Stargone John

by Ellen Kindt McKenzie

Six-year-old John, emotionally withdrawn and resistant to traditional teaching methods, experiences ridicule and punishment at his one-room schoolhouse, until an old retired teacher reaches out from her blindness to share with him the world of reading and writing.Withdrawn and resistant to traditional teaching methods, a six-year-old boy experiences ridicule and punishment, until a retired teacher reaches out from her blindness to share with him the world of reading and writing

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 1990

About the author

Ms. McKenzie is a retired writer who wrote part time between the 60's and 90's, her writing subscribes to her philosophy that writing for children should not be dumbed down or held to a low standard, but rather held to the same level of respectability as adult literature. She is also a concert pianist and loves mythology and history.

Reviews

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, ugly cover.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars -- I like this story; it has a good message. But it feels incomplete to me. I had to assume the setting, assume the five siblings of Liza & John, assume what the Meesong is, assume what the author means by 'stargone' or wool gathering, you get the idea. And I also had to stomach the teacher's methods. John should have written 'MISS VORDIG IS BAD'. I also did not agree with the family's response to John, but I do acknowledge the time period (late 1800s to early 1900s) and people's general perspectives then. I did enjoy the character of Miss Mants, John's unexpected actions, and the end of the story, which is warm and practical. :)

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do teachers do when a child thinks differently? They can be like Miss Vordig and belittle, punish and shame. Or they can be like Miss Mants and celebrate their difference.

Being star gone is a fine way to be - it is good.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique story. I loved it!

[Gracia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked when John started school because his sister was nice to him. Its my goal to be a better big sister.

[Becky Straub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to my 7 & 9 year olds. Really sweet story. They both very much enjoyed it.