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The Pirate of Kindergarten
Doubles are good for lots of things—double scoops of ice cream, double features at the movies. But double vision is NOT a good kind of double. In fact, it can make kindergarten kind of hard. Ginny sees double chairs at reading circle and double words in her books. She knows that only half of what she sees is real, but which half? The solution to her problem is wondrously simple: an eye patch! Ginny becomes the pirate of kindergarten.With the help of her pirate patch, Ginny can read, run, and even snip her scissors with double the speed! Vibrant illustrations from Lynne Avril capture the realities of what Ginny sees both before and after.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
14 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
George Ella Lyon
81 books74 followersGeorge Ella Lyon is a Kentucky author who has published in many genres, including picture books, poetry, juvenile novels, and articles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 579 reviews
April 29, 2011
Here is the story of a Kindergartener who loves to read, to draw and cut-out shapes... only, she always sees TWO of them! Thing is, she doesn't realize that most people only see one until a nerve-wracking day when the class gets their vision test. When she realizes she has vision troubles, the little girl can get the help she needs to cure her double-vision--right down to wearing an eye-patch for a week! The illustrations do a good job of helping us "see" as the girl does.
I have to admit that I checked this book out from the library only based on the fun title and cover art and so I was quite surprised when I realized what it was actually about! I think this story's heart is in the right place. I can imagine it would be reassuring for children in a similar experience. However, it is an experience I cannot relate to and the author was unable to make me feel much emotional involvement in the story so I'm not sure it would appeal to audiences who aren't in a "double vision" situation themselves. (For a review by someone who has been a "pirate" of this sort himself, check out: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
Also, a little quibble with the story: I am not sure how true-to-life it is that the girl's classmates would laugh at her for reading lines twice, or drawing with her nose pressed up against a book, but then were completely kind when she arrived to school with an eye-patch. Of course, I would hope they would be kind and understanding when the situation was explained, but it has been my experience that kids who tease will tease about pretty much anything and those who don't, won't.
I am not sure how prevalent "double vision" is, but I think it's a good thing there is a book out there to help children address the issue. I admit I was smiling and very happy for the little girl when she went to school with the eye patch and embraced her new "pirate" look and being able to see properly at last.
I have to admit that I checked this book out from the library only based on the fun title and cover art and so I was quite surprised when I realized what it was actually about! I think this story's heart is in the right place. I can imagine it would be reassuring for children in a similar experience. However, it is an experience I cannot relate to and the author was unable to make me feel much emotional involvement in the story so I'm not sure it would appeal to audiences who aren't in a "double vision" situation themselves. (For a review by someone who has been a "pirate" of this sort himself, check out: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...)
Also, a little quibble with the story: I am not sure how true-to-life it is that the girl's classmates would laugh at her for reading lines twice, or drawing with her nose pressed up against a book, but then were completely kind when she arrived to school with an eye-patch. Of course, I would hope they would be kind and understanding when the situation was explained, but it has been my experience that kids who tease will tease about pretty much anything and those who don't, won't.
I am not sure how prevalent "double vision" is, but I think it's a good thing there is a book out there to help children address the issue. I admit I was smiling and very happy for the little girl when she went to school with the eye patch and embraced her new "pirate" look and being able to see properly at last.
February 19, 2012
This Schneider Family Book Award winner is the story of Ginny, a red-haired kindergardener who loves to read, but who sees everything in duplicate. Her poor vision affects her ability to walk around and read in class, which earns her laughs from her classmates and reprimands from her teacher. When Ginny finally has her vision screened, they dsicover her double vision problem and the optometrist reassures her that it can be fixed with glasses and an eye patch. From that moment on, Ginny the Kindergarden Pirate is born. Thanks to her eye patch, Ginny is happily able to do all of the things that she was not able to do before, and is no longer laughed at or reprimanded.
The premise of this book is good, as it depicts a little girl's vision problems in a way that children can understand. Ginny's struggles and experiences at the optometrist are relatable and could be helpful to share with young children if they have never been to the optometrist before, or have to get glasses for the first time. When I was little, one of my neighborhood friends had to wear an eye patch, so it was quite easy to picture little Ginny.
What bothers me about this book is how her classmates laugh at her when she knocks things over, and her teacher seems oblivious to Ginny's vision problems, despite the fact that she displays many telltale signs: knocking things over, being unable to solve math problems on the board from her seat, and reading print an inch from the page with one eye closed. Ginny only gets her vision tested when the entire class goes down for the testing. Moreover, when the screener tells her that it is normal for people to see just one image at a time, she starts crying because she did not realize this to be true. This moment tugs at the reader's heartstrings because it makes it seem like no one--not even Ginny's family--has ever noticed her poor vision. In the last illustration of the book Ginny is sitting in her chair, reading happily while her classmates and teacher sit around her, smiling. This makes it seem like now that Ginny has been "fixed," everyone is happy. Intented or not, this perceived message is troubling. Although The Pirate of Kindergarten might help increase awareness of vision problems for young children and their families, it could do a better job of pointing out how this situation could be avoided.
This book is best suited for kindergarten or first grade students. The illustrations are bright and colorful and use watercolors effectively to give the double vision view of things that Ginny experiences in the beginning of the story. By seeing what Ginny sees, the reader is better able to empathize with her and her situation.
