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.

It is interesting to imagine the impact of pencils arriving in a classroom in Cameroon. Something we take for granted here, like pencils and paper, is hard to come by in certain parts of the world. I remember having pencil fights with my classmates; we didn’t care if we wasted these little graphite-filled sticks. Maybe if I had a teacher like Mr. Kent I would have known better.

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.

James R.