Between Home and School (Paperback)
Through a series of notes, letters and emails, Bill traces a student's path through his school years from Kindergarten to high school graduation. Rhonda Bennet's communication with her son's Tyler's teachers gives readers a window into the successes and failures, joys and sorrows of a boy, his mother, and the teachers they encounter.
A reminder for every parent and every teacher of their trials, challenges and surprises, Between Home and School will reaffirm the value in reaching out. A terrific teacher gift and perfect for parents who are traveling with their children from Kindergarten to high school graduation.
Visit our Between Home and School web page for online resources and discussion questions
Awards2011 Storytelling World Award
"Our faculty meeting around the book was outstanding. It led us to a very deep conversation about the nature of the parent/teacher relationship and the fact that it is a deeply human relationship fraught with vulnerability on both ends. One teacher commented:
I laughed throughout the book. The book captured the constant attempts between parents and teachers to communicate and the fact that they don't always go well. The most important idea I take away is the importance to keep communicating. That's the whole idea. Sometimes the content isn't as important as the connection.
Thanks for enriching our dialogue!"
Rabbi Sheryl Katzman, Principal,
Skokie Solomon Schechter Day School
"While reading, I could not help thinking about my own children and how they have been touched so deeply by their teachers... Teachers with impossibly large case loads and busy lives who made the time for them. We are all responsible for whom our children become and the power teachers have is tremendous. A personal note from a teacher can make such a huge difference, whereas a form letter can unknowingly be so impersonal. I was touched enough by this quick read that I purchased a copy for every member of my staff as a Christmas gift." Allan Ross, Principal, Yerington Elementary School - Yerington, Nevada
"It's a work of genius by Harley to make us feel anything for a boy who's voice we don't hear until the very last page. But he does it and I'd be surprised if your eyes are dry in the end." Out with the Kids
Read the full review at owtk.com/2010/11/book-review-between-home-and-school
"This book made me review my own life in school (and that of my children). I laughed and cried along with Tyler's mother and teachers as they worked together to mentor this young person."
- Amy Dickinson, Bestselling Author and Syndicated "ASK AMY" Columnist/Chicago Tribune
"We are lucky that yet again Bill Harley has found a story that shows us how good we can be, if we just let it happen." - George Wood, Principal, Federal Hocking Middle and High Schools, and Author of Time to Learn: How to Create High Schools That Serve All Students