The premise of this book is good, as it depicts a little girl's vision problems in a way that children can understand. Ginny's struggles and experiences at the optometrist are relatable and could be helpful to share with young children if they have never been to the optometrist before, or have to get glasses for the first time. When I was little, one of my neighborhood friends had to wear an eye patch, so it was quite easy to picture little Ginny.
What bothers me about this book is how her classmates laugh at her when she knocks things over, and her teacher seems oblivious to Ginny's vision problems, despite the fact that she displays many telltale signs: knocking things over, being unable to solve math problems on the board from her seat, and reading print an inch from the page with one eye closed. Ginny only gets her vision tested when the entire class goes down for the testing. Moreover, when the screener tells her that it is normal for people to see just one image at a time, she starts crying because she did not realize this to be true. This moment tugs at the reader's heartstrings because it makes it seem like no one--not even Ginny's family--has ever noticed her poor vision. In the last illustration of the book Ginny is sitting in her chair, reading happily while her classmates and teacher sit around her, smiling. This makes it seem like now that Ginny has been "fixed," everyone is happy. Intented or not, this perceived message is troubling. Although The Pirate of Kindergarten might help increase awareness of vision problems for young children and their families, it could do a better job of pointing out how this situation could be avoided.
This book is best suited for kindergarten or first grade students. The illustrations are bright and colorful and use watercolors effectively to give the double vision view of things that Ginny experiences in the beginning of the story. By seeing what Ginny sees, the reader is better able to empathize with her and her situation.
July 3, 2018
Ginny is in kindergarten and has trouble with her activities due to double vision. Kids laugh at her and the teacher is clueless. One special day, a nurse realizes what the issue is. Ginny gets a patch and eventually glasses and we are all happy.
My 6yo has a speech disorder and, unfortunately, is now a victim of bullying. The little jerks band together and laugh at her. She's also reserved and embarrassed to ask for help and tell what's happening, even to us, let alone the teacher. She just bottles everything in. This book helped us discuss how some kids have certain differences, and how communication is vital for them to get help. We still have a long road ahead of us, and this is a good tool.
My 6yo has a speech disorder and, unfortunately, is now a victim of bullying. The little jerks band together and laugh at her. She's also reserved and embarrassed to ask for help and tell what's happening, even to us, let alone the teacher. She just bottles everything in. This book helped us discuss how some kids have certain differences, and how communication is vital for them to get help. We still have a long road ahead of us, and this is a good tool.
December 9, 2017
The main character doesn't need glasses, but her relief when she got an eye patch is VERY SIMILAR to my getting glasses and suddenly being able to tell when there was a door frame in my way, or where tree branches were. This was great.
Oh man and that "trick in your brain" to make things stay where you want them? Too real.
Oh man and that "trick in your brain" to make things stay where you want them? Too real.
March 10, 2016
Ginny loves reading, but has a hard time not sticking her nose in books or squinting because, unbeknownst to her or her family, she sees double. However, she thinks that everyone sees like this and works hard to tighten “her mind the way you tie a knot in a rope” in order to make it through the everyday kindergarten tasks of reading, cutting, and walking to Reading Circle without knocking chairs over. On Vision Screening Day, the nurse working with her class discovers that she sees double. On a visit to the eye doctor with her mom, the doctor gives her an eye patch to correct her double vision. Ginny becomes the Kindergarten Pirate and she is now able to complete the tasks she previously struggled with.
Students will enjoy the meaningful story in this Schneider Family Book award-winning book. Chalk pastel and prismacolor pencils create bold, vivid illustrations that allow readers to see the world through Ginny’s eyes, which is important for readers who may not relate with the struggles she has with her vision. Students in school will most likely be familiar with vision screenings, and students with vision disorders may be able to relate with the story of Ginny. The story describes the process leading up to her receiving the patch, and does not give much information about life after that receiving and wearing the patch. Because of this, I think this could be a helpful book as part of a wider variety of books with characters with disorders or corrective equipment, though I think this book is important as it discusses a topic that seems to lack quality literature for young children.
Students will enjoy the meaningful story in this Schneider Family Book award-winning book. Chalk pastel and prismacolor pencils create bold, vivid illustrations that allow readers to see the world through Ginny’s eyes, which is important for readers who may not relate with the struggles she has with her vision. Students in school will most likely be familiar with vision screenings, and students with vision disorders may be able to relate with the story of Ginny. The story describes the process leading up to her receiving the patch, and does not give much information about life after that receiving and wearing the patch. Because of this, I think this could be a helpful book as part of a wider variety of books with characters with disorders or corrective equipment, though I think this book is important as it discusses a topic that seems to lack quality literature for young children.
July 26, 2018
I was impressed with how the story conveyed how the double vision works, making it interesting and kind of magical but also a real problem. Knowing that only half of the chairs are real, but not knowing which ones - I felt that. It also did a good job the difficulty a young child could have in explaining it - or even knowing that it needed to be explained.
I was surprised that the eye patch was the conclusion instead of the start, but maybe that's for the best. The difficulties of double vision included some teasing, so it's not like it wasn't addressed at all. It kept the ending really positive, but probably makes this book better for kids learning empathy and understanding for others rather than how to deal with their own difficulties.
