If you’ve ever wondered whether you make a difference in this world, read the book “Take Me With You,” by Catherine Ryan Hyde.
The story is about a middle-aged teacher who traditionally spends his summers enjoying various national parks in his camper.
This summer, however, he accepts the responsibility of taking along two boys whom he’s met only days in advance.
The experience changed the lives of all those involved.
“Take Me With You” is this year’s community read selected by the Iola Reads Committee.
For most of February the committee will be encouraging one and all to read the book, capped by a community conversation on March 1.
Because the protagonist, August Schroeder, is a burned-out science teacher, the story resonates with teachers, especially, but also any adult who’s weighed down by their jobs and other stressors.
And the story’s two brothers, Seth and Henry, prove that though they are accustomed to being thrust into situations way beyond their ken, they come to realize there is hope in humanity.
“It’s inspirational,” said Deb Greenwall, a retired teacher and member of the Iola Reads Committee.
From a teacher’s perspective, “many will see themselves some place along August’s journey. Maybe they’ve got to the point where they wonder if they can keep teaching because of all the demands. But they’ll also see from August the influence they have on children.
“He changed the direction of those boys’ lives. He was always a teacher, even outside of the classroom.
That passion, that loving, is what makes a difference.”
Greenwall’s teaching career spanned 30 years, most recently as a librarian at Jefferson Elementary. She retired in 2017.
Earning the trust of students takes time, she said.
“That was a highlight of the book for me, seeing how the trust between the boys and August developed. Every step was a treasure and a building block.”
“At first August was counting the days until he could return the boys, and the plot twists not once, but twice.”
