Reviews

• A wonderful story of community

  A beautiful story. My son and I relished every page of the book as we read it aloud and wished there was just a few more chapters to keep on enjoying. Lina, the only little girl in the Shora Village school, one day stuns the class by posing the question, "Why don't storks nest in Shora?" The teacher tells the children that wondering is just the beginning of great things that can possibly happen if we try. Suddenly, Lina and the villagers of Shora all find themselves united in a mission to bring the storks back to their village, if only they can get a wheel onto the roof of the school for the storks to use as a nesting site. In the process, many of the villagers find their lives changing in ways they had never expected, whether they ever get the storks or not.

• A book that teaches a lesson from childhood to adult

  I read this book at a young age, when it was first in hard cover. It stuck with me all my life into adulthood. It's the story of a village that has no storks and one of the six students ask why? That is where your teaching comes into play, so if you are a teacher, ask your class to read this book. The age recommended, I think, is childhood, to age 12, and even adults will enjoy this book. There is so much description of the village, the children and they way of life, in Holland. It is full of learning. In Holland, Shora is the name of the fishing village--the setting of the book. The village is made up mostly older people and there is one small school. One adult named Janus had no legs. One day a student Lina asks the teacher of the school why there are no storks in the village, for storks bring good luck. The teacher poses the question for the class to find the answer. It's because the roofs of the houses have sharp edges and the storks or sea gulls cannot land to nest. The entire village comes together, from old, young and Janus, who has a disability, to find a wheel to go on the roof of the school to bring the storks to nest and bring the village good luck. The fishermen are bored because the weather has kept them from fishing, so they help, Janus the man with a disability helps, and even the older people help. The people from young to old all come together for one common goal. And that could pertain to any goal in today's world. People working together for a common goal, no matter the age, or disabiliitys Don't let anything hold you back if you have a goal. I highly recommend this book, no matter what your age, although as I stated in the beginning, it teaches. If you teach younger children--then assign this book for class. It really is a good book for teaching in all societies and ages, but start the young ones out and he or she will learn about working together to accomplish goals--dispite disabilities or obstacles.

• Timeless classic

  A charming story. A structure that keeps you interested. Characters that are relatable. My children now reading this to their children.

• Old book...good story.

  This book was very worn...old However, the story remains. I was disappointed, I wanted to pass it on... but it was too worn.

• The Wheel on the school.

  I read this book in 1956!!! I loved it then; it was my very first REAL book, and was the reason I have had such a love of books ever since. I was so happy to see it was still availble even now...so, I bought it for my 9 year old graanddaughter (who lives in Florida). I so wanted her to read it and enjoy it as much as I did. It is a great childrens story, very inspiring and also easy to read. A childrens classic in my time. I would highly recommend it.

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