I was surprised that the eye patch was the conclusion instead of the start, but maybe that's for the best. The difficulties of double vision included some teasing, so it's not like it wasn't addressed at all. It kept the ending really positive, but probably makes this book better for kids learning empathy and understanding for others rather than how to deal with their own difficulties.
May 26, 2017
“Getting there was hard, though, with all those chairs. She knew only half of them were real, but which ones?”
This line from The Pirate of Kindergarten, written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Lynne Avrili, captures the dilemma in this affecting picture book - a recipient of the ALA Schneider Family Award Book. Specifically, the main character, Ginny, tries to join the reading circle, however getting there presents a challenge as does reading and cutting along dotted lines and playing because Ginny has a visual impairment. Ginny is a lovable character. She does not realize that she sees differently from the other children in her classroom and neither does her teacher. Although Ginny becomes emotionally frustrated at times, her enthusiasm for learning is apparent. In a subtle way, the author depicts authentic emotions that, just like Ginny, a real child might experience. And then, during vision screening at school, a nurse figures out that Ginny has double-vision. This is a touching moment in the story as Ginny starts to cry at the realization that, unlike her, most people only see one of something. The illustrator effectively portrays this touching revelation with a white teardrop surrounded by a halo of light blue to signify the double-vision aspect. Ginny goes to the doctor and receives an eye-patch. She becomes the pirate of kindergarten. Not an embarrassed pirate but rather brave, graceful, and confident. Now Ginny can finally “read and read and read.”
This realistic fiction picture book is a great option for a read-aloud. The book closely approaches the reality of children with this particular disability offering readers the opportunity to see themselves positively reflected in literature while developing empathy for disabled children among others. I would recommend the book for grades K-2 to develop students’ sensitivity and build understanding about peers with disabilities. The book can be compared to other realistic fiction stories with similar themes, such as The Patch by Justina Chen Headley. Moreover, teachers can read informational books about double-vision to provide additional perspectives about the subject.
Agnes
This line from The Pirate of Kindergarten, written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Lynne Avrili, captures the dilemma in this affecting picture book - a recipient of the ALA Schneider Family Award Book. Specifically, the main character, Ginny, tries to join the reading circle, however getting there presents a challenge as does reading and cutting along dotted lines and playing because Ginny has a visual impairment. Ginny is a lovable character. She does not realize that she sees differently from the other children in her classroom and neither does her teacher. Although Ginny becomes emotionally frustrated at times, her enthusiasm for learning is apparent. In a subtle way, the author depicts authentic emotions that, just like Ginny, a real child might experience. And then, during vision screening at school, a nurse figures out that Ginny has double-vision. This is a touching moment in the story as Ginny starts to cry at the realization that, unlike her, most people only see one of something. The illustrator effectively portrays this touching revelation with a white teardrop surrounded by a halo of light blue to signify the double-vision aspect. Ginny goes to the doctor and receives an eye-patch. She becomes the pirate of kindergarten. Not an embarrassed pirate but rather brave, graceful, and confident. Now Ginny can finally “read and read and read.”
This realistic fiction picture book is a great option for a read-aloud. The book closely approaches the reality of children with this particular disability offering readers the opportunity to see themselves positively reflected in literature while developing empathy for disabled children among others. I would recommend the book for grades K-2 to develop students’ sensitivity and build understanding about peers with disabilities. The book can be compared to other realistic fiction stories with similar themes, such as The Patch by Justina Chen Headley. Moreover, teachers can read informational books about double-vision to provide additional perspectives about the subject.
Agnes
May 31, 2017
This book is about a kindergartener named Ginny who sees things differently than most people. She loves many school activities such as reading circle but other activities are difficult for her such as cutting using scissors. When Ginny walks, she bumps into people and things, when she reads, she closes one eye, and when she cuts, she doesn’t always cut on the line. Ginny doesn’t know that she doesn’t see like most people. At a school vision screening, Ginny finds out that she has double vision. With the help and encouragement from the nurse, doctor and mom, she gets glasses and begins to wear an eye patch to help her exercise her eyes. She enjoys wearing the eye patch because it helps her with completing school activities, but, she also likes it because she is now a kindergarten pirate!
This book has many great qualities such as the kid-friendly language, vibrant illustrations, which show the doubles that Ginny sees, and the portrayal of helpful adults. I especially like that the nurse in the book is male, which isn’t the case most of the time.
The story talks about the theme of being different and accepting oneself. Ginny does a great job dealing with the truth. She cries for a while but soon settles own and accepts the help of the adults. This book can be used to help students feel comfortable about the way they are. Ginny is optimistic about her eye patch and sees it as a tool to help her be successful in school. This book can help students feel confident and optimistic about the way they are, too.
This book has many great qualities such as the kid-friendly language, vibrant illustrations, which show the doubles that Ginny sees, and the portrayal of helpful adults. I especially like that the nurse in the book is male, which isn’t the case most of the time.
The story talks about the theme of being different and accepting oneself. Ginny does a great job dealing with the truth. She cries for a while but soon settles own and accepts the help of the adults. This book can be used to help students feel comfortable about the way they are. Ginny is optimistic about her eye patch and sees it as a tool to help her be successful in school. This book can help students feel confident and optimistic about the way they are, too.
