I had the pleasure of reading the heartwarming story, Tom T’s Hat Rack, by Michele Spry, this past week and wanted to share my thoughts with you.

The story is about a delightful fourth grader, Shelby, and how she tackles and completes a very meaningful project during her summer vacation.

This is not an ordinary summer project.  This is a project that focuses solely on giving back to her community with the help of her good friend, Mr. T.

When all of the kids in her fourth grade class are talking about their grand travel plans for the upcoming summer break, Shelby is excited to stay in her home town and spend time with her neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. T, who also happen to be her babysitters while her parents are at work.

Little does Shelby know what Mr. T has in store for her during this particular summer when he asks her to help him with a building project.  Even though Mr. T keeps what they are building a secret until the very end, Shelby dives in, works hard, and helps Mr. T build every day during her summer break.

When the great reveal of what they have built takes place, Shelby is overwhelmed with delight.  Showing her caring nature, she comes up with another project to complement the one they completed which will help even more people in her community.

The character of Shelby is simply wonderful.  She thinks about others before herself and displays a positive attitude wherever she goes.  Her effervescent personality puts smiles on faces and spreads a warmth that is eagerly received by others in her life.

She is trustworthy, hardworking, creative, and kind.  As I read through the story, I found myself hoping that elementary and middle school age kids read this book and receive the message of giving back, hard work, persistence, and kindness.

I highly recommend this book for elementary and middle school age readers.  They will be taken through a well written story while learning the valuable lesson of giving back.

The illustrations throughout the book are simply stunning.  They are incredibly lifelike and unique.  Very impressive indeed.

We will definitely be on the lookout for more heartwarming stories by Michele Spry in the future.