Join the Two Writing Teachers blog for Tuesdays Slice of Life Challenge.
Last week I wrote a Slice of Life post about the injustice of reading levels and my dear student Emily. Cynthia Lord, author of A Handful of Stars, saw my post and commented that she wanted to send Emily a signed copy of her book. I was overjoyed, but I kept it a secret. The package arrived Friday with a few added trinkets Cynthia sent straight from her desk. She sent a small rock bearing the words “A little extra brave.” Cynthia wrote to me that she carried this rock around as she worked on the book. So personal. So special. She also added a little star hanging on a string to symbolize “star friends” like the characters in her book. Another personal touch.
I brought the care package with me to school on Monday. Emily is an early arriver. She was walking down the hall when I got there, so I took her aside to share the package with her. To say she was thrilled is almost an understatement. She just kept repeating, “I feel so special.”
I wasn’t quite sure how to share this with the class. I didn’t want any of them to feel jealous or left out. I talked to Emily about it. I told her my concerns and asked her to decide if she wanted to share or keep this to herself.
When her art teacher arrived, Emily took the package with her to show her. When she went to library, she took the book with her to show the librarian. Then we had read aloud time. Emily whispered to me that she wanted to share it with the class. I started off by explaining that Emily lost her mother last year. Then I explained how the character in A Handful of Stars also lost her mother. After I told the students about my blog post and tweet out to Cynthia Lord, Emily showed her prizes. No one spoke. No one was jealous or bitter. They were respectful and happy for Emily.
These gifts cannot replace such a huge loss, but I believe that Emily’s heart is full. She has a rock to carry with her every day that will give her strength and bravery and will always remind her that authors are heroes and that one day, she may be a hero, too.
A gift of love and bravery
Reflections on the Teche 
This is my favorite slice of the day. I already know. Even though I already knew the story, I love the way you unfolded it and the honor and respect you gave to not only Emily but also to the class. Hooray for Cynthia Lord, and hooray for you, too, my friend.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Cynthia Lord is an incredibly special person who totally gets it. She is one of those authors who is changing the face of humanity. Love this slice.
How beautiful that the class wasn’t jealous or resentful but happy for Emily.
Wow. This is the good stuff of life.
Authors are SUPERHEROES!!! Cynthia Lord’s kindness and generosity epitomizes the amazing person she is! Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad Emily has you as a teacher and that she received this gift…life changing gift.
This is such a beautiful story. This young lady will never forget and likely has already shaped her destiny in a beautiful way. It began with you, Margaret. Pebbles in the water. We never know where those ripples will go.
That is beautiful. What a thoughtful way to reach out to a kid who deserved it!
This is a beautiful slice of life. I love Cynthia Lord as well as Handful of Stars and can’t believe how meaningful a gift she gave this student
Margaret, Cynthia Lord was able to reach out to your student because of your words and your compassion. What a difference you make.
A beautiful story of such a gracious gesture, Margaret. Bravo to Cynthia Lord, and to you, Margaret, for “making the world whatever way you want it to be,” a kinder, more loving place.
Margaret, this is an amazing story. I’m so touched by all of it… your relationship with Emily, the kindness of Cynthia Lord, the reaction of her classmates. It’s a beautiful classroom moment. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Amazing, beautiful moments.
Authors like Cynthia Lord and teachers like you are my heroes. I’m sure Emily is buoyed by this special gift.
Wow! The power of social media!!!!
Margaret, appreciations for your telling this lovely story. It brings tears to my eyes.
I am sorry for Emily’s huge loss but I am hopeful for her because of this nourishing school you represent, a community where she learns & is loved. I am in awe of Cynthia Lord also, based upon my slight connections in social media with her. She is my hero, a role model for writers & readers & teachers & parents. I am proud of the students who accepted her gift without rancor.
It just so happens that list nite I was re-reading parts of my copy of A Handful of Stars…
Beautiful, uplifting post.
[…] She is working on a hero art project. Her hero is Cynthia Lord who wrote A Handful of Stars. This post tells […]