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Ryan and Jimmy: And the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together
It costs a lot of money to build a well in Africa -- a lot more than Ryan Hreljac had thought. Still, the six year old kept doing chores around his parents' house, even after he learned it could take him years to earn enough money. Then a friend of the family wrote an article in the local newspaper about Ryan's wish to build a well to supply people with safe, clean water. Before long, ripples of goodwill began spreading. People started sending money to help pay for Ryan's well. Ryan was interviewed on television. His dream of a well became an international news story. In Agweo, Uganda, villagers were used to walking a long way every day in search of water. What they found was often brown and smelly and made a lot of people sick. But when Ryan's well was built, life in the village changed for the better. A young orphan named Akana Jimmy longed for a chance to thank Ryan in person for this gift of life -- clean water. When they finally meet, an unbreakable bond unites these boys from very different backgrounds, and a long and sometimes life-threatening journey begins. Ryan and Jimmy is part of A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2006
9 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Herb Shoveller
4 books1 followerHerb Shoveller was born in Sudbury, Ontario, and grew up in Lively, a small community west of the city.
After primary and secondary school studies in Sudbury, he spent a year traveling in Europe, the Middle East and Africa before entering the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. There he did an Honours Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and then a Masters degree in Journalism.
After working in agricultural, arts and business news at various publications, he joined The London Free Press daily newspaper at which, in a total of 20 years there, he worked in every news department in a number of different roles. In the midst of those 20 years, he and his family moved to Hong Kong for two years where Joanne, Herb’s wife, helped launch the Asian campus of the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School.
The timing to do RYAN AND JIMMY coincided with his family’s move from London, Ontario, to Guelph, where Joanne moved to become a vice-president at the University of Guelph. Herb left his newspaper job at The London Free Press, where he was business editor, to freelance. Meanwhile, there had been several overtures to Susan and Mark Hreljac, Ryan’s parents, to do a book on Ryan and the wells projects, along with the subsequent addition of Jimmy to their family.
Mark is Herb’s nephew, so Herb and his family have been following Ryan’s story from the outset and knew it intimately. Further, Herb’s wife Joanne was a founding board member of the Ryan’s Well Foundation and wrote its original business plan. Mark and Sue made it clear that if a book were to be done, Herb would be the writer. Luckily, events converged to make it possible for him to do the book.
After primary and secondary school studies in Sudbury, he spent a year traveling in Europe, the Middle East and Africa before entering the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. There he did an Honours Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and then a Masters degree in Journalism.
After working in agricultural, arts and business news at various publications, he joined The London Free Press daily newspaper at which, in a total of 20 years there, he worked in every news department in a number of different roles. In the midst of those 20 years, he and his family moved to Hong Kong for two years where Joanne, Herb’s wife, helped launch the Asian campus of the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School.
The timing to do RYAN AND JIMMY coincided with his family’s move from London, Ontario, to Guelph, where Joanne moved to become a vice-president at the University of Guelph. Herb left his newspaper job at The London Free Press, where he was business editor, to freelance. Meanwhile, there had been several overtures to Susan and Mark Hreljac, Ryan’s parents, to do a book on Ryan and the wells projects, along with the subsequent addition of Jimmy to their family.
Mark is Herb’s nephew, so Herb and his family have been following Ryan’s story from the outset and knew it intimately. Further, Herb’s wife Joanne was a founding board member of the Ryan’s Well Foundation and wrote its original business plan. Mark and Sue made it clear that if a book were to be done, Herb would be the writer. Luckily, events converged to make it possible for him to do the book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 12, 2021
When six-year-old Ryan Hreljac learned in school that many people around the world, including in Africa, didn't have access to clean, safe drinking water, the young Canadian boy was deeply disturbed. Having gotten the idea that $70 would buy a well, he began doing chores around the house to raise the money, and he didn't stop when he discovered that the cost was more like $2000. Coming to the public's attention through some newspaper articles, Ryan's campaign took off, and eventually enough money was raised to build a well in Agweo, Uganda. Young Akana Jimmy, an orphan living with his aunt in Agweo, became Ryan's penpal after the building of the well, and the two would eventually meet a few years later, when Ryan and his parents visited the area. Striking up a friendship, the boys continued to correspond, and when danger threatened Jimmy, the Hreljac family knew they needed to act...