August 14, 2018
I love how subversive the title is. The book isn't about pirates at all--just a girl who saw double until her issue was noticed and she was given an eye patch! <3
August 19, 2019
A little girl sees two of everything and has some problems at school until a vision test diagnoses the problem and a visit to the eye doctor turns her into the "Kindergarten Pirate."
January 23, 2020
Ginny is a Kindergartener that sees two of everything. Jenny enjoys circle time, reading and drawing but these are difficult for her to participate in because she sees double. During eye-exam day at school Ginny discovers that not everyone sees the same way she does and that she will need to wear an eye patch until her next appt. for glasses. With the patch she became the Kindergarten pirate where she could participate in all of school activities.
I Would recommend The Pirate of Kindergarten to anyone with young children. This books gives children that are visually impaired the opportunity to see that they're not alone. Also, The story is very intriguing with pictures that tell the story alone.
I Would recommend The Pirate of Kindergarten to anyone with young children. This books gives children that are visually impaired the opportunity to see that they're not alone. Also, The story is very intriguing with pictures that tell the story alone.
December 10, 2021
I thought this book was great- the illustrations were interesting for kids (and for me) and the story would be great for teaching kids that differences in ability and looks are okay and should be embraced/celebrated. I like that she had support from her teacher and family, I felt like it was sad that no one noticed her struggle or connected it to something they might do to help her earlier. I would teach this to students with the message that they can come to me and their parents if they are struggling and not to hide it or suffer in silence.
November 13, 2021
This story tells of a girl who enjoys reading, drawing and cutting things. But she faces the problem of seeing double. Ginny the young kindergartener sees two of everything when trying to do things so she struggles with all the things she lives to do. She tries herself to focus to only see one but overtime she does not realize that she is seeing double again and that is when everything goes wrong. So she decides to use an eyepatch to cover up one of her eyes and this helps her to do all the things she loves.
November 16, 2021
This book is about Ginny and how she lives her life without realizing she has double vision. At the end of the book, with the support of her teacher, doctor, and mother, she is able to learn to cope with her double vision by using an eye patch. Becoming a pirate of Kindergarten.
November 26, 2023
2011, Schneider Family Book Award, fiction, vision, perspectives, etc.
“the pirate of kindergarten” is a book about a young girl who sees double and has to solve this problem by wearing an eyepatch. The book’s visuals illustrate the young girl’s vision before and after her solution in various settings. This book is really interesting visually which is why I think a lot of children will like it. I also think that the story opens up conversations and how people see things differently because of physical and cultural differences.
“the pirate of kindergarten” is a book about a young girl who sees double and has to solve this problem by wearing an eyepatch. The book’s visuals illustrate the young girl’s vision before and after her solution in various settings. This book is really interesting visually which is why I think a lot of children will like it. I also think that the story opens up conversations and how people see things differently because of physical and cultural differences.
November 21, 2021
In this book, a young girl is struggling with double vision. She must endure torment from her classmates before she finally gets the help she needs. This could be a good mirror book for students. Published June 22nd, 2010. Schneider Family Book. Realistic Fiction.
November 14, 2021
This book is all about a little girl that struggles to see. This makes reading, cutting, and drawing a bit tricky! Throughout the story, Ginny gets made fun of by the kids in her class and constantly reminders by her teacher to not squint. After much of the story, Ginny goes to the eye doctor and find out that she needs glasses and an eye patch for a little while and that she will be okay! Ginny gets to experience the joy of being able to see correctly and feel like she fits in! This story is wonderful to read to elementary students because some may see glasses as being weird or not cool, but in the end, all they do is help you see! Our differences don’t make us weird, they just help us be the best version of ourselves as we can be!
November 19, 2021
The Pirate of Kindergarten is a book about being understanding about students with things such as double vision, paying attention, dyslexia, or learning disabilities. I will definitely be reading this in my classroom as a reminder that we do not understand what another student is going through.
October 29, 2010
Ginny could see two of everything. She loved Reading Circle at school, but it was hard to get there because she saw double the number of chairs, so she always ran into some of them. To read her own book, Ginny had to put her nose down close to the pages and even then she saw two of each of the words. She could tighten her brain to remember to read each word only once, but even then she quietly said them a second time to herself. Squinting at the pages helped, but her teacher asked her not to. She had trouble cutting with scissors and ended up with a rabbit with three ears. Everything changed the day that vision screening happened at school. When it was Ginny’s turn to read from the chart, she read each letter twice. The nurse there told her that she had to go to a doctor to see what could be done for her double vision. And that’s how with an eye patch, Ginny became a pirate at Kindergarten.
Lyon’s writing has a natural ease about it combined with a skillful pacing. Readers are shown the way that Ginny sees the world through tangible examples that young children will understand and relate to easily. The amount of text per page is just right for sharing with preschoolers and Kindergarteners. Avril’s illustrations are bright and vibrant. The pages filled with double vision allow readers to see through Ginny’s eyes. The confusion of the jumble of chairs, the struggle with lines and scissors, and the doubling of words when she reads. These are all demonstrated directly on the page.
A cheery view of a child who sees the world differently than most, this book is appropriate for ages 4-6.
