Davey is blind-and he is perfectly capable of doing everything on his own. His well meaning classmates stop offering help when they see how able Davey is. They respect his self-reliance - until he tries to play kickball, After several missed kicks and a trampled base keeper, no one wants Davey on his team.

Working together, the children figure out a way to offer help that respects Davey's unique abilities and his desire for freedom. In this seamless tale, based on a true story, the children realize that interdependence can be just as important and rewarding as independence.

Reviews

Gr 1-3-When Davey enters his new classroom, he needs to orient himself by walking around, mapping his environment by touch. After taking his seat, he says to the boy next to him, who narrates the story, "It's awfully quiet. Is everybody staring? I'm blind, I'm not an alien!" Other students offer to do things for Davey, but he always replies, "Thanks, but no thanks." When the kids play kickball, however, he misses the pitches and knocks someone down while running. Soon he is no longer invited to participate. The children then figure out a way for Davey to play ball by listening for cues from his team, and he learns that he can benefit from the help his friends offer. Lyon's engaging pencil-and-watercolor illustrations invite readers into this picture book. The story provides excellent insight into the world of a child with visual impairment who has learned many coping skills but continues to meet new challenges.-Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.