Although I am familiar with the Ryan's Well Foundation, a Canadian non-profit that has brought clean drinking water to impoverished people in sixteen countries, and although I was aware that it was founded by a young person, I didn't know the specifics of Ryan Hreljac and Akana Jimmy's story, until picking up Ryan and Jimmy: And the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together. It is an inspiring tale, and in the hands of author Herb Shoveller, who is Ryan's uncle, it is also an exciting one. There were moments - Ryan's visit to Agweo, Jimmy's flight from the brutal soldiers of The Lord's Resistance Army - when I was either tearing up or on the edge of my seat. How heartbreaking, that Jimmy's Ugandan family were destroyed by the violence there, but how wonderful that he found a new family with the Hreljacs. And how wonderful that so much good has come from Ryan Hreljac's initial effort to raise $70. Although I have listed this one as a picture-book, it is extremely text-heavy, and probably is more suitable for children at the beginning chapter-book phase, who are capable of reading or listening to solid blocks of prose. It is illustrated mostly with photographs, and other ephemera (letters, and so on) from its subjects' lives. Recommended to children (ages seven and up, I would say) interested in heartwarming, inspirational stories of young people who have made a difference in the world, or in learning about the precious resource of water, and how some people must struggle to obtain it.
Although I am familiar with the Ryan's Well Foundation, a Canadian non-profit that has brought clean drinking water to impoverished people in sixteen countries, and although I was aware that it was founded by a young person, I didn't know the specifics of Ryan Hreljac and Akana Jimmy's story, until picking up Ryan and Jimmy: And the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together. It is an inspiring tale, and in the hands of author Herb Shoveller, who is Ryan's uncle, it is also an exciting one. There were moments - Ryan's visit to Agweo, Jimmy's flight from the brutal soldiers of The Lord's Resistance Army - when I was either tearing up or on the edge of my seat. How heartbreaking, that Jimmy's Ugandan family were destroyed by the violence there, but how wonderful that he found a new family with the Hreljacs. And how wonderful that so much good has come from Ryan Hreljac's initial effort to raise $70. Although I have listed this one as a picture-book, it is extremely text-heavy, and probably is more suitable for children at the beginning chapter-book phase, who are capable of reading or listening to solid blocks of prose. It is illustrated mostly with photographs, and other ephemera (letters, and so on) from its subjects' lives. Recommended to children (ages seven and up, I would say) interested in heartwarming, inspirational stories of young people who have made a difference in the world, or in learning about the precious resource of water, and how some people must struggle to obtain it.
December 12, 2018
Recommended Grade Levels: K-3
Themes: Friendship, service, clean water
Summary:
This is a story that begins with a first grade boy named Ryan who learned that clean water was not something that many people had. His teacher told him that it only cost $70 to build a well in a country in Africa, so Ryan asked his parents for the money. When they said he had to earn it, he did so through chores. Soon he learned it would cost about $2,000 to build a well, so he saved and earned that money. He was helped by many people as word began to spread about his mission. Finally, the well was able to be drilled. During this process, Ryan became pen pals with a boy in the village where the well would be drilled. His name was Jimmy. Ryan flew out to Uganda with his family for the opening ceremony of the well, and he was able to meet Jimmy. They became fast friends. As the years went by, their friendship strengthened. Jimmy began to face much danger locally, and soon he came to Ryan in Canada. As their friendship grew, so did Ryan’s passion for clean water for all people. Today Ryan continues to spread awareness and passion to help those who don’t have clean water obtain it.
Personal Response:
This story inspired me. I have heard my wife talk about the water situation in Ghana, and it reminded me of what Jimmy seemed to endure in Uganda. Even though these are two different countries in different parts of the continent, they do seem to share many similarities amongst their differences. To me, the knowledge that so many people do not have access to clean water is incredibly frustrating. I am also very thankful for having access to so much safe and clean water. I like that Ryan began this journey when he was only in first grade; this speaks to me of the power of determination no matter how young you are. Children have the power to change the world, and Ryan certainly made a big difference even before he became a teenager.