Lyon’s writing has a natural ease about it combined with a skillful pacing. Readers are shown the way that Ginny sees the world through tangible examples that young children will understand and relate to easily. The amount of text per page is just right for sharing with preschoolers and Kindergarteners. Avril’s illustrations are bright and vibrant. The pages filled with double vision allow readers to see through Ginny’s eyes. The confusion of the jumble of chairs, the struggle with lines and scissors, and the doubling of words when she reads. These are all demonstrated directly on the page.
A cheery view of a child who sees the world differently than most, this book is appropriate for ages 4-6.
February 2, 2012
Was a bit mixed with this book, although I think it's mostly positive. In this story, Ginny loves her class and loves story hour, but has trouble with several things, such as reading, cut and paste projects and even sitting in her chair. During a routine school eye exam, she is diagnosed with double vision (diplopia). She is taken to an ophthalmologist, who gives her glasses and an eye patch. She finds herself now able to read, play and work with ease alongside her classmates. The illustrations are wonderful, and creatively give a taste of what Ginny sees. My issues are nitpicky. The biggest one is I wish there was a bit more information in the back about the condition. I might be speaking for myself, but when I think eye issues and patches, I think amblyopia (which is what I have in my left eye, to a minor degree). An afterwards clarification would have made this good book stronger. Another issue (and this is very minor), I think most teachers, after a week or two of seeing a student struggle to the extent that Ginny was, would have been on the horn to the parents to encourage them to see an eye doctor. This book would be excellent for a class who has a student going through vision difficulties and who may be wearing a patch, to show why it's being used and that it's not "weird." The book doesn't touch on the teasing a student may get after the eye patch is in place, and I wonder if what she goes through after one eye is patched comes across as a "cure." I would think most students, while they would have an easier time, would still have vision issues (depth perception comes to mind).
March 2, 2015
The author and illustrator did a wonderful job collaborating on how to tell this story both visually and with words. Ginny is in kindergarten and goes about her many daily activities, but with one difference. She sees two of everything due to an issue with her vision. This causes her to have trouble with tasks, but she does not realize that this is not how most people view the world. Eventually, Ginny's troubles are recognized and she wears a patch to help correct her vision. She sees herself as a pirate who can suddenly take on the world!
The illustrations are doubled in this story to help represent what the character sees which is interesting and serve to help the reader connect. The illustrations change when Ginny's vision is corrected. This story takes on an issue that many young children face, wearing an eye patch to correct vision. The plot and character are realistic and I enjoyed that the author did not portray Ginny as sad and defeated wearing the patch, but instead proud and invigorated. This would be a great story to share with children. I would not recommend this in non-print format as the pictures greatly add to the story.
The illustrations are doubled in this story to help represent what the character sees which is interesting and serve to help the reader connect. The illustrations change when Ginny's vision is corrected. This story takes on an issue that many young children face, wearing an eye patch to correct vision. The plot and character are realistic and I enjoyed that the author did not portray Ginny as sad and defeated wearing the patch, but instead proud and invigorated. This would be a great story to share with children. I would not recommend this in non-print format as the pictures greatly add to the story.
February 26, 2011
A very cute story about a kindergartener named Ginny who has double vision. The illustrations in this story are great because they show what Ginny is really seeing, which is everything another student would see except doubled. Ginny knows that something is different and finds things in the classroom setting to be hard, especially finding her way to the reading circle and reading books. Luckily, the vision screening test at school brings to light Ginny's problem and she is able to go to the doctor and get an eye patch, making her "The Pirate of Kindergarten."
My favorite character of the book was Ginny's teacher, who saw that Ginny was struggling (for unknown reasons at the time) and made sure to remain patient with her and explain to other students that everyone learns differently and we should always focus on our own learning and not our classmates.
I would definitely use this as a read-aloud for primary level students. You can use it to start discussions about other sorts of disabilities or even learning styles.
My favorite character of the book was Ginny's teacher, who saw that Ginny was struggling (for unknown reasons at the time) and made sure to remain patient with her and explain to other students that everyone learns differently and we should always focus on our own learning and not our classmates.
I would definitely use this as a read-aloud for primary level students. You can use it to start discussions about other sorts of disabilities or even learning styles.
May 23, 2012
This picture book is a great read for Kindergarten students. In this book, Ginny does not understand why she cannot see like the other students in her class. The pictures that have been illustrated by Lynne Avril will allow readers and students to get a sense of what its like to not see well. Ginny sees double of everything and it is difficult for her to do many things in class. One day this all changes--the Vision Screening Day at school. When she receives an eye patch from the doctor to help her with her sight, she becomes the PIRATE OF KINDERGARTEN. The setting, a classroom, and the plot, dealing with vision impairments, make this a perfect selection for Realistic Fiction in the Kindergarten classroom. I would definitely encourage Kindergarten teachers to read this book to their students so they, too, can experience what it may feel like to be different in the way one sees!
October 30, 2010
Ginny has trouble reading, walking, and cutting things out, but she can't figure out why until she takes a vision test and the doctor discovers that she has double vision. With some corrective surgery and an eye patch, Ginny discovers she can see, read, walk, and cut without messing up a thing! With her trusty eye patch, she becomes the Pirate of Kindergarten. Poor girl had to suffer through a lot of school (without the teachers recognizing a problem?! She's cutting out 3 bunny ears for pete's sake!) before getting help. Aims to help kids feel ok about their differences and accept others who might be different, too. Best for younger kids.
