Book Talk The Walkathon

The Walkathon by Jan Weeks and Illustrations Pat Reynolds.

Fiction on the third or fourth grade level.

Author Tidbit

Jan Weeks holds a BA in English and in Speech. She is not only an award winning author, but she also is a an experienced public speaker. She also conducts writing seminars and is greatly respected and in great demand.

Opinion of the Book

This is a great book for my third and fourth grade PE students for several reasons. First, it teaches diversity. It shows students how to be respectful to students who may be disabled. It centers around a school walkathon that supports physical fitness. The main character Peter, who is confined to a wheelchair, is determined to compete in the walkathon and with the help of his classmates, he succeeds.

Short Synopsis

Each year Peter's school conducts a Walkathon, where students get sponsors and raise money for their school. The student who walks the most laps gets a "mystery" prize. The students are very excited and curious about the mystery prize. Peter's job the year before was to hand out oranges to the walkers. He wants to participate. The teacher reminds him that parts of the walking path is bumpy and hilly. She worries that he could not make it in his wheelchair. However, one students volunteers to help push Peter over roof spots, then anther student volunteers, and another so on.

Highlight

Peter's mom and dad support him believing that he is strong enough. He gets lots of sponsors. At the race, Peter is able to keep up until he comes to a hill. Michael helps push in over the hill. Olivia helps him over a rocky path. Peter makes the first lap, and he gets a sticker. He isn't tired and he goes for another lap, and another, and another. That night Peter is tired and has no trouble going to sleep. The next day at school Peter finds out that he made the most laps.

Hook

Who actually won the "mystery price"? What was the price? The winner had a surprise for everyone, too. What was that surprise? To find out read The Walkathon.