"My 8-yr old son read your book over spring break. He said, “that was good” ! I meant to ask him more questions of depth, but got distracted by his little brother.
The true testament comes about 5 days later. We were driving to church and passed a small brick building. He says, “is that an olden-days school house?” I smiled, and explained why it was not a school house. I used that ‘opening’ to talk more about your book, and my son liked that the bully ended up a friend and that chores had to be done at school as well as at home.
A true testament to your writing is that there is a lasting imprint in the reader’s mind. Charlie is out there looking for a school house, and said he wants to visit Galena."
-Teacher, Glen Ellyn
"Thanks Pat for the Belden Boy book. I enjoyed reading it immensely!"
"Thank you for the copy of Belden Boy. I really enjoyed reading the book. My favorite part of the book was when he won the flock of sheep because I really love animals. I also liked when he had to write an essay because I love to write too!"
-Emily,
10 years old from Naperville, IL
"I thoroughly enjoyed the story-you have gone above and beyond any thoughts I ever had about the restoration at Belden. Thanks so much!"
"Thank you for sending the book about Belden School. I am 66 years old and grew up in a rural Iowa. I attended a one room schoolhouse. This book will bring back memories for me. I walked 2 miles to school everyday. I hope to see a lot of your books."
"Congrats on your delightful book. Reading about Peter brought back somememories of my early days on the farm in Wisconsin. I hope the story will spark some convesations with my grandson Sam, who is ten years old like Peter!"
-Lucy of Glen Ellyn
"Your book is delightful. CSAA members enjoyed hearing your story!"
"I am a Specialist in a school system and am using your book as a wonderful addition to my personal library as well as a source for speech and language therapy. Your book is wonderful!"
"I will be reading this novel to my grandchildren. Hope to meet you in the future!"
-Realtor in the Galena Territory
"Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story and congratulations for helping to lead the charge to restore Belden School. I returned home charged with the task of telling a tale centered around our own District #1 School"