January 17, 2011
Winner of the 2011 Schneider Family Book Award (books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience) for ages 0-10.
This book does a good job of pointing out to children that some things aren't normal; not everyone sees two of everything. It also does a good job of letting children know that having a disability is not necessarily the end of the world and some problems can be easily fixed. On the other hand, it felt very bland to me. It doesn't say anything about what other children thought of her eye patches which is where I think the real story is.
This book does a good job of pointing out to children that some things aren't normal; not everyone sees two of everything. It also does a good job of letting children know that having a disability is not necessarily the end of the world and some problems can be easily fixed. On the other hand, it felt very bland to me. It doesn't say anything about what other children thought of her eye patches which is where I think the real story is.
June 27, 2012
This book won the 2011 Schneider Family Book Award. This book is geared toward younger students (k-2nd). It would be a great book for any student who was battling with a physical impairment. Even something as simple as glasses.
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November 4, 2019Summary:
Ginny is an average kindergartener who loves to read. She especially loves reading circle, where she gets to see Mrs. Cleo read from a large book to the class and sometimes even gets to read her own book! However, lately things have been a bit difficult for her as it’s hard to tell what is real and what is not when there is two of everything! Ginny runs into chairs, and people, and reads words twice when she reads aloud in class! One day, when all the kindergarteners go to get their vision test, Ginny finds out that she is the only one in her class who sees double. However, a quick trip to the eye doctor and a pair of glasses with an eye patch solves all of Ginny’s problems and she quickly becomes the pirate of kindergarten!
Evaluation:
This book illustrated by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Lynn Avril features a simple yet valuable story line through the presentation of the character of Ginny as well as child friendly yet well- drawn illustrations. It also presents the idea to young readers of feeling different or like no one understands, something that they either have or will encounter in their lives, even in school. However, it also presents the truth to children that there is often a solution to these problems and does so in a very creative way, by presenting the idea of wearing an eye patch to improve one’s vision as becoming a pirate, a fantasy that many students this age may have in their imaginations. This story can be described as imaginative, creative, fun, and engaging for young readers whether they read it themselves or are read to. It also encourages and teaches kids to realize that it is okay and sometimes even cool to be a little different!
Teaching Idea:
This book could be used later on in the school year in kindergarten classrooms, when most students have developed their ability to write simple words and sentences, to learn about main characters in a story. The teacher could discuss with students how the main character is the person or animal, etc. that the story is mostly about. The teacher could then talk with students about the feelings of the main character, performing a read aloud to model how to use text as well as illustrations to figure out and describe how a character is feeling throughout the story and how their feelings may change according to the events in the story. The teacher provide students with visuals and simple verbal cues or prompts/questions on an anchor chart to help them remember how to they can figure out and describe a character’s emotions. The teacher may also create an anchor chart and discuss with students the different emotions a character might feel and what they mean/look like (sadness, anger, happiness/joy, fear, etc.). The teacher could then have students think and write one to three sentences (depending on the students’ ability and readiness levels in writing) about a time that they felt upset but then felt better because the problem was solved. The teacher may need to provide sentence starters (I felt ________________________because _______________________, but then ___________________). Students will then get to draw two pictures to go with their writing, on each side of the paper (one where they felt a certain way (perhaps upset) and another where they felt better because their problem was solved). Students could choose to either draw the illustrations completely on their own or use different mood faces that are cut out to portray different emotions and color/decorate these instead.
Ginny is an average kindergartener who loves to read. She especially loves reading circle, where she gets to see Mrs. Cleo read from a large book to the class and sometimes even gets to read her own book! However, lately things have been a bit difficult for her as it’s hard to tell what is real and what is not when there is two of everything! Ginny runs into chairs, and people, and reads words twice when she reads aloud in class! One day, when all the kindergarteners go to get their vision test, Ginny finds out that she is the only one in her class who sees double. However, a quick trip to the eye doctor and a pair of glasses with an eye patch solves all of Ginny’s problems and she quickly becomes the pirate of kindergarten!
Evaluation:
This book illustrated by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Lynn Avril features a simple yet valuable story line through the presentation of the character of Ginny as well as child friendly yet well- drawn illustrations. It also presents the idea to young readers of feeling different or like no one understands, something that they either have or will encounter in their lives, even in school. However, it also presents the truth to children that there is often a solution to these problems and does so in a very creative way, by presenting the idea of wearing an eye patch to improve one’s vision as becoming a pirate, a fantasy that many students this age may have in their imaginations. This story can be described as imaginative, creative, fun, and engaging for young readers whether they read it themselves or are read to. It also encourages and teaches kids to realize that it is okay and sometimes even cool to be a little different!
