Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 67
 Wonderful story with a strong realistic character November 10, 2009
WeeBeaks (California)
My son (age 7) and I read this book together, my reading it aloud to him and then he chose to read it again himself. As I was reading, this was one of those where he always asked for another chapter, more. The book features, Jimmy, a typical preteen boy, who is blinded by an accident involving a peer. The rest of the book describes his journey through approximately the next year, as he struggles to deal with both the realities of being blind and the emotions surrounding it. So many children's books do not do adequate character development, and even kids can pick up on that. This character is very real, with realistic emotions, weaknesses, strengths and fears. The other characters, particularly his peers, are also fairly developed. Jimmy in the story receives a guide dog, which I understand would not actually occur in someone his age (that young is not allowed a trained guide dog). However, the story makes the event seem plausible and realistic. Topics explored included blindness, Braille language, guide dogs, how peers may treat a blind student and, a very big one, forgiveness and hatred, and what those feelings can do to a person if not adequately dealt with. These are big topics for little readers, but the book does an admirable job with them. The book is also a great discussion starter for going further in depth with any of those topics and more. We highly recommend it.
a life renewed :living the vision in Follow my leader by James Garfield August 4, 2009
P. Pasda (usa)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I first read Follow My Leader when I was very young. now in my late forties with cancer and the side effects from treatment for it, I reached out to that vision: The German Shepherd called Leader created by James Garfield and I am able to have my own german shepherd service dog so that I can have an independent life. Thank you Mr Garfield and Leader and Jimmy.
Follow My Leader January 26, 2009
Michael Pederson
My 6th grade teach read this book aloud to us and it has always stuck with me. I clearly remember the story, but for years could not remember the title of the book and figured it was no longer in circulation. Then my daughter, who is now in 6th grade, was assigned the book to read. It's a great story with great lessons. I highly recommend it.
Impactful, 44 years later October 15, 2008
Connie Priebe (Coon Rapids, MN United States)
As other reviewers have said, this story has stayed with me my whole life. I read it and re-read it many, many times as a child. A wonderful story showing how a young boy faces a personal challenge and the strength he gains along the journey. For German Shepard lovers, Leader is a dog that will stay with you for a long time to come.
From the Author's Granddaughter July 7, 2008
Amy Lazarus (Atlanta, GA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I'm James Garfield's granddaughter. He dedicated the book to my mother, Carolyn Lazarus, who is now 81 years old. My granddad lived to be 102 years old, living half of his life blind. He had a seeing eye dog, Coral, a golden retriever who was the sweetest animal I've ever met and she was so very attentive to him. He would have been very flattered to read these reviews so I thank all of you who have taken the time to write about Follow My Leader.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 67
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