Blog Posts
Book Signing
One of Trexler's own 6th graders, Colleen Newbold, began working with an organization called Develop Africa when she was in 4th grade. She began collecting pencils to donate to the organization so that children in Africa would have something to... Read More >>
Student project inspires teacher’s book
The newly released book “The Pencil Project” by Richlands Elementary School teacher James Ryan Orr is partly fiction but the story that inspired it began two years ago with an assignment for his fourth-grade class. Orr challenged his students to... Read More >>
The pencil project is a wonderful book.
“You have to keep breathing because tomorrow the sun may shine”. “Keep on keep on” The pencil project is a wonderful book. I enjoyed reading it and am trying to get my 14-year-old daughter to read it too. The author is an excellent writer... Read More >>
It shows how young people motivated with hearts ablaze
The pencil project was an intensely inspiring read. It shows how young people motivated with hearts ablaze can make a difference in the lives of others. In this instance lives of others in Far-flung places where they have no obvious connection. It... Read More >>
A Classic True Story
Innovative writer and teacher James Ryan Orr has written a classic true story as exciting and world-moving as the movies of his fictional namesake James Bond. James’ Pencil Project deserves a place of honor as essential reading in schools - and all... Read More >>
Can a single snowball be the cause of an avalanche?
Can a single snowball be the cause of an avalanche? Can a gust of wind cause a devastating hurricane? Can a tiny domino tile have a massive impact? In a world where people despair for the lack of significant investments for solving today’s problems... Read More >>
Review - The little things we do can become much bigger than we ever know
The Pencil Project is a heartwarming story of kids who changed the world and the amazing chain of events that followed. Any memories I might have from fourth-grade would probably involve the playground, but Mr. Kent’s students have memories worth... Read More >>
Background - How Colleen Started Collecting Pencils
Video provides background on how Colleen started to collect pencils for kids in Africa. Her pencil collection drive led to the writing of the Pencil Project Book by James Ryan Orr, Author. The video includes clips of Louis (Grandfather) and... Read More >>
To just say that it is an inspiring story will be an understatement
I have read the entire book in one sitting this morning. I actually could not stop reading until I reached the end. To just say that it is an inspiring story will be an understatement. This book is a tool for everybody to ignite a light to brighten... Read More >>