"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 is also a story about reaching out and making friendships. In today’s world where barriers are erected based on differences of race, religion or nationality this story provides an excellent example of how to do things differently . I believe in every community there are several Mr. Kent’s. My hope is that all children and young people are able to find that inspiring voice and motivator which will encourage them to fulfil their potential. In so doing they will support others less fortunate in their communities and beyond.   "

"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.   "

"One thing that I am sure about is that it is very inspirational. I will label as an inspirational book that targets all. This book also inspires race relations- diversity and the willingness to reach out to all peoples. It inspires to look beyond one’s box, appreciate your situation, and the willingness to use one’s resources, and talents to give back to the society. The students too loved to work hard, and compete with their classmates and at the same time give positive feedback to one another’s works. There was no display of hatred and bullying.   "

"Maybe, the author should think about a follow-up book that will follow the adult lives and works of these students in both Cameroon and the USA. This is a book that inspires you to give back. And in giving back, to consider not only big things but little things like pencils, erasers, books, toothbrushes, pastes - those little things that so many of us take for granted are Jewels in many communities. "

"'A very inspiring story, brimming with positive content.  It illustrates how both adults and children (with a focus on children) can help to make a significant difference in people's lives.  It shows how positive actions  can have far-reaching effects and Develop Africa can be a bridge if you get inspired too!' "

"“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 cherishing. Orr’s story first brings me back to those carefree years of play and happiness. Within a few pages, however, I started to gain a new perspective of how different things are for students in other parts of the world. Now I find myself wishing that I had been challenged to “change the world” by my fourth-grade teacher. "

"A pencil is a simple writing instrument, but for Colleen and Nadege, pencils were an instrument of fate that led to a lifelong bond between two children from across the globe. After you read this story you will believe that we can all do great things, no matter how dirty the dirt is where you come from. The little things we do can become much bigger than we ever know. This story will inspire you to start looking for ways you can change the world "

"While most may be waiting for an earth-shattering intervention to save the lives of the poor and vulnerable in Africa, a prospect which in itself is hardly realistic, an army of young, determined and motivated albeit somewhat idealistic, young writers have set themselves the bold task to literally ‘change the world’, using only their pencils. But this is not merely a wide-eyed unrealistic drive: instead it is full of the conviction that while the little drops of water may seem insignificant, when accumulated in sufficient quantities they can deal a devastating blow to the world’s intractable challenges. "

"It is a deceptively simple process, using the humble pencil, which anyone can easily get for 5 cents. Bring together a small band of fearlessly determined children, in that exceptional microcosm of a classroom, an indomitable and stubbornly optimistic Mr Kent, a novel idea of using the simple to solve the massive, that goliaths can be felled by little Davids, an idea like a single egg, an embryo, a snowball, a domino tile or a gust of wind … but which, with time, patience, courage, and motivation, finally results in an unprecedented wave of impact that circumnavigates the world. "

"From the hitherto reserved Colleen who had to search maps of Africa, to Nadege in Cameroon whose poor, dying father assured her she had a beautiful mind which should not be wasted, this collection presents a rich drama uniting a wide range of people with differing personalities but united in the belief that little is not little. The support provided to poor and vulnerable children in a remote African country has immeasurable and life-transforming consequences. "

"It is in this sense that Orr and company should be commended, not merely for directing such a demanding project, but for having the courage to believe against all odds that a seemingly simple approach to aid can ‘change the world’. "

"For those involved in international development, the lessons contained in this modest volume constitute nothing less than a revolution. Imagine what would happen if children in the global North embrace these simple ideas and put them into practice: the Nadege’s of the global South will not only help to develop their own poor countries, but come back and bring life into the Mr Kent’s and others in the rich countries. "

"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 teacher training institutions - particularly in the West and in Africa. Pencil Project projects the destiny-changing classroom magic of two emotionally intelligent conjurers or better known as teachers. This is a novelty in these days where IQ is overrated, and EQ relegated to the Cinderella of the Education system. "

"James found a universal need – the need to stir world-changing potential in the hearts of today’s children, or tomorrow’s leaders. Through the eyes of ordinary children we all identify with, he turns the classroom from a bored-room that must be endured (to qualify as a star pupil), to that of a magic theatre to be enjoyed. Beyond edutainment, to self-discovery and building of life skills. This is largely missed or locked out of today’s head-focused, rote-based and routine classroom system. Or in short, Pencil Project demonstrates the superior results of (and urgent need for) emotional intelligence in an IQ dominated, but EQ-illiterate education environment.  The Pencil Project is what James has done about this great global need. "

"Now as you read and tell others about it, one inspired reader at a time, whammo, the world is changing.  Mine has. I am already discussing an idea stirred by this book, that will help Develop Africa’s Sylvester Renner replicate the Pencil Project and mobilize even more educational resources to girls particularly like Nadege, who are most in need – and can bring the most change, in a magical, karma-like way. Making the givers in the end, actually ending up receiving immeasurably more than they gave, like teacher Kent did. So yes, read and let’s Be the change…!!! "

"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 up a path for others to see and walk towards their potential.  "

"The benefit of helping others will always come back home to its source for certain! I hope that this book and story will find its way to the desks and hearts of many kids, not in the USA, but to desks all around the world, especially in Africa. "

"Thanks for making my day & greatly charging up my internal batteries. Now I have some more 'finish-line' crazy ideas I have set my heart to. I will see how everything will fall into place as I move forward. Merci beaucoup! "