Book Review: Tom T's Hat Rack

Tom T's Hat Rack- A Story About Paying it Forward by Michele Spry and illustrated by Peggy A Guest is a wonderful little book about the generosity of spirit that built this country.  Young Shelby Summers is a sweet fourth grader who just loves life. And life loves her back equally. She is happy and forthcoming with everybody from teachers to the neighbors that watch over her.  When her caretaker is stricken with cancer, she rallies his confidence to beat the disease.  After he recovers, they decide to give back to the community by doing a project together.

When all her friends are off on glamorous trips abroad, Shelby spends her time creating a hat rack for the hospital, so the chemo patients will have something special to bond them. A scarf rack is constructed as well, and a grand ceremony marks the event. Shelby learns that thinking and doing for others, is more rewarding than anything else and writes of it in an essay. Her efforts are acknowledged by the school and the book urges the reader to find things to "pay it forward". 

We live in a selfish society, that has to be reminded that we all share the same place. It's refreshing to read a story about looking outward, appreciating what we have, instead of worrying about what we are missing. A good read, helpful lesson and a nice project to follow up with.  The illustrations are adorable and I recommend this book to anyone in this age group.