Quiet Rink always sits at the back of the classroom, away from the other children who have heard strange rumors about his family and prefer to keep their distance. But when a kind new girl joins his class, Rink's life begins to change. Inspired by the experiences of her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, Jen Wojtowicz's heartwarming tale encourages children to empathize with and reach out to others.
More Details
Product Dimensions:8.5 x 10.75 inches
Page Count:32 pages
Age Range:Ages 4-9 years
Awards & Accolades
Book of the Year Finalist, ForeWord Magazine, 2005
Featured in O Magazine, 2015
"The Boy Who Grew Flowers [demonstrates] the positive impact of creating high-quality storytelling to nourish young minds" — Mara McEwin, Artistic Director, Treehouse Shakers
"Children who struggle to fit in at school will find a hero in the star of this debut children's book...it will remind [young readers] of the power of kindness" — Publishers Weekly
"This is a wonderful story that teaches about accepting differences - and even celebrating them" — Library Media Connection
"A charming story of first love and personal achievement" — New York Botanical Garden
"A friendship between a quiet boy – shunned by schoolmates on account of his family, which includes rattlesnake tamers and shape-shifters – and a girl, which celebrates difference and kindness" — The Guardian
About the Contributors
Written by - Jen Wojtowicz
Jen Wojtowicz is an artist who also happens to write. She currently teaches artists who also happen to have disabilities. She says, "I have observed that when people are kind and accepting toward each other, it alleviates a lot of needless suffering." Jen lives in upstate New York with her son Marcel and their seven-year-old shih tzu, Michie.
Illustrated by - Steve Adams
Steve Adams is an award-winning illustrator. After finishing his studies of graphic design in 1994, he traveled to Europe for an advanced training course in design. Upon his return, Steve began collaborating with various publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and American Lawyer. Since 1999 Steve has shared his passion of illustration and graphic design by teaching at a college in Montreal, Canada, where he lives.
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
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Possibly my most favorite Barefoot Book
Rating
100%
When I first read "The Boy Who Grew Flowers" I could not imagine how a writer could so perfectly capture the experience of being different. I have been working with the disability community for 30 years - so my other thought was how did she get it so "right" with regard to having a disability. As I learned more about the author I understood. She has lived this experience with a family member and her students. This book stands alone in what it accomplishes. It is truly a masterpiece for showing that a "disability" is not a "less than" - rather it's what makes a person who they are and informs how they are able to contribute to other people in the world around them. While a parent or teacher may not be looking for this deep, disability connection that I felt - there is no doubt that the book gives kids lots to consider when it comes to understanding differences in themselves and others.
BySarah from Beehive Books and Art,
Posted on
Timely, timeless, and enlightening.
Rating
100%
Diversity can take many different forms, but in this book, it takes a magical turn. Dreamlike, colorful illustrations add to the fairy tale feel of this book. The characters learn to embrace differences – whether their own or others. Empathy, inclusiveness, and kindness resonate throughout this heartwarming story.
Rink and his family live outside the community on Lonesome Mountain and are known for their “…strange and exotic talents.” Rink’s uncle tames rattlesnakes, his cousins are shapeshifters, and Rink grows flowers all over his body. His schoolmates shun Rink until Angelina, a new girl, befriends him. Their friendship blossoms as they find they have much in common.
Rink discovers that Angelina comes from a family of dancers. However, she cannot dance because one of her legs is inches shorter than the other. Rink returns Angelina’s kindness by making shoes that even out her legs allowing her to dance with him and her family.
An excellent book for children who feel they don’t fit in with their peers. And for those children who don’t think they can achieve their dreams. Timely, timeless, and enlightening.
ByEve,
Posted on
Magical diversity
Rating
100%
Diversity can take many different forms, but in this book, it takes a magical turn. Dreamlike, colorful illustrations add to the fairy tale feel of this book. The characters learn to embrace differences – whether their own or others. Empathy, inclusiveness, and kindness resonate throughout this heartwarming story.
Rink and his family live outside the community on Lonesome Mountain and are known for their “…strange and exotic talents.” Rink’s uncle tames rattlesnakes, his cousins are shapeshifters, and Rink grows flowers all over his body. His schoolmates shun Rink until Angelina, a new girl, befriends him. Their friendship blooms as they find they have much in common.
Rink discovers that Angelina comes from a family of dancers. However, she cannot dance because one of her legs is inches shorter than the other. Rink returns Angelina’s kindness by making shoes that even out her legs allowing her to dance with him and her family.
An excellent book for children who feel they don’t fit in with their peers. And for those children who don’t think they can achieve their dreams. Timely, timeless, and enlightening.