Teaching Idea:
This book could be used later on in the school year in kindergarten classrooms, when most students have developed their ability to write simple words and sentences, to learn about main characters in a story. The teacher could discuss with students how the main character is the person or animal, etc. that the story is mostly about. The teacher could then talk with students about the feelings of the main character, performing a read aloud to model how to use text as well as illustrations to figure out and describe how a character is feeling throughout the story and how their feelings may change according to the events in the story. The teacher provide students with visuals and simple verbal cues or prompts/questions on an anchor chart to help them remember how to they can figure out and describe a character’s emotions. The teacher may also create an anchor chart and discuss with students the different emotions a character might feel and what they mean/look like (sadness, anger, happiness/joy, fear, etc.). The teacher could then have students think and write one to three sentences (depending on the students’ ability and readiness levels in writing) about a time that they felt upset but then felt better because the problem was solved. The teacher may need to provide sentence starters (I felt ________________________because _______________________, but then ___________________). Students will then get to draw two pictures to go with their writing, on each side of the paper (one where they felt a certain way (perhaps upset) and another where they felt better because their problem was solved). Students could choose to either draw the illustrations completely on their own or use different mood faces that are cut out to portray different emotions and color/decorate these instead.
December 2, 2020
The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon tells the story of a young girl named Ginny who has double vision. The book won a Schneider Family Book Award in 2011. I watched a YouTube video read-aloud of the book, but I would not recommend the video I watched because the reader was very choppy and there was distracting background music playing throughout the entire read-aloud.
Ginny’s double vision causes her lots of problems in school, including bumping into chairs, difficulty reading, and trouble with scissors. Unfortunately, Ginny believes everyone sees like her so she does not understand why she struggles with tasks and everyday activities that her classmates complete with ease. Ginny’s teacher is not helpful at all, as she corrects Ginny’s attempts to accommodate for her double vision and makes problematic blanket statements like, “We ___ like this, not like that.” Finally, Ginny undergoes a vision screening along with her classmates and is diagnosed with double vision. She is upset to learn that she is different from most other kids, but relieved when she receives the help she needs from an eye doctor.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for teachers looking for representative and inclusive books featuring characters with disabilities, especially since it does not hide Ginny’s difference and how it affects her life. I appreciated the fact that the book showed how clueless Ginny’s teacher was and that she caused more harm than good because this is an unfortunate reality for many children with undiagnosed disabilities. This teaches children that society and institutions are structured in ways that make life unnecessarily difficult for individuals with disabilities. Of course, the book also demonstrates the positive aspect of processes like vision screenings and how doctors and professionals can support individuals with disabilities. One little tidbit I also liked was that the book included a male nurse, breaking down gender stereotypes which is so important for children who are inundated with harmful gender norms.
The pictures by Lynn Avril complement the text well. They help readers who do not have double vision understand a little better what it would be like to have double vision, as the pictures are from Ginny’s perspective. The use of color helps draw the reader’s attention to certain aspects of the page as well as establish the mood and tone of the story.
One flaw with the book is the third person narration does not give Ginny much voice, which is common in children’s books that feature protagonists with a disability. It would have been nice to hear a little more from Ginny herself, which is possible even in the third person by sharing her thoughts more. Overall though, this is a well written picture book that would be a great class read-aloud for K-3.
Ginny’s double vision causes her lots of problems in school, including bumping into chairs, difficulty reading, and trouble with scissors. Unfortunately, Ginny believes everyone sees like her so she does not understand why she struggles with tasks and everyday activities that her classmates complete with ease. Ginny’s teacher is not helpful at all, as she corrects Ginny’s attempts to accommodate for her double vision and makes problematic blanket statements like, “We ___ like this, not like that.” Finally, Ginny undergoes a vision screening along with her classmates and is diagnosed with double vision. She is upset to learn that she is different from most other kids, but relieved when she receives the help she needs from an eye doctor.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for teachers looking for representative and inclusive books featuring characters with disabilities, especially since it does not hide Ginny’s difference and how it affects her life. I appreciated the fact that the book showed how clueless Ginny’s teacher was and that she caused more harm than good because this is an unfortunate reality for many children with undiagnosed disabilities. This teaches children that society and institutions are structured in ways that make life unnecessarily difficult for individuals with disabilities. Of course, the book also demonstrates the positive aspect of processes like vision screenings and how doctors and professionals can support individuals with disabilities. One little tidbit I also liked was that the book included a male nurse, breaking down gender stereotypes which is so important for children who are inundated with harmful gender norms.
The pictures by Lynn Avril complement the text well. They help readers who do not have double vision understand a little better what it would be like to have double vision, as the pictures are from Ginny’s perspective. The use of color helps draw the reader’s attention to certain aspects of the page as well as establish the mood and tone of the story.
One flaw with the book is the third person narration does not give Ginny much voice, which is common in children’s books that feature protagonists with a disability. It would have been nice to hear a little more from Ginny herself, which is possible even in the third person by sharing her thoughts more. Overall though, this is a well written picture book that would be a great class read-aloud for K-3.
November 7, 2016
Goodreads #10
Summary: Ginny loved reading and participating in Reading Circle of class. However, she could not clearly see what she was reading because she had double vision. She would put her face into the book and her teacher would tell her not to read with her nose. Ginny would squint and her teacher would tell her not to do that either. She would knock over chairs and cut pictures out incorrectly. One day, during vision screenings, the nurse tested her and told her she needed glasses. Ginny went to the eye doctor and they gave her glasses and a pirate patch. She liked the pirate patch because even if one eye was closed or covered, she could see clearly out of the other eye. She could now read, color, cut things out, and participate in Reading Circle.
