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Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments
From popular personality and storyteller Matt Eicheldinger, a collection of 100 true, uplifting short stories that capture the meaning behind everyday encounters, and the small lessons woven in-between.
Every story is important. Every single one.
When middle school teacher Matt Eicheldinger had a student who wouldn’t speak at all, he decided to leave her a sticky note on her desk everyday, each one with a funny cartoon or encouraging messages. Years later, she returned to share she had saved every sticky note he had left to encourage her, leaving Eicheldinger to wonder what other extraordinary moments he missed from seemingly ordinary interactions.
Luckily, he had a way to revisit them all. For the past fifteen years, Eicheldinger has written down moments like this from his classroom, capturing literally hundreds of daily interactions between himself, students, and families.
Sticky Notes offers readers a chance to experience one hundred of these stories that capture friendship, grief, joy, and so much more. Although each story can stand on its own, Eicheldinger offers a new perspective that will help you understand what he has grown to learn over the years: there is always a greater message within the story, we just need to be ready to see it.
Every story is important. Every single one.
When middle school teacher Matt Eicheldinger had a student who wouldn’t speak at all, he decided to leave her a sticky note on her desk everyday, each one with a funny cartoon or encouraging messages. Years later, she returned to share she had saved every sticky note he had left to encourage her, leaving Eicheldinger to wonder what other extraordinary moments he missed from seemingly ordinary interactions.
Luckily, he had a way to revisit them all. For the past fifteen years, Eicheldinger has written down moments like this from his classroom, capturing literally hundreds of daily interactions between himself, students, and families.
Sticky Notes offers readers a chance to experience one hundred of these stories that capture friendship, grief, joy, and so much more. Although each story can stand on its own, Eicheldinger offers a new perspective that will help you understand what he has grown to learn over the years: there is always a greater message within the story, we just need to be ready to see it.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2024
109 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
July 2, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments is a collection of 100 short true stories from within the classroom.
Matthew Eicheldinger starts the book explaining why he called the book Sticky Notes and how it came to be put together, then follows on with 100 short 2-page stories of experiences he's had with children he has taught over the years and what he learned/gained from each interaction/event. This book really resonated with me in every single story from my own time working with children within the classroom as a teaching assistant. Quite a few of these brought back my own memories of children I've worked with and supported. I loved how simple yet thought-provoking and heartwarming this book is. Children can teach us as much as we can teach them, and each one is amazing in their own unique, special ways, and this book celebrates all of that.
Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments is a collection of 100 short true stories from within the classroom.
Matthew Eicheldinger starts the book explaining why he called the book Sticky Notes and how it came to be put together, then follows on with 100 short 2-page stories of experiences he's had with children he has taught over the years and what he learned/gained from each interaction/event. This book really resonated with me in every single story from my own time working with children within the classroom as a teaching assistant. Quite a few of these brought back my own memories of children I've worked with and supported. I loved how simple yet thought-provoking and heartwarming this book is. Children can teach us as much as we can teach them, and each one is amazing in their own unique, special ways, and this book celebrates all of that.
June 23, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.
Such a lovely concept. This book is filled with cute little interactions and stories regarding the author and his students. Some of them are really sweet, while other are a bit heartbreaking. A teacher does go a long way when it comes to the impact they have in kids' lives.
Such a lovely concept. This book is filled with cute little interactions and stories regarding the author and his students. Some of them are really sweet, while other are a bit heartbreaking. A teacher does go a long way when it comes to the impact they have in kids' lives.
June 12, 2024
These simple, heart warming & hilarious stories touched me so deeply. The story of Casey and the green fleece jacket, the story of Lucy and the pizza box — what a beautiful tribute to his students. May we all have the confidence of the person who scooped up the brown goop 🤍
June 16, 2024
Very hard to put down as can definitely read in one sitting. A heartwarming collection of short anecdotes, which is perfect for new teachers or anyone with contact with children.
