When second grader Brian announces
to his friend Rachel that he's a reluctant reader, Rachel doesn't
think she's ever heard him so happy. Brian is anxious to be tutored
by Rachel's well-known and kindly uncle Benson. But little do they
know that even though Brian is behind in school, he can still perceive
things that the rest of them can't.
Trouble comes to town when
old Mrs. Krnc begins feeding the pigeons again. The town is up in
arms and refuses to let Mrs. Krnc pollute their lovely neighborhood
with the filthy birds. Rachel and Brian feel that something is going
wrong when the neighbors have a meeting, without Mrs. Krnc present,
to figure out what should be done. Under the guidance of Uncle Benson,
they try to figure out their own plan to keep the peace.
In the end, it takes the children to
get the adults to be fair and see things from a perspective other
than their own. However, everyone has a lesson to learn from the
oldest characters to the youngest.
This is a simple story of acceptance
and teamwork. Since Brian himself is a reluctant reader, this story
may appeal to other reluctant readers. The language is easy, and
the story is simple without being boring. I would recommend this
as a nice story for young elementary school children who are looking
for a pleasant read this summer.