The Third Cup of Tea means we are family

Penguin's new Three Cups of Tea Young Readers Edition is an inspiring non-fictional read to share with your upper grade elementary student.  Edited down from the adult title of Three Cups of Tea, this version focuses on the obstacles Greg Mortenson overcomes in order to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  I held a reading group for a small collection of 4th grade kids who read the book for an article on which I was working.  Every child commented that they enjoyed the book just as much as any fictional title.  It is a fabulous book for a book club for kids aged 9 - 12 because it opens their eyes to such a different way of life than their own.  The contrast between the American school system (even the worst of it) and the rural areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan provide our fortunate little rugrats with a nice dose of gratitude.  It also empowers students to see what a difference one person with an incredible amount of dedication can make in this world.  My own 4th grader commented that it made her want to go see that part of the world.  It also made her want to become involved in raising funds to contribute to Mr. Mortenson's Pennies for Peace program.