The book includes both the good and not-so-good stories with his kids, which I found to be so real.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The book includes both the good and not-so-good stories with his kids, which I found to be so real.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 23, 2024
Thank you so much to both NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this eARC copy.
This book is so simple -- just notes from a middle school teacher about experiences he'd had over the years -- and yet it managed to make me cry multiple times. First off, I just want to say that the author is a much better teacher, and probably human being, than I think I could ever be. He would detail his responses to students' behavior and each time it left me floored just how kind and empathetic he managed to be. He responded with love and respect to all the students, and it made me rethink my initial assumptions about every situation and how I would react. This book genuinely inspired me to be a kinder and more empathetic person, which I was not expecting from such a simple collection of moments from a 6th grade teacher. Also, teachers are literally superhuman because I could never do any of that.
This book is so simple -- just notes from a middle school teacher about experiences he'd had over the years -- and yet it managed to make me cry multiple times. First off, I just want to say that the author is a much better teacher, and probably human being, than I think I could ever be. He would detail his responses to students' behavior and each time it left me floored just how kind and empathetic he managed to be. He responded with love and respect to all the students, and it made me rethink my initial assumptions about every situation and how I would react. This book genuinely inspired me to be a kinder and more empathetic person, which I was not expecting from such a simple collection of moments from a 6th grade teacher. Also, teachers are literally superhuman because I could never do any of that.
December 24, 2024
This book. It was SO SWEET and thought provoking and honestly, you have no idea how something you say or do can make an impact on someone else. This book was little vignettes of those instances, where something small ended up not being small at all.
This is a PERFECT gift for the teacher in your life. It would be a great pick me up when they have a bad day and can dip into the book to remind themselves that, yes, they ARE making a difference and that the students in their life are also making a difference in THEM.
This book made me laugh, tear up and think. I cant recommend it highly enough.
5, this is a book to get and re-read or pick up often, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This is a PERFECT gift for the teacher in your life. It would be a great pick me up when they have a bad day and can dip into the book to remind themselves that, yes, they ARE making a difference and that the students in their life are also making a difference in THEM.
This book made me laugh, tear up and think. I cant recommend it highly enough.
5, this is a book to get and re-read or pick up often, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2024
In this book, Matthew Eicheldinger recounts numerous student interactions over the course of his teaching career. As a child therapist, I greatly appreciated each of his stories, as I have had many similar experiences with clients myself.
Matthew's accounts highlight how most often the educator is the one learning as many of his students were the ones teaching the most valuable lessons. Many stories were very heartwarming and ended on a positive note, while others were flat out heartbreaking. Matthew conveyed how there are still lessons to be learned from all types of interactions, even the ones that don't end so well.
One of my favorite lessons that Matthew describes is how simply being there for a child can make the biggest difference. Many of his lessons also involve interactions with parents, which I also greatly value due to the nature of my work with kids.
Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about this book. It was a very quick read. I actually read the whole thing on my lunch break. I think this book could be a good one to revisit from time to time.
Thank you to NetGalley, as well as to the author and publisher of this book for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Matthew's accounts highlight how most often the educator is the one learning as many of his students were the ones teaching the most valuable lessons. Many stories were very heartwarming and ended on a positive note, while others were flat out heartbreaking. Matthew conveyed how there are still lessons to be learned from all types of interactions, even the ones that don't end so well.
One of my favorite lessons that Matthew describes is how simply being there for a child can make the biggest difference. Many of his lessons also involve interactions with parents, which I also greatly value due to the nature of my work with kids.
Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about this book. It was a very quick read. I actually read the whole thing on my lunch break. I think this book could be a good one to revisit from time to time.
Thank you to NetGalley, as well as to the author and publisher of this book for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2025
I followed this teacher on Instagram and thought he was so sincere and caring as a teacher. He wrote a book for children and I bought it for our granddaughter for Christmas. When I saw he had written this book for adults, I wanted to read it right away. For all my teacher friends, parents and grandparents, there is so much you can learn about interacting with students. It was inspiring to read about his love of teaching and the skills he uses to be the best teacher and human ever. And not just a teacher, but about how to interact and bless those around us at any age.