Note about illustrations:
The pictures in this book are mixed media. There are photographs of Ryan and Jimmy, as well as their surroundings and key places that are integral to the story. There are scanned letters that Ryan and Jimmy sent to each other. The background changes color from page to page, and there are large, bold lines and arrows curving to and fro in the background. These colors and wandering lines seem to embody a stereotypical “tribal” feel to them, with warm colors and matching bold frames around some of the pictures.
Reader Response/Classroom Connections:
This book would serve as a great introduction to a social studies project on current events. Students could work together to research a current international event. This international event should include a problem that needs solved. Students can write about the details of the problem, and then work together to think up a couple of different ways how people just like them could help alleviate the situation. They may then present their event and ideas to the rest of the class. This project should remind and encourage kids that they can make a difference, no matter how young they are!
After reading this book, students may work through the writing process to create their own biographies. Each child should have a partner in the class whom they interview. Then, after an extensive period of question and answers, the students should write a biography on the child that they interviewed. When the story is ready to be published, they should include actual photographs in the piece just like in Ryan and Jimmy. Students may share their published works with the rest of the class upon finishing.
Themes: Friendship, service, clean water
Summary:
This is a story that begins with a first grade boy named Ryan who learned that clean water was not something that many people had. His teacher told him that it only cost $70 to build a well in a country in Africa, so Ryan asked his parents for the money. When they said he had to earn it, he did so through chores. Soon he learned it would cost about $2,000 to build a well, so he saved and earned that money. He was helped by many people as word began to spread about his mission. Finally, the well was able to be drilled. During this process, Ryan became pen pals with a boy in the village where the well would be drilled. His name was Jimmy. Ryan flew out to Uganda with his family for the opening ceremony of the well, and he was able to meet Jimmy. They became fast friends. As the years went by, their friendship strengthened. Jimmy began to face much danger locally, and soon he came to Ryan in Canada. As their friendship grew, so did Ryan’s passion for clean water for all people. Today Ryan continues to spread awareness and passion to help those who don’t have clean water obtain it.
Personal Response:
This story inspired me. I have heard my wife talk about the water situation in Ghana, and it reminded me of what Jimmy seemed to endure in Uganda. Even though these are two different countries in different parts of the continent, they do seem to share many similarities amongst their differences. To me, the knowledge that so many people do not have access to clean water is incredibly frustrating. I am also very thankful for having access to so much safe and clean water. I like that Ryan began this journey when he was only in first grade; this speaks to me of the power of determination no matter how young you are. Children have the power to change the world, and Ryan certainly made a big difference even before he became a teenager.
Note about illustrations:
The pictures in this book are mixed media. There are photographs of Ryan and Jimmy, as well as their surroundings and key places that are integral to the story. There are scanned letters that Ryan and Jimmy sent to each other. The background changes color from page to page, and there are large, bold lines and arrows curving to and fro in the background. These colors and wandering lines seem to embody a stereotypical “tribal” feel to them, with warm colors and matching bold frames around some of the pictures.
Reader Response/Classroom Connections:
This book would serve as a great introduction to a social studies project on current events. Students could work together to research a current international event. This international event should include a problem that needs solved. Students can write about the details of the problem, and then work together to think up a couple of different ways how people just like them could help alleviate the situation. They may then present their event and ideas to the rest of the class. This project should remind and encourage kids that they can make a difference, no matter how young they are!
After reading this book, students may work through the writing process to create their own biographies. Each child should have a partner in the class whom they interview. Then, after an extensive period of question and answers, the students should write a biography on the child that they interviewed. When the story is ready to be published, they should include actual photographs in the piece just like in Ryan and Jimmy. Students may share their published works with the rest of the class upon finishing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
I read this book for my Notable Books in a Global Society project and I am so glad that I did. It was so informative and entertaining. One of my favorite things is to hear about other peoples passions, so a whole book dedicated to peoples dreams coming true was right up my alley. It was great to see that Ryan made his, what seemed like impossible, dream come true and so did Jimmy. I loved that it incorporated different cultures and these boys put their differences aside to become best friends and team up to help the greater good. It was so heart warming to read a story about kids fighting to help other people. These are the kind of kids that make everlasting differences in the world, these are kids that adults look up to, they are amazing. I also loved that it incorporated so many different illustrations and maps and things.
