The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech
Target audience: Grades 3 -7
Summary from Amazon.com:
When a young couple finds a boy asleep on their porch, their lives take a surprising turn. Unable to speak, the boy Jacob can't explain his history. All John and Marta know is that they have been chosen to care for him.
And, as their connection and friendship with Jacob grow, they embrace his exuberant spirit and talents. The three of them blossom into an unlikely family and begin to see the world in brand-new ways.
Review:
This is a beautiful, heart warming tale that will appeal to both children and adults. Martha and John find a small boy sleeping on their porch at their farm one morning with a poorly written note in his pocket saying simply, "Please take care of Jacob, he's a good boy. We'll be back for him when we can." Their choices from that moment changes both the boys life and their own forever. I couldn't put this book down! With so many books out now dealing with the dysfunctional part of human nature, this book shows us that compassion and acceptance is the best antidote. "The Boy on the Porch" restores my faith in human nature.
