Description
Minimal text and stunning photographs from around the world describe the remarkable, and often dangerous, journeys children make every day on their way to and from school. No simple school bus picks them up each day, but rather children travel through disaster zones, cross rapids, climb mountains, and maneuver on ziplines daily to get to the classroom. Some of them even carry their desks!
In this beautiful picture book for young readers, every image and spread speaks to the desire for an education and the physical commitment the children make each day as they journey to school.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 6 to 9
- Grade:
- 1 to 4
- Reading age:
- 6 to 8
Awards
- Commended, Ontario Library Association's Best Bets - Junior Nonfiction
- Commended, Shelf Awareness 2015 Best Books of the Year
Editorial Reviews
For a children’s story with few words, it’s one of the most powerful books I have read in a while.
— Inside Toronto
[The Way To School]’s captivating photography of the difficulty of these journeys could inspire students to appreciate and value their own education.
— ETFO Voice
This book could be used in association with many topics including diversity, cultural studies, transportation, landforms and the effects of natural disasters. The main message of the book is that it is a great privilege to be able to attend school.
— Professionally Speaking
[The Way to School] is both a fascinating look at school around the world and a very subtle message to readers to appreciate what they have.
— Kirkus Reviews
Though its message is subtle, The Way to School celebrates schools and the importance of education and is well worthy of purchase. Highly Recommended.
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Spare text and beautiful images powerfully and accessibly demonstrate how environmental hazards, rough terrains, and poverty impede children from reaching their destination....An excellent starting point to discuss diversity and culture in the primary grades.
— School Library Journal
While the United States is no stranger to Mother Nature’s fury, The Way to School sheds light on the obstacle course paths some students tackle when they leave home.... The one thing the students in this book all have in common is that they're happy to be at school, once they arrive.
— The Charlotte Observer
With its gorgeous full-sized color photographs and sparse text, this eye-opening story can be very appealing to young readers, and very appropriate, too. Any child studying in a developed country will count his or her blessings after seeing how some young children must travel to school.
— Catholic Library World
The Way to School may spark curiosity and discussion in young learners who may have never considered what the idea of valuing one's education looks like on the other side of the globe.
— Kutztown University Book Review
This is a magnificent book for teachers to use in the classroom at the start of a new school year... this book belongs in every school library.
— Children's Book Heal
Although this book is accessible to young readers, it would also make a wonderful read aloud for a primary class at the beginning of the school year.
— Canadian Teacher Magazine
Not only does this beautiful book deserve a place in every school library, but I’d recommend it for every home library as well — and encourage parents to share it with their school-age offspring.
— Montreal Gazette
[The Way to School] is able to show that different communities have very distinct experiences when going to school and a number of them not too pleasant... Despite all these differences the book shows how much children love being in school. This is a book recommended for public libraries and children's rooms everywhere.
— The Deakin Review of Children's Literature
Striking color photographs illustrate this vivid reminder that everyday life challenges some young people much more than others, and that schooling is so valuable that it makes even the most difficult journeys worthwhile! Highly recommended, especially for public and early grade school library picturebook collections.
— The Midwest Book Review
In this series of characterful, evocative photographs from around the world, McCarney illustrates the lengths and effort some kids put into their daily journeys. And the adventure and peril just makes clear what’s at the heart of their journeys — the determination and value they have for their own education. Inspiration, solidarity, even a little envy — a picture book to inspire all three.
— Toronto Star
Buoyant and beautiful, The Way to School is a deeply powerful illustration of the importance of education and the universal drive to learn.
— Shelf Awareness
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Annotations
Librarian review
The Way to School
This book features vivid photographs of children determined to get to school no matter the obstacle, combatting natural disasters and crossing rivers and mountain passes on their way. The Way to School is a strong example of perseverance and determination and a book that highlights the significance of education for all children.
Source: Association of Canadian Publishers. Diversity Collection Selection 2017.