May 13, 2025
A quick, feel good read! Teachers never cease to amaze me.
April 7, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! I highly recommend any teacher or parent to read this one and really understand the impact children can have on your life, the way they have on Eicheldinger's life.
The life lessons from simple classroom moments were so fun to read that I slowly made my way through this book, indulging in every story. I'd read a few every night before bed and then move onto whatever my current read was.
What Eicheldinger does here is give life to the little moments and show us how we can take a moment to pause and reflect on the simple joys and trials that life throws our way through the eyes of the youngest generations.
The life lessons from simple classroom moments were so fun to read that I slowly made my way through this book, indulging in every story. I'd read a few every night before bed and then move onto whatever my current read was.
What Eicheldinger does here is give life to the little moments and show us how we can take a moment to pause and reflect on the simple joys and trials that life throws our way through the eyes of the youngest generations.
February 8, 2025
I began with great enthusiasm as several friends are teachers and this author shares short stories from his classroom, many either funny or heartwarming. They end in the same way almost each time and that began to feel a little preachy; it may have worked better to let each story land and to allow the reader to receive a lesson on their own. Nevertheless, I imagine teachers and parents would really enjoy this book.
December 6, 2024
Very inspirational! This is a very good one for teachers, but could really be read by anyone. Because we all need to learn lessons -- even if, or especially if, they are taught to us by children.
December 27, 2024
An enjoyable feel-good book. This is one I’ll pass along to my teacher friends and family. It is a heartwarming glimpse of what teachers do, day after day, class after class, year after year—behind the scenes, making a difference, one small act at a time.
December 31, 2024
A 6th grade teacher shares simple stories of his students that offer some positive affirmations and valued life lessons. Quick read. Uplifting and mindful.
January 23, 2025
Quite corny, but sweet
September 1, 2025
I found this author on FB, I don't remember how or why. I'm not a teacher, and I don't have kids. But I really liked his life lessons, learned from the kids in his 6th grade classroom. So when he said he wrote books I looked some up and bought this one.
It's kinda poetry, each one a lesson learned, but it doesn't read like traditional poetry. It reads in the same lilt he has in his voice when he's telling us stories from school.
Even if you don't have kids in school, or kids at all, you'll likely appreciate the worldly lessons spelled out here.
It's kinda poetry, each one a lesson learned, but it doesn't read like traditional poetry. It reads in the same lilt he has in his voice when he's telling us stories from school.
Even if you don't have kids in school, or kids at all, you'll likely appreciate the worldly lessons spelled out here.
November 4, 2024
This book is full of bite-size stories and teachable moments from "Mr. Eich"'s middle school teaching career. There were stores that made me laugh out loud and stories that made me tear up a little. I read the whole thing in about 24 hours, but it would be easy to read a story a day or put it down and come back to it. As a person in her fourth career, all four working with children, I found it just as inspirational as I found it entertaining. Who doesn't want to be in Mr. Eich's class?!
January 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. As a 6th Grade Teacher myself, I work really hard to connect with my students. Sometimes the littlest things make the biggest impact. At this age, they just want someone to listen to them and be on their side. While reading this book, you can see the connections he makes with each of the students and how they learn from each other. Which is truly special as a Teacher.
November 30, 2024
A collection of astute observations complied during ordinary interactions with a teacher’s middle school students. From simple to complex, heartbreaking to inspiring, and many in between, it’s hard to resist Eicheldinger’s approachable and relatable style.
March 23, 2025
I'd love to share this book with every teacher I know. It's a reminder of all those ordinary moments in which teachers change lives.
It's a book of little stories from a teacher's work in the classroom, complete with reflections on the takeaways from the moments.
It's a book of little stories from a teacher's work in the classroom, complete with reflections on the takeaways from the moments.