May 11, 2011
This is an interesting true story about one boy who made a difference. It will make a nice addition to my summer reading program on water. Though it is a true story, I sometimes wish we could find books that tell stories that don't portray Africa as always dangerous. Sure it is frequently in parts dangerous, but I don't like people to think there is no hope or peace in the world but in the US.
April 28, 2022
Ryan was only 6 years old when he learned from his school teacher that a lack of clean drinking water was one of the most serious problems facing other people of the world. Being told that the cost to build a well in Africa was $70, Ryan was determined to raise the money that would supply a village with safe, clean water. From this germ of an idea, many events followed that lead to the eventual meeting between Ryan and his penpal Jimmy from Uganda, where his well was ultimately built. This true story turns to fear, terror, and suspense as Jimmy's village is attacked and Jimmy is taken prisoner, as are many boys his age, by rebel soldiers. Jimmy manages to escape and Ryan's family leave no stone unturned as they attempt to get Jimmy a Visa to travel to Canada where he would be safe. Suitable for children in grades1 and up, this book is full of compassion, hope, and solutions. Parents might consider reading this along with their children to encourage discussion.
March 1, 2021
When Ryan was 6 years old he heard about villages in Africa that have no clean water, or no water at all. When he learned that children died there because of bad water, his heart was moved to do something about it.
This is the true story of a Canadian boy who has become internationally known through his work to support digging wells of clean water. It's also the story of one African boy named Jimmy who was Ryan's penpal and whose life was changed forever because of Ryan's Well Foundation and the need for safety from dangerous rebels.
It's an amazing and heart-warming story; illustrated with photography.
This is the true story of a Canadian boy who has become internationally known through his work to support digging wells of clean water. It's also the story of one African boy named Jimmy who was Ryan's penpal and whose life was changed forever because of Ryan's Well Foundation and the need for safety from dangerous rebels.
It's an amazing and heart-warming story; illustrated with photography.
December 14, 2017
It was cool! Ryan, who was 7, raised money for a well in Africa. His pen pal Jimmy, who was 8, was one of the African kids who would walk miles to find water that was dirty. But when Ryan's well was built, he had fresh water and it took less time. Seems unbelievable, but it's a true story. I hope when you read it you enjoy it as much as I did. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!
May 10, 2017
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2017
First of all I read this about 3 years ago so i don't know why it isn't up here. But it was a really motivating and heartwarming book!
August 28, 2018
A fantastic story. Probably too text heavy for one read-aloud session.
December 9, 2014
This book tells the inspirational story of a six-year old boy named Ryan who sets out to raise money to drill a well in Africa and ends up with a lifelong friend and brother. This book is a very touching story and is also very inspirational. It has the potential to inspire kids to make a difference in the world like Ryan did. It also speaks to the message that in doing what is right, you may get far greater blessings than you ever expected. Ryan sought out to help the African people get clean water and in return he was blessed with a brother. The photos sprinkled throughout the book’s pages are a nice asset and give you a greater visual of the story that is unfolding. The only weakness was that the book had an err of condescension to it. Even though it is of course intended for younger readers, the phrasing at times had a way of underestimating the abilities of the reader – perhaps because the sentences were for the majority so short and scripted so carefully. The book is rich in cultural details, especially when describing the African culture of Jimmy’s village. Ryan gets a first hand experience of this culture on his visit to Africa. The format of the book is extremely appealing to the reader. The pages are hues of bright orange, green, and blue, and are decorated with symbols that give you the feeling of Africa. In addition, there are photos of the boys and their letters, a map of Jimmy’s village, and documentation of Jimmy’s traveling visas for his trip to Canada. All of these help to bring the story full to life and offer a great visual of the different pieces of the story. This story of brotherhood and friendship, and of the common needs that exist across humanity will be one that will endure throughout the ages. The main themes in the book are African culture, making a difference, and friendship that crosses cultures and continents. I think this would be a great book to inspire kids to make a difference in the world and to bring light to what is going on in Africa and the forgotten children who are threatened by Joseph Kony and the LRA. I would recommend this book for 3rd-5th grade students and would use it to teach about doing your part to make a difference and the fact that you can do this at any age. Students might brainstorm how they could make an impact in their community or somewhere else in the world. As a class, you might decide to start a food drive or something similar for underprivileged children in another part of the world.
