Minimal text and stunning photographs from around the world describe the remarkable, and often dangerous, journeys children make every day on their way to and from school. No simple school bus picks them up each day, but rather children travel through disaster zones, cross rapids, climb mountains, and maneuver on ziplines daily to get to the classroom. Some of them even carry their desks!

In this beautiful picture book for young readers, every image and spread speaks to the desire for an education and the physical commitment the children make each day as they journey to school.

 

Rosemary McCarney est la présidente et la directrice générale de Plan Canada, l'une des organisations internationales de développement les plus importantes au Canada. Après avoir travaillé pour la Banque mondiale, l'Agence canadienne de développement international, l'ONU et Street Kids International, Rosemary a entamé son rôle à Plan Canada où elle a mené les campagnes pour la Journée internationale de la fille et Parce que je suis une fille. Elle habite à Toronto avec sa famille.

 

Rosemary McCarney is president and CEO of Toronto-based Plan Canada, one of the largest international development agencies in Canada. After working with organizations like the World Bank, Canadian International Development Agency, the UN, and Street Kids International, she moved to Plan Canada, where she led the initiative for the International Day of the Girl and spearheads the Because I am a Girl campaign. Rosemary lives in Toronto with her family.

 

Rosemary McCarney's profile page

Founded in 1937, Plan is one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, Plan has only one agenda: to improve the lives of children. Because I am a Girl is Plan’s global initiative to end gender inequality, promote girls’ rights and lift millions of girls – and everyone around them – out of poverty.

Plan International's profile page

• Commended, Shelf Awareness 2015 Best Books of the Year
• Commended, Ontario Library Association's Best Bets - Junior Nonfiction

[The Way To School]’s captivating photography of the difficulty of these journeys could inspire students to appreciate and value their own education.

ETFO Voice

Striking color photographs illustrate this vivid reminder that everyday life challenges some young people much more than others, and that schooling is so valuable that it makes even the most difficult journeys worthwhile! Highly recommended, especially for public and early grade school library picturebook collections.

The Midwest Book Review

In this series of characterful, evocative photographs from around the world, McCarney illustrates the lengths and effort some kids put into their daily journeys. And the adventure and peril just makes clear what’s at the heart of their journeys — the determination and value they have for their own education. Inspiration, solidarity, even a little envy — a picture book to inspire all three.

Toronto Star

Although this book is accessible to young readers, it would also make a wonderful read aloud for a primary class at the beginning of the school year.

Canadian Teacher Magazine

This book could be used in association with many topics including diversity, cultural studies, transportation, landforms and the effects of natural disasters. The main message of the book is that it is a great privilege to be able to attend school.

Professionally Speaking

This is a magnificent book for teachers to use in the classroom at the start of a new school year... this book belongs in every school library.

Children's Book Heal

For a children’s story with few words, it’s one of the most powerful books I have read in a while.

Inside Toronto

Not only does this beautiful book deserve a place in every school library, but I’d recommend it for every home library as well — and encourage parents to share it with their school-age offspring.

Montreal Gazette

Buoyant and beautiful, The Way to School is a deeply powerful illustration of the importance of education and the universal drive to learn.

Shelf Awareness

While the United States is no stranger to Mother Nature’s fury, The Way to School sheds light on the obstacle course paths some students tackle when they leave home.... The one thing the students in this book all have in common is that they're happy to be at school, once they arrive.

The Charlotte Observer

Spare text and beautiful images powerfully and accessibly demonstrate how environmental hazards, rough terrains, and poverty impede children from reaching their destination....An excellent starting point to discuss diversity and culture in the primary grades.

School Library Journal

The Way to School may spark curiosity and discussion in young learners who may have never considered what the idea of valuing one's education looks like on the other side of the globe.

Kutztown University Book Review

[The Way to School] is both a fascinating look at school around the world and a very subtle message to readers to appreciate what they have.

Kirkus Reviews

[The Way to School] is able to show that different communities have very distinct experiences when going to school and a number of them not too pleasant... Despite all these differences the book shows how much children love being in school. This is a book recommended for public libraries and children's rooms everywhere.

The Deakin Review of Children's Literature

Though its message is subtle, The Way to School celebrates schools and the importance of education and is well worthy of purchase. Highly Recommended.

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

With its gorgeous full-sized color photographs and sparse text, this eye-opening story can be very appealing to young readers, and very appropriate, too. Any child studying in a developed country will count his or her blessings after seeing how some young children must travel to school.

Catholic Library World

The Way to School

This book features vivid photographs of children determined to get to school no matter the obstacle, combatting natural disasters and crossing rivers and mountain passes on their way. The Way to School is a strong example of perseverance and determination and a book that highlights the significance of education for all children.