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Book Reviews

601 Maple Street

by Jeff Gray

"'601 Maple Street' is a one-of-a-kind story. It captures the power behind the student, teacher, family relationship. It reminds educators never to underestimate their influence. A must own for all staff."
Janet Baker
Superintendent
Hamilton City School District

 

"Jeff's books are incredibly motivating and encouraging to teachers everywhere. Regardless of how demanding and stressful teaching becomes, his books make you want to go over and beyond for each one of your students and remind you why you selected the teaching profession. I've seen brand new teachers and veterans refreshed by his words and rededicated to their students. Every teacher and administrator should read Jeff's books in order to realize the differences that educators are truly doing in our students' lives."
Lauren Rayens
5th Grade Teacher
Jacksonville, Fl.

“Jeff Gray is an advocate for kids, a hero for teachers and a great writer to boot! Give this book to your favorite teacher, guidance counselor, or administrator. Better yet, send one to your Senator or Representative!”
Mike Shaughnessy
Professor of Education
Eastern New Mexico University


“Well done! The content is excellent, and the black and white pictures that preceded the written words are excellent...appropriate, complementary…Too often teachers close their classroom doors and want to forget about the external environment -- from where their students come. I think that all educators, teachers and administrators, as well as student teachers, should read this book.”
Ruth Rees, PhD
Professor & Registrar
Faculty of Education, Queen's University



“Jeff's first book, 'If She Only Knew Me', touched the hearts of educators across the country. There is no doubt his second effort will do the same. Written in a 'diary' format, '601 Maple Street' reminds us that when educators teach and get to know students as individuals with differing needs, great things can happen for all children in our schools. This book is filled with 'best-practice' reminders for reaching all students and making a difference in their lives, emotionally and academically!”
Shirley LaFavers
Director of Professional Development
Kentucky Association of School Administrator


“Wow! Jeff, this is a home run! The potential impact of this book on every teacher is incredible. All teachers need to get to know the Charles’ in their room and understand that they can have a tremendous impact in the life of that child. By opening your heart and redefining how you see the Charles’ in you class, you open the potential for kinder, more respectful, and more successful students and classrooms. Thanks for this powerful message!”
Ray Roth
Assistant Principal
Daviess County Kentucky Public Schools

 

 

 

If She Only Knew Me

by Jeff Gray

"Jeff and Heather have discovered the essence of what educators need to know about student relationships. This is a great little book that all teachers need to read."
Dr. Larry Vick
Superintendent
Owensboro Public Schools

 

"This child's story is the story of many "at risk" children. I think this book could reach several audiences, like college students interested in becoming teachers or social workers; entry-level educators; and youth ministers. I think this book would be a great discussion starter for elementary and middle school students.... if we only knew about them, too. Every child has a story."
Eva Glahn Atkinson, M.A.
Director
Counseling Center, Brescia University

 

"If She Only Knew Me is a short picture book with a powerful message for teachers, school social workers, and all those involved in the schools. The pictures and the words portray a young student, "Justin," who faces difficult times in school and he shares his thoughts on each situation. It is a great read for students and would serve as a great starting place for student discussions."
Randy A. Fisher
LCSW Executive Director
School Social Work Association of America

 

"If She Only Knew Me is a rare opportunity to see ourselves as teachers and principals from a child's unique perspective. It is not about making excuses or reducing our expectations of children who come to us from difficult situations. Rather, it is an affirmation of the unique potential that every child brings to our classrooms ... and our hearts."

