alabama. While there was a six year difference, and some things had been different in our groups' journeys, we had a common goal... to succeed. It also helped me see what was going through Coach's mind and how hard he worked, just so myself and many others can not only have a chance to prove that we are capable of something greater, but possibly fulfil a dream in the process. Needless to say, I could not put the book down, and I had it read through in one day. I recommend this book to parents, teachers, former group members, anyone in college, or anyone else who needs an inspiration.
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Summary: Smile as Big as the Moon Takes All
Review: If as a kid you ever felt like you didn't fit in, this story will show you what that's REALLY like. This "special" classroom full of kids didn't have a break in the world, until Mike Kersjes fought his way through to the top of NASA to get them that break. The journey takes you from indignation to frustration, to an absolute battle cry for the underdogs. Mike Kersjes refused to give up. His team of kids refused to give up, and you will refuse to give up until you reach the last page. Here's to Mr. Kersjes, all the kids who have experienced Space Camp through the Space is Special Program, and that first team of "bad news bears" who give our beleaguered society something to cheer about. Thanks for bringing this great story to the page!
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Summary: I found this one really hard to put down
Review: There are some authors whose books I'll pick up and read in one sitting. I'm usually looking out the window and it's daylight again and by now I'm not suprised. This book was read like those others. I just had trouble putting it down. I found the story and the style in which it was told to be very captivating. I must admit a slight bias because I am acquainted with the author. One of the reasons I mention this is because I could picture the interaction and know that in each scenario, this is something Coach Kersjes would do. This is also one of the reasons why I enjoyed this story. Coach Kersjes is just as charismatic in person as he seems in his book. His story is the kind that I wish were retold over and over again on the evening news. This is a must read for any teacher that gets tired of the mindless drivel produced by Hollywood (i.e. Boston Public on FOX) and wants to see or read a real and true story that they can affirm by experience is the type of everyday event that they have witnessed and is still compelling.
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Summary: I found this one really hard to put down
Review: There are some authors whose books I'll pick up and read in one sitting. I'm usually looking out the window and it's daylight again and by now I'm not suprised. This book was read like those others. I just had trouble putting it down. I found the story and the style in which it was told to be very captivating. I must admit a slight bias because I am acquainted with the author. One of the reasons I mention this is because I could picture the interaction and know that in each scenario, this is something Coach Kersjes would do. This is also one of the reasons why I enjoyed this story. Coach Kersjes is just as charismatic in person as he seems in his book. His story is the kind that I wish were retold over and over again on the evening news. This is a must read for any teacher that gets tired of the mindless drivel produced by Hollywood (i.e. Boston Public on FOX) and wants to see or read a real and true story that they can affirm by experience is the type of everyday event that they have witnessed and is still compelling.
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