August 15, 2025
Great book! I really enjoyed this uplifting book of memories and life lessons with thought provoking clips from this teacher and his students. Great read. I will be purchasing for a few people as gifts.
October 22, 2024
I loved these little 2 minute stories from inside Matthew's classroom. Some made me tear up, laugh, but most of them were very sweet.
October 31, 2024
What a great read! I laughed, I cried, I even considered going into teaching?! Matt is a wonderful storyteller and I enjoyed every single page.
November 3, 2024
I love this book! Such heartfelt little stories. Every teacher needs a copy of this book!
November 17, 2024
I started subbing because of one of his stories. Excellent book.
January 21, 2025
This is a great collection of all those wonderful short stories that come up on social media from teacher Matt Eicheldinger (His students call him Mr. Eich for short). He has a wonderful manner about him as he shares moments of interaction with his elementary age students and I have followed him for a few years. As I read though the book I heard each one with his voice narration in my head.
This book is the place to hear all those stories he has shared over the years, and probably a few more. Each of them is briefly written on two pages with some accompanying art flourishes/scribbles/doodles. These ordinary moments as Matt describes them, all have a reflection of why the interaction was memorable and what sparks that particular memory.
A teacher with his heart in the right place, sharing moments that mattered in a busy day sometimes changed the tone of the day, or became a prominent part of that week, or year. A teacher who recognizes his students for their strengths, makes connections and admits to his challenges in the classroom. I am glad he did have the foresight to quickly notate and document these memorable lessons amongst the craziness of any given day in the classroom. This book is a great way to share those memories for us to all enjoy.
This book is the place to hear all those stories he has shared over the years, and probably a few more. Each of them is briefly written on two pages with some accompanying art flourishes/scribbles/doodles. These ordinary moments as Matt describes them, all have a reflection of why the interaction was memorable and what sparks that particular memory.
A teacher with his heart in the right place, sharing moments that mattered in a busy day sometimes changed the tone of the day, or became a prominent part of that week, or year. A teacher who recognizes his students for their strengths, makes connections and admits to his challenges in the classroom. I am glad he did have the foresight to quickly notate and document these memorable lessons amongst the craziness of any given day in the classroom. This book is a great way to share those memories for us to all enjoy.
January 25, 2025
Read This Book. Restore your faith in humanity (at least middle school humanity). Humorous, touching, poignant, real.
Each two pages a story unto itself. Didn’t want to put it down but it is so rich, so savory, I had to set it aside every now and then to let my emotions and thoughts catch up.
Each two pages a story unto itself. Didn’t want to put it down but it is so rich, so savory, I had to set it aside every now and then to let my emotions and thoughts catch up.
April 30, 2025
2025-#21
Tales from a 6th grade teacher - of what he learned from his students.
Tales from a 6th grade teacher - of what he learned from his students.
May 18, 2025
If I could give this 6/5 stars I would. As a teacher that has struggled a bit this year, I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear some of the lessons this book shared. By page 7 I was tearing up & I had to stop tears multiple times throughout this quick read. Whether or not you’re in the teaching profession, these quick stories about life in general are beautiful. Thanks to my colleague for letting me borrow it ❤️
July 3, 2024
Any good instructor could relate to Mr. Eicheldinger’s wide realm of student-teacher encounters and dire-to-ideal circumstances, but only a handful could express them all with such perceptive courage and grace. His empathy and humility are laid bare as he painstakingly recalls the burdens and triumphs of a host of individual middle-school students (names changed) throughout the years of his teaching career and examines the unexpected life lessons he has learned from each one. No tidy endings, but lots of hope for even the more hopeless. Because he is such a world-class listener, the wisdom he takes in and imparts is priceless, and he knows when to step away and let the learning and growth of his students take off on their own. Mr. Eicheldinger’s students leave him heartened and inspired to be their best selves, and we thank him (and untold dedicated educators like him) for bringing so much promise to our injured world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews