Reviews from

A Fairy Tale Beginning

This is a true story of how a child changed me.

26 total reviews 
Comment from Melissa Russell Deur
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Congratulations, Mary, for winning the True Story contest! This is a sweet story with the unexpected ending that it wasn't the boy who changed (yet), but you! What a victory that you could lose your impatience with Jeffrey and see him in a completely different light--just letting him be the self he was that year. I get upset knowing that teachers spend their own money on their students, but this "investment" you made in the two books was a gift for you (more than for the class) and a gift for Jeffrey. This story reminded me of another story you wrote about mentoring a boy during the summer (when your original "plans" didn't work out, but you two became friends). I'm glad that you are planning to create a collection of these school stories!

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 23-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much, Melissa. I truly value your opinion. The other story was ?Lazarus.? How nice of you to remember it.
reply by Melissa Russell Deur on 23-Aug-2020
    Yes. Lazurus!
reply by Melissa Russell Deur on 23-Aug-2020
    Sorry. Lazarus
reply by the author on 23-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 23-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 23-Aug-2020
    Lazarus wouldn?t care. He wasn?t big into spelling.
Comment from gramalot8
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a sweet story. I have been an aide in the school system and loved it. There is always that one child... for better or for worse... that we remember from each year. Thank you for sharing this with us and congrats on winning the contest.

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 23-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much for the lovely review. I think school aides and other para-professionals bring a different point of view to the table. Thanks for sharing yours.
Comment from rosehill (Wendy)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I have just read your more than 'L'ovely, prize winner. I have no clue as to why you were worried about my little submission. Yours is sublime. It carried me, and my heart, from start to finish. I think I'm going to have to pick up a copy of your book when it's finished. I have two quarters already saved. - Wendy

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 23-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much, Wendy, both for your kind review and for the lovely six stars. I?m beyond excited. As for your ?little submission,? I think it?s adorable.. Mary
Comment from Contests

Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A contest winning entry! A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for posting the winning contest entry.

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 23-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much for this honor.
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Lovely! Touching tale, skillfully told--this may well be a winner! As an alliteration addict, I particularly liked your list of "L" words! This is a welcome uplift with which to end my "night" at 2 AM. Cheers. LIZ

Congrats on your prize--not surprised!

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 21-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much, Liz. I?ll add you to my list of L words = the lovely ones.
Comment from RShipp
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a great read. The things we remember about our students....

Best of luck in the True Story Contest. And good luck in completing your Tale's Out of School project!

 Comment Written 20-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 20-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much. I appreciate your good wishes,
Comment from Ricky1024
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Just had a magical ring to it.
Boy that does nothing?
Tis really just a hiding Jack waiting to climb to beanstalk?
...
I think the beanstalk would be more the brass ring and that would mean we have to learn to set it high and try to achieve our dreams.
Your little Jeffrey knew that and that's exactly what he was doing for you!
Well written and thanks a lot.
And, good luck in the contest.
Doctor Ricky 1024â?´

 Comment Written 19-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 19-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much for your kind review and for the lovely stars as well. What a wonderful way to end my day!
reply by Ricky1024 on 20-Aug-2020
    I've enjoyed several of your pie Rachel started the fireces Mary I hope you enjoy mine,?
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2020
reply by Ricky1024 on 20-Aug-2020
    Just posted.
    "Broken Heart Day"
    Re icky
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Great story of a changed relationship between a boy in school, and his teacher -- that teacher being you! As pivotal as the book-sale episode was, it's clear that the change occurred more in you, than it did in Jeffrey. You began to see something in that youngster that you didn't see before; something indefinable and immeasurable -- and it was also something that grew in your heart: hope.

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much for your lovely, thoughtful review.
reply by Mary Kay Bonfante on 18-Aug-2020
    You're very welcome, Mary. Blessings to you!
reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What an awesome story for the contest, Mary. I loved reading every word. You describe everything in such detail that I could see it as I read. It takes a special person to be a teacher and handle all the 'things' thrown at him/her. You did an exceptional job with what was thrown at you. I believe Jeffrey will always remember you and that book.
Thanks for sharing and best wishes.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much, Jan. I appreciate your kind, thoughtful review.
Comment from Vanna1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A heart warming story. It is nice that you think about your students and consider their wants and needs. I think all teachers should be like this. Great entry. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 18-Aug-2020


reply by the author on 18-Aug-2020
    Thank you so much for your kind review.