Readings
The First Thirty (geared toward students between 5th grade & college reading level) tells the story of a curious young person's big dreams to make a difference & the grandparent who mentors him along the way. It was NSDLC Multicultural Relations Book of the Year. The Silhouette Man (the expanded edition of the book for adults) was honored in Canada as a book that celebrates the wisdom of seniors. The two books have been used in all kinds of ways around the USA & other countries. The next book in the series will be The Milkshake Man -- the picture book edition of the story. It is 39 pages -- geared toward readers between Kindergarten and 4th grade reading levels (and the kid at heart in everyone). It highlights themes like inclusion, kindness, gratitude, intergenerational mentoring, work ethic & perseverance. SCROLL DOWN FOR NEXT PARAGRAPH
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Greg has accepted invitations to do 'sneak peek' readings of the story for kids between Kindergarten & 4th grade - including camps, nonprofits, libraries & elementary schools -- as well as for Adult Learners at a 1st-4th grade English reading level & 'Kid at Heart' Events for Senior Citizens -- in places like Iowa, Texas, Illinois, New York, Indiana, Washington, Oklahoma, Kansas, Maryland, Wisconsin, Massachusetts & Ohio - Some of the readings have been done with printed pages from the draft of the book. Others (when the location has the technology/equipment) have been done on slides on projection screens. SCROLL DOWN
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Following Readings, Greg has done Q&A's with the audience. In some cases, after Readings, attendees have done art/service related activities based on the story. In some cases, given the story's theme, organizers have arranged for the audience to have milkshakes. SCROLL DOWN
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See below for a sample of feedback from Readings around the country (Note: The feedback quotes & photos next to those quotes may be from different readings). See below that for an extended photo gallery from Readings around the country.
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Mr. Peschel, CEO, Kerr County YMCA (TX): "The Milkshake Man shows kids wondering how to bring a community together that they need only look outside their window to find a place to start... and to find a world ready for kindness... a celebration of mentoring... a powerful reminder that all of us have a responsibility to be more than a bystander in our community."
Ms. Fish, Executive Director, Sandbox Children's Museum (and former Head of School, Walnut Park Montessori School, MA): "Engaging and inspiring.... an inspiring example of a child's ability to imagine a better world and then bring that idea to life... The lesson of kindness was right in line with our core values... Our children could relate to the main character & demonstrated through follow-up work in the classroom all the ways they could make a positive difference in others' lives. It was wonderful to see them express their hopes for changing the world in a positive way." |
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Ms. Schaefer, Assistant Librarian, Monroe Public Library (Iowa): "The Milkshake Man is an important lesson for children that one small act of kindness can change lives, and a reminder to adults that it's never too late to start making a difference in your community..."
Ms. Guerrero, 2nd Grade Teacher, Washington Elementary School (IL): "...such an inspiring and wonderful story. My students expressed that it showed how effort & perseverance should be an important part of everyone's life....." Ms. Ward, Principal, Fredericksburg Elementary School (Texas): "My students, teachers & I had the privilege of listening to Greg read The Milkshake Man today. The story line was perfect for a group of 2nd graders as evidenced by watching the expression on their faces and the occasional outburst of laughter. The relationship between the two main characters led me to a happy place in my heart as I related to the characters' connection. A child's story worthy of accolades." |
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Lt. Polusca, The Salvation Army: "[Our summer camp campers and staff and I] were touched by a memorable and inspiring story that seized our attention and reminded us what true community is all about."
Ms. Davis, Principal, Elementary/Middle School, Learning Prep School (MA): "Greg's reading of The Milkshake Man for our elementary school students] was so engaging that even our most active ones were captivated by all of it. I had one student comment on how much she loved the drawings. The story line of the book itself was perfect for our students & I was impressed at how many lessons the students learned from it. They were fully engaged & answered all of Greg's questions [after the reading] thoughtfully!... a great experience for our students."
Ms. Davis, Principal, Elementary/Middle School, Learning Prep School (MA): "Greg's reading of The Milkshake Man for our elementary school students] was so engaging that even our most active ones were captivated by all of it. I had one student comment on how much she loved the drawings. The story line of the book itself was perfect for our students & I was impressed at how many lessons the students learned from it. They were fully engaged & answered all of Greg's questions [after the reading] thoughtfully!... a great experience for our students."
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Ms. Belogorsky, Community Engagement Librarian, Skokie Public Library: "Greg read The Milkshake Man with our afternoon ESL program... [The] students were from 9 countries... After he finished reading, [Greg & our students] had an almost hour long conversation. It was interesting to see how major themes like the definitions of “home” & “community”. really touched our students. Greg adapted [his approach since he was reading the picture book to our adult learners - some of whom are very educated in their native countries - instead of reading to children]. He was very interested in their ideas & patiently explained the dynamics of [his work, during his answers to their questions during the follow-up conversation]... A real gift to our ESL Conversation class."
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Ms. Yesnowitz, PTA Cultural Activities Chair, Beverly Farms Elementary School (MD): "I am so pleased with the way the readings & classroom activities went. The students really loved Greg & I think they got the message of doing something for your community, I find it fascinating he was able to make a picture book from all the information in The First Thirty. I think he did a great job at that & I think The Milkshake Man will be a big success with kids. Our students obviously loved it..."
Eric Wooding, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Brentwood at LaPorte (IN): "The Milkshake Man underscores the importance of the roles of mentors and mentees in society -- yesterday, today and always. This book proves that children's stories are not just for children. They are for the child in us all who still longs to change the world for the better." |
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Jane H, after a Reading for an intergenerational audience in Iowa: "The Milkshake Man's message is strong & positive, supporting values of inclusivity, hard work, generosity & perseverance. We watched the main character access the wisdom of trusted loved ones, use creative tools to build community & opportunity, and work actively to make the world a better place. The clarity of the illustrations support the text beautifully. These messages & images communicate timeless values we can all continue to aspire to. The age range in the room today stretched from a 1st & 5th grader -to - people in the upper 90’s. I feel like we all took something away from the process...Thanks to Greg... for such an interesting conversation [with the audience after the Reading]..."
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To read additional reviews on The Milkshake Man (and The First Thirty, The Silhouette Man & A Place To Sit), click here
To ask about Greg doing a reading of The Milkshake Man for your group, camp or school, click here * To be notified when The Milkshake Man is available for purchase, send an email here * For more on the current books (The First Thirty and The Silhouette Man), click here |
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