Shoveller, H. (2006). Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa that Brought Them Together. Tonawanda, New York: Kids Can Press Ltd.
Shoveller, H. (2006). Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa that Brought Them Together. Tonawanda, New York: Kids Can Press Ltd.
April 1, 2008
Herb Shoveller, Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together (Kids Can Press, 2006)
One of my problems with kids' books-- which I've had ever since I was a kid-- is a feeling that sometimes the writer of the book is talking down to his intended audience. I got that sometimes while I was reading Ryan and Jimmy, and it stuck in my craw, though not enough to make me thoroughly hate the book. I like the story; I'm just not all too fond of the way Herb Shoveller (who, according to the back matter, is Ryan Hreljac's uncle) tells it.
The story concerns Ryan Hreljac, who became one of the world's leading speakers and fundraisers for well-drilling in Africa, and his pen pal Jimmy Akana, who lives in the first town where Ryan's efforts got a well drilled. We meet the two of them as their lives were before Ryan got involved in the cause, then go through their first meeting. It's after that that things start to get a little odd; the tone of faint patronization is there before, but it really explodes just after this. Jimmy lived in northern Uganda at the time, which has been suffering a civil war for quite a while, and Jimmy's village got swept up in it. Shoveller writes the story of Jimmy's capture by the rebels and subsequent escape as if it's a scene from an adventure novel. The only thought process I can come up with to paint such a horrific experience in such a blithe manner is “you know, kids will enjoy this a lot more if I write it as if it were in an action film”. Wow.
As annoying as that is, however, the underlying story-- that it really is possible for one person to both save lives and change the world-- is a great one, and one that needs to be heard. Recommended, but not until the kids reading it are old enough to understand the concept of tone, and how it can be manipulated by an author. Otherwise you'll have a very tough time explaining when the brighter kids in your brood come asking questions. ***
One of my problems with kids' books-- which I've had ever since I was a kid-- is a feeling that sometimes the writer of the book is talking down to his intended audience. I got that sometimes while I was reading Ryan and Jimmy, and it stuck in my craw, though not enough to make me thoroughly hate the book. I like the story; I'm just not all too fond of the way Herb Shoveller (who, according to the back matter, is Ryan Hreljac's uncle) tells it.
The story concerns Ryan Hreljac, who became one of the world's leading speakers and fundraisers for well-drilling in Africa, and his pen pal Jimmy Akana, who lives in the first town where Ryan's efforts got a well drilled. We meet the two of them as their lives were before Ryan got involved in the cause, then go through their first meeting. It's after that that things start to get a little odd; the tone of faint patronization is there before, but it really explodes just after this. Jimmy lived in northern Uganda at the time, which has been suffering a civil war for quite a while, and Jimmy's village got swept up in it. Shoveller writes the story of Jimmy's capture by the rebels and subsequent escape as if it's a scene from an adventure novel. The only thought process I can come up with to paint such a horrific experience in such a blithe manner is “you know, kids will enjoy this a lot more if I write it as if it were in an action film”. Wow.
As annoying as that is, however, the underlying story-- that it really is possible for one person to both save lives and change the world-- is a great one, and one that needs to be heard. Recommended, but not until the kids reading it are old enough to understand the concept of tone, and how it can be manipulated by an author. Otherwise you'll have a very tough time explaining when the brighter kids in your brood come asking questions. ***
March 16, 2009
Summary: This book, written by Ryan's uncle, chronicles the experiences of Ryan who, at the age of six, learned that many children in the world don't have safe drinking water. He starts off planning to ask his parents to give him $70 for a well and ends up with a foundation and speaking engagements world-wide on behalf of safe water issues.
