In small-town America in the early 60s s, Sister Anne comes to teach at Anna s school. From the first day of second grade, Sister Anne lights up the classroom.
Anna observes after a day of counting buttons and teeth, sharing jokes and stories.
Then someone sails a paper airplane past Sister s head, with an ugly message written on the wings. How Sister deals with the incident and the profound impact she has on her students especially Anna is at the heart of this moving, timeless tale. Poetic, understated prose and luminous paintings loaded with period detail, enhance this story about how a teacher can change a child s life. Hands is based on one of the author s own childhood experiences, so it has that rare immediacy and emotion that make for the most memorable stories. Uplifting and bound to please, this book is a joy to read alone or aloud, and will have an impact on young and old alike.