Dr. Mickey Dunaway
Superintendent
South Gibson School Corporation

"I believe that If She Only Knew Me should be required reading for every teacher and for everyone who wants to be a teacher. Too often we overlook the unique talents and gifts of our students because of our own preconceived ideas. As educators, we are not only teaching children to read, write, and calculate, we are nurturing souls-and that is a responsibility we must not take lightly."
Vicki Writsel
Director, Special Programs
Bowling Green Independent Schools

 

"If She Only Knew Me is a creative way to help teachers and principals rethink their daily interactions with children. As tough as it is, we must keep in mind that each student has their own set of special circumstances. The challenge is knowing our students. The book reaffirms my belief that effective teachers and principals are careful not to jump to conclusions when it comes to analyzing student behavior and actions."
Don Bartalo
Instructional Leadership Consultant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 She Loves Me

 by Jeff Gray

 "This book will bring tears to the eyes of anyone working with kids. What the kids had to say is so true. We all know how far reaching an act of
kindness is... this book written and illustrated by kids will have a lasting impact on all who share it, and will serve to remind us all that kids cannot be fooled. Kids feel it when someone genuinely cares about them. I can see this book used in a variety of settings for staff development, and open the door for conversations about what powerful role models teachers are, or just as a gift to those special teachers we all know."
Jenny G.
Retired Principal

"Once again, Jeff has written a book that speaks to the heart of all educators. He has captured the essence of the importance of building relationships with our students. This is another book I will share with my graduate students as we learn how to reach and teach the at-risk child. After teaching 34 years in an urban district, I look forward to each and every book Jeff Gray writes. Thank you!"
Deb Stuto
Magnet Coordinator
Omaha Public Schools
Adjunct Professor - Doane College

"I've just finished reading 'She Loves Me' and was extremely touched. This book absolutely touches the core of our profession and reminds us about where our priorities need to be. I have always believed that the key to effective teaching is the heart of the teacher. Children are touched by who we are, not what we teach. The relationship between the teacher and their students comes first, learning can not occur without that relationship in place. She Loves Me absolutely speaks to the key to our profession, and the illustrations are magnificent and bring the words to life."
Honey Berg
Assistant Superintendent Education Services
Berryessa Union School District

"Brilliant! Jeff shows the importance of making meaningful connections with children in and out of the classroom. The simple messages in this book demonstrate the power of our relationships in helping children to have school success."
Peggy Simonis and Kay Zastrow
Certified Conscious Discipline® Instructors
www.teachinglovingdiscipline.com

"Wow! Honestly, I didn’t want it to end. Jeff is able to use students’ own words to capture the essence of teachers who follow their calling to serve those who often don’t have a voice. This book recognizes the special relationships that exist in schools and classrooms where students’ needs are the priority. As an administrator this is what I strive to find when inviting new teachers to join our staff. Thank you for the purity and sincerity with which you conveyed the children’s messages to all of us.
Can’t wait for this book to be published. I will order ASAP."
Lisa B. Sundquist
Principal
Edgewood Elementary School

"I love this book!!! Congratulations to Jeff! This really grabbed me in the same way 'If She Only Knew Me' did. Bravo! She Loves Me is a compelling read for all teachers, parents, administrators, and students working in a community school. The words of the children capture the profound impact that a caring relationship with a teacher can have in their lives. The characterization of the teacher resonates with the kind of disposition we look for in teachers who will be successful in our high need, urban schools! 'She Loves Me' grabbed me in the same way that inspires me to keep reading 'If She Only Knew Me' again and again."
Amy Rome
Principal, National Teachers Academy
Chicago Public Schools

"In 'She Loves Me', Jeff Gray offers teachers encouragement for the great and small actions they take. Jeff Gray is ingenious in that each of his works, without fail, reconnects teachers with their passion for teaching, learning and children! Whether or not they pick up his books with such intentions, he captivates their hearts, reconnects them to their passion and encourages them to soldier-on in making a positive impact on the intellectual products of following generations."
Angela Webster Smith, Ph.D.
Department of Leadership Studies
University of Central Arkansas

"This amazingly insightful book affirms teachers who 'go the extra mile' for their kids. It DOES make a difference...and inspires other teachers by sharing, in a delightful way, what REALLY makes a difference for the kids we try to touch! Incredible illustrations!"
Carol Wright
Classroom Teacher, 34 years
Adjunct Professor, UCLA/CSUDH