Response: It is impossible to stress how important this book is. It is well written, beautifully illustrated with photographs, and powerful at many levels. By focusing on two individual children, the author sheds light on a number of issues including safe water, activism, war, poverty, and the ridiculous amount of red tape these people had to fight through just to save the life of one incredible child. This book should be read aloud or in small groups - there will have many chances for discussion, and kids will need support to process the emotionally difficult parts of the story as well as to navigate the content information that may be unfamiliar. Kid-friendly, but honest and accurate, this book will hopefully be a powerful way for children in America (and Canada) to learn about how very different childhood can be right now, in other places in the world. For many American children, growing up middle class and in relative privilege, this book will provide a much-needed window; whereas fiction can do so too, this book offers current information, not only on what life is like for many other children, but on what they can actually do to help. I would also want to share other examples of helping and activism, though, to stress that it is not always the case that the developing world needs the developed world to step in and save the day; a book like "One Hen" would show an example of people in Ghana using resources to make changes in their own lives in contrast with this story where Ryan, in Canada, reaches out to help Jimmy, in Uganda.
Response: It is impossible to stress how important this book is. It is well written, beautifully illustrated with photographs, and powerful at many levels. By focusing on two individual children, the author sheds light on a number of issues including safe water, activism, war, poverty, and the ridiculous amount of red tape these people had to fight through just to save the life of one incredible child. This book should be read aloud or in small groups - there will have many chances for discussion, and kids will need support to process the emotionally difficult parts of the story as well as to navigate the content information that may be unfamiliar. Kid-friendly, but honest and accurate, this book will hopefully be a powerful way for children in America (and Canada) to learn about how very different childhood can be right now, in other places in the world. For many American children, growing up middle class and in relative privilege, this book will provide a much-needed window; whereas fiction can do so too, this book offers current information, not only on what life is like for many other children, but on what they can actually do to help. I would also want to share other examples of helping and activism, though, to stress that it is not always the case that the developing world needs the developed world to step in and save the day; a book like "One Hen" would show an example of people in Ghana using resources to make changes in their own lives in contrast with this story where Ryan, in Canada, reaches out to help Jimmy, in Uganda.
November 11, 2009
This moving true story follows Ryan from the day he first became an activist until the day his entire family takes action to save a young man's life. When Ryan was in Grade 1, his teacher told the class about children in Africa who did not have clean water. Ryan decided to raise the $70 he thought it would take to dig a well. The project grew and grew, until several years later, Ryan landed in Uganda and met the boy who had been his pen pal. Jimmy's village rejoiced over having the well, but their celebration was short lived as the Ugandan rebels swept through the village, kidnapping boys and forcing them into service. Jimmy escaped, but his only chance at survival was to immigrate to Canada and achieve refugee status. Thankfully, Ryan's family was there to help.
Students in Grade 3 and older will enjoy this book. The author's lack of experience with children's literature shows in the stilted language and sentence structure. However, it's an exciting real-life adventure that will have students talking (and maybe taking action).
Students in Grade 3 and older will enjoy this book. The author's lack of experience with children's literature shows in the stilted language and sentence structure. However, it's an exciting real-life adventure that will have students talking (and maybe taking action).
July 29, 2016
A great story made all the better because it's true! When in first grade Ryan, who lives in Canada, heard about people in Africa without safe water to drink. He determined to raise money to buy a well, which ended up in a small village in Uganda. Then his 4th grade class became penpals with children in that same village. Ryan's penpal was Akana Jimmy. Little did anyone know that soon the media would pick up on Ryan's intitiative, and he would end up flying to Uganda to meet Jimmy in person! Ryan continued to raise money to buy more wells, now with the help of many other people and organizations. He became a spokesperson for clean water around the world. And he still remained in touch with Jimmy. Sadly, civil war in Uganda soon brought danger to Jimmy's life. Ryan and his parents decided to bring him to Canada as a guest speaker at a conference, thereby getting him out of harm's way temporarily. But how to make that permanent? A wonderful story with a beautiful ending. It just shows that one person CAN make a difference! Inspiring, enlightening, and highly recommended!