Theme: A theme of this book is looking at the bright side of things. In the beginning of the book, Ginny was struggling and was often made fun of for knocking over chairs and cutting out animals weirdly from class. Her teacher tried to be helpful and tell her what she should be doing, but Ginny still couldn't do it. When she finally finds the root of her problem, she takes it as a good thing. She can finally see without double vision and she can be a pirate at the same time. Her weakness became a fun thing for her and she could still see, in the end.
Personal Response: I can relate to this book in the fact that I wear glasses or contacts. When I got tested and found out I needed glasses, I didn't want them at first. But they helped me see, so I had to accept it. Ginny didn't know what was wrong, so when she got help, she was glad it worked. I thought it was cute that she got to be a pirate and turn her vision problem a fun thing.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to teachers to read to their students, especially when the students start doing active things in class, such as moving around, reading, writing, coloring, and cutting. If a child struggles with these tasks, something may be wrong and it is important for the teacher to realize it so the student can get help. It kind of annoyed me how the teacher didn't really help Ginny. If the teacher was nicer and more willing to help, instead of critique Ginny, it would have been nicer to see the support there.
Summary: Ginny loved reading and participating in Reading Circle of class. However, she could not clearly see what she was reading because she had double vision. She would put her face into the book and her teacher would tell her not to read with her nose. Ginny would squint and her teacher would tell her not to do that either. She would knock over chairs and cut pictures out incorrectly. One day, during vision screenings, the nurse tested her and told her she needed glasses. Ginny went to the eye doctor and they gave her glasses and a pirate patch. She liked the pirate patch because even if one eye was closed or covered, she could see clearly out of the other eye. She could now read, color, cut things out, and participate in Reading Circle.
Theme: A theme of this book is looking at the bright side of things. In the beginning of the book, Ginny was struggling and was often made fun of for knocking over chairs and cutting out animals weirdly from class. Her teacher tried to be helpful and tell her what she should be doing, but Ginny still couldn't do it. When she finally finds the root of her problem, she takes it as a good thing. She can finally see without double vision and she can be a pirate at the same time. Her weakness became a fun thing for her and she could still see, in the end.
Personal Response: I can relate to this book in the fact that I wear glasses or contacts. When I got tested and found out I needed glasses, I didn't want them at first. But they helped me see, so I had to accept it. Ginny didn't know what was wrong, so when she got help, she was glad it worked. I thought it was cute that she got to be a pirate and turn her vision problem a fun thing.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to teachers to read to their students, especially when the students start doing active things in class, such as moving around, reading, writing, coloring, and cutting. If a child struggles with these tasks, something may be wrong and it is important for the teacher to realize it so the student can get help. It kind of annoyed me how the teacher didn't really help Ginny. If the teacher was nicer and more willing to help, instead of critique Ginny, it would have been nicer to see the support there.
February 6, 2018
The Pirate of Kindergarten tackles the subject of childhood vison impairment. I feel that the author addressed the subject well by generating reader empathy for Ginny. Ginny is a kindergarten girl who loves to read, but always sees double letters or words when she uses both eyes. If she closes one eye she can see better, but her teacher encourages her not to squint. Ginny does not know this is a problem that the other kids do not endure and thinks it’s natural. She tries her best to use personal strategies to overcome the double vision, but it’s just not enough. It is not until vision screening day at the school that her problem is identified. I did feel that the nurse’s bedside manner was a little bit cold as he further singled her out as different stating “most people only see one”. I think he could have been a little bit more sensitive in the situation and not made her feel so different. I did like that the author chose to portray the nurse as a male, which helps to breaks down gender stereotypes.
The illustrations enhance the reader’s empathy for Ginny’s struggle. Blurred chairs, blurred text in her book, and blurred letters on the eye exam chart help those who do not have vision impairments to literally see the world from Ginny’s point of view. This may be overly critical, but the eyes of the characters are not drawn consistent. In some instances, they are just small black circles and in others they are drawn with more detail. At first, I thought this was intentional to show Ginny’s eyes as different from her peers and teacher, but that theory does not hold up as even Ginny’s eyes are not drawn consistent.
This book would be good for emerging or beginner readers grades K-2. I think, other than the nurse’s bluntness making Ginny cry, it does a good job of generating empathy for students with vision impairments. Perhaps, students who have vision impairments would read this book and be able to self-identify as having an impairment and be able to talk to an adult or parent about their vision difficulties.
The illustrations enhance the reader’s empathy for Ginny’s struggle. Blurred chairs, blurred text in her book, and blurred letters on the eye exam chart help those who do not have vision impairments to literally see the world from Ginny’s point of view. This may be overly critical, but the eyes of the characters are not drawn consistent. In some instances, they are just small black circles and in others they are drawn with more detail. At first, I thought this was intentional to show Ginny’s eyes as different from her peers and teacher, but that theory does not hold up as even Ginny’s eyes are not drawn consistent.
This book would be good for emerging or beginner readers grades K-2. I think, other than the nurse’s bluntness making Ginny cry, it does a good job of generating empathy for students with vision impairments. Perhaps, students who have vision impairments would read this book and be able to self-identify as having an impairment and be able to talk to an adult or parent about their vision difficulties.
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