What is Given from the Heart Patricia C. Mc Kissack April Harrison

 

    Title: ''What is Given from the Heart'' by  Patricia C. Mc Kissack April Harrison

    Genre: Fiction, Juvenile, Picture books, Historical

    Topics: Christmas; Holidays; Poverty; Multiculturalism

    Award: Coretta Scott King

    Ages: 5-10 Years Old

Summary:

"What is Given from the Heart," is one of those heartwarming stories that teaches a moral lesson or universal truth to anyone of any age. It is one of those stories that would appeal children and adults too. This story also, has a little bit of religiousness because James Ottis and his mother goes to church and they demonstrate in how they put their faith in God. Nevertheless, this story is about James Ottis family, who were already a poor family, but they became poorer, after James' father passed away. James' mom was so sad and devastated, after her husband passed away. However, James mom was so grateful with God and taught James how to be grateful to God too in despite of their tragedy. Mama was grateful for health and strength. Then, on a February, two weeks before Valentines Day, on a Sunday morning, Reverend Dennis made an announcement during services. He announced that Irene Temple and her little girl have lost everything in a fire. Reverend Dennis asked the congregation to bring any donation to the Temple family, and he reminded them that what is given from the heart reaches the heart. After service, James Ottis was willing to help Irene's family out. So, James mother sewed a white apron with so much joy, and James Ottis drew pictures and made a collage out of them. James, then met Irene and gave it to her. Irene and her family were so grateful with the congregation's gift. On the way home, James Ottis and his mother found a love box that was delivered to them, and their hearts were rejoiced. 

Evaluation of the Book:

1) I would recommend this book for my class because it teaches a valuable lesson to anyone. I learned, what it is given from the heart touches the other person in need's heart, and when this happens blessings comes in return. I really enjoyed in how James Ottis family was already poor, but that did not stop them from giving their best present to the Temple family. In despite of their tragedy, the Ottis family did not only feel grateful to God, but they proved it to another family in need. I really enjoyed reading this book because it was a short story too, and the illustration was great. The illustrations gave me a sense of what the characters were feeling. I really enjoyed reading this story to my younger sibling.

2) The appropriate grade level would be Kindergarten to Fifth grade because it is one of those heartwarming stories that children from all ages would enjoy.

3) I would include this book in a Unit of Social Studies and History.