Read
December 2, 2010I give this book 4 stars because it has a lot about the good things Ryan did for Jimmy. For example, he raised a ton of money to build a well in Jimmy's village in Uganda. Also, Ryan's family let Jimmy come into Ryan's family because the rebels were doing extremely terrible things in Uganda.
I think all fourth graders should read this book because it is interesting, suspenseful, sad and inspirational.
- 4.3
I give this book 4 stars because even though it is exiting and adventures you can learn something at the same time. I thought that it was a very heart grabing that Ryan build a well close to Jimmy's house
by: Nina and Svea
I think all fourth graders should read this book because it is interesting, suspenseful, sad and inspirational.
- 4.3
I give this book 4 stars because even though it is exiting and adventures you can learn something at the same time. I thought that it was a very heart grabing that Ryan build a well close to Jimmy's house
by: Nina and Svea
May 2, 2011
A non-fiction picture book about a first grade Canadian boy who heard of a need and did what he could (and then some) to help others. Ryan’s teacher told his class about villages in Africa without access to clean water. Ryan raised the money needed to build a well in a village and his desire to help continued from there. His story was so inspiring that others in the community joined to help him. Ryan traveled to Uganda and spoke all over the world about his project. Ryan’s project still continues today.
Themes: community service; perseverance; LRA/child soldiers; value of education; overcoming obstacles
Themes: community service; perseverance; LRA/child soldiers; value of education; overcoming obstacles
Read
February 4, 2016In first grade, Ryan Hreljac, a Canadian boy, learns about the lack of sanitary water for children in Africa. His efforts to raise money for a well in Uganda draws national attention and funding. He travels to Uganda to see his well and that is where he meets his pen pal Jimmy, a Ugandan boy. The boys are immediate pals and they continue to keep in touch. Ryan stays active in advocating for clean water. Then civil war comes to Jimmy's village. His life is in danger because he has managed to duck military service several times. Ryan's family, with the help of their water well contacts in Uganda, work to bring Jimmy to Canada as a refugee.
Want to read
December 6, 2014Ryan and Jimmy: And the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together is a lexile level 810 which translates to a reading level T. The target reading level for 5th grade is T, U and V at the end of 5th grade. This book could be used to make connections to characters in books. This book is historical fiction.
NYS CC: Students will Explain the relationships or interactions between two or
more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical,
scientific, or technical text based on specific information in
the text.
NYS CC: Students will Explain the relationships or interactions between two or
more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical,
scientific, or technical text based on specific information in
the text.
March 1, 2009
This is an amazing story of generosity, pluck and luck. Ryan's six year old heart reaches across the ocean to children in Africa who have to haul water for lack of a well near where they live. He raises money for a well (long story) and eventually is even able to visit the well and meet Jimmy with whom he has been corresponding. Enter The Lord's Army who capture Jimmy who escapes to tell his riveting tale of survival and eventual rescue. An important book of compassion and resilience.
November 23, 2009
The story is incredible, the writing is not. First-grader Ryan learns that some people in Africa don't have access to clean water, so he decides to raise money to dig a well - $2,000. When Ryan goes to see the well he helped make possible, he becomes friends with a local boy named Jimmy. This friendship ultimately ends up saving Jimmy's life, when war threatens his village. Great inspirational story, great to show kids that they can make a difference. Writing is pedestrian.
June 26, 2010
An interesting story about a Canadian boy, Ryan, who was inspired by his teacher to earn money to build a well in Africa. He showed incredible determination, and met Jimmy, his pen pal. The story of Jimmy is quite harrowing. This is an inspirational story that teaches about social action.
April 24, 2012
I really liked this book! I thought that the friendship that Ryan and Jimmy created across the world was very inspiring. I feel that this book is a great way to inspire other children to do what Ryan did.
October 2, 2023
This may be a children's story about a Canadian boy and a Ugandan boy and his village, but it's an inspiration for adults too. Ryan learns how desperate Ugandans are for water from his teacher when he is grade one. He is determined to help. This leads him on a long journey that changes his life.
January 24, 2009
About a boy who wants to build a well and his African-American friend
February 12, 2010
I loved this book it really inspires me
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February 21, 2010it is very inspiring
February 12, 2010
A great book very inspirational.
February 12, 2010
it was very inspiring
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