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The Acorn People
Even though he knows the camp is for disabled children, Ron Jones anticipates sunny days of hiking, swimming, and boating as a counselor at Camp Wiggin. But he arrives and realizes how severely disabled the children are, it seems too much to bear. Until he meets his campers—The Acorn People. A group of kids who teach him that, inside, they are are the same as any average kid, and with encouragement, determination, and friendship, nothing is impossible.
“A fantastic and beautiful story.”—Seattle Times
“Uncomfortably moving, yet told in surprisingly unsentimental terms. . . . Succinct and tender, it will haunt the reader long after the brief passages have been read.”—Houston Chronicle
“It will give your innards a bear hug. . . . You will read this book with a lump in your throat.”—Lincoln Journal (Nebraska)
“A fantastic and beautiful story.”—Seattle Times
“Uncomfortably moving, yet told in surprisingly unsentimental terms. . . . Succinct and tender, it will haunt the reader long after the brief passages have been read.”—Houston Chronicle
“It will give your innards a bear hug. . . . You will read this book with a lump in your throat.”—Lincoln Journal (Nebraska)
81 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
56 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Ron Jones
138 books14 followersRon Jones is an American writer, teacher in Palo Alto, California, and San Francisco, California and storyteller. He is internationally known for the adaptation of the classroom experience he started, called The Third Wave.
Since 1981 he has worked with people who have mental and physical disabilities.
author of Kids Called Crazy; The Acorn People, Life in the Sunset, and others
He is a graduate of Stanford University masters degree program in education. Upon retirement from the Janet Pomeroy Center, where he taught theater and sports to the physically and mentally disabled for 30 years, he now enjoys writing and performing as a spoken word artist. As an author he has written about everyday heroes that enrich our life. Three stories, The Acorn People, The Wave, and B-Ball have been made into television specials garnering an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Peabody for their producers. A book entitled Kids Called Crazy was nominated for a Pulitzer. And Say Ray the story of a disabled man abducted to Mexico was honored as the American Book of the Year. His classroom experiment in Fascism, The Wave has been produced as a feature film Die Welle and documentary Lesson Plan. The novelized version of The Wave, available through Random House, is printed in 23 languages and required reading in German and Israeli schools. In 2013 Ron completed a musical version of his Wave experience. The Third Wave Musical is available through Dramatic Publishing. Theatric and musical productions of The Wave have been performed in theaters worldwide. For information, play dates, and locations see www.thewavehome.com. Ron is currently working on a play Kids Called Crazy with students at Mercy H.S. San Francisco and Marsh Youth Theater. Recently Ron has taken the stage as a spoken word artist. Solo shows include Buddha Blues, Say Ray, and When God Winked. Last year he produced his first CD, SoulfulBlessing as a unique blend of poetry and jazz.
Since 1981 he has worked with people who have mental and physical disabilities.
author of Kids Called Crazy; The Acorn People, Life in the Sunset, and others
He is a graduate of Stanford University masters degree program in education. Upon retirement from the Janet Pomeroy Center, where he taught theater and sports to the physically and mentally disabled for 30 years, he now enjoys writing and performing as a spoken word artist. As an author he has written about everyday heroes that enrich our life. Three stories, The Acorn People, The Wave, and B-Ball have been made into television specials garnering an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Peabody for their producers. A book entitled Kids Called Crazy was nominated for a Pulitzer. And Say Ray the story of a disabled man abducted to Mexico was honored as the American Book of the Year. His classroom experiment in Fascism, The Wave has been produced as a feature film Die Welle and documentary Lesson Plan. The novelized version of The Wave, available through Random House, is printed in 23 languages and required reading in German and Israeli schools. In 2013 Ron completed a musical version of his Wave experience. The Third Wave Musical is available through Dramatic Publishing. Theatric and musical productions of The Wave have been performed in theaters worldwide. For information, play dates, and locations see www.thewavehome.com. Ron is currently working on a play Kids Called Crazy with students at Mercy H.S. San Francisco and Marsh Youth Theater. Recently Ron has taken the stage as a spoken word artist. Solo shows include Buddha Blues, Say Ray, and When God Winked. Last year he produced his first CD, SoulfulBlessing as a unique blend of poetry and jazz.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
January 31, 2012
This book is written from an able-bodied perspective that comes off as glorifying the able-bodied for dealing with disabled children rather than teaching about differences and acceptance. I feel that the author intentionally exaggerated the physical disabilities of the children to the point that they were grotesque and unreal. The book was short and many passages were vague and nondescript. And many times when a passage commented on some triumph or the children acting “normal,” he slams it back down with “Oh, remember, these kids are severely disabled and/or going to die!” The author assumes too much about living with a disability. He paints a picture that all parents of disabled children are tired and unenthusiastic about their kids, that their siblings resent them, and that all conditions are a death sentence. It might be heartwarming and inspiring for able-bodied people, but I would not recommend this to a young reader with a physical disability.
October 24, 2019
I read it for school and wish I hadn't
February 28, 2020
Other reviewers claimed the book was ableist. I wouldn’t say that. The book really isn’t self-aggrandizing in any way. The author learns to like the job and the kids. Then they go home. The end. It doesn’t read like a pat on the back. It reads more like a dry book that was written to make a little extra cash. But the drama is lacking. The characterization is weak. I guess it reads like a summer journal written by someone with no intention of publishing the journal, which is presumably what it was.
That epilogue is depressing as hell though.
That epilogue is depressing as hell though.
December 12, 2014
This is a short, simple little book with an enormous emotional impact. It is a book about the meaning of humanity, and how acceptance can bring joy and understanding, and why it is important to cherish each moment.
The author is not a brilliant writer, but they do know how to tell a story, probably from their background as an educator and a camp counselor. However, the simplicity of the writing increases its impact a bit because 1) the story is so compelling, you realize the author just had to get it down on paper, whether it sounded poetic or not, and 2) it feels almost unbearably authentic, like you are right there in the cabin with him taking notes in his diary each night with a flashlight. The book is a little dated in its language (we would probably call "handicapped" children "differently abled", for example), but the themes are intensely relevant today. He does not sanitize his thoughts, he is uncomfortable with the situation and he shares this information, but we are right there with him as his eyes are opened to a whole new way of experiencing the world, and he grows right along with us.
This book is extremely short, just 80 small pages with some sketches (in my original edition anyway, I don't know what the newer ones look like). But that is why I give it 5 stars. It does not include even one more sentence than is necessary to share the story. This is what happened at that camp. This is who was there, and what they were like, and what their dreams were, and how they made a few of those dreams come true. Highly recommended.
The author is not a brilliant writer, but they do know how to tell a story, probably from their background as an educator and a camp counselor. However, the simplicity of the writing increases its impact a bit because 1) the story is so compelling, you realize the author just had to get it down on paper, whether it sounded poetic or not, and 2) it feels almost unbearably authentic, like you are right there in the cabin with him taking notes in his diary each night with a flashlight. The book is a little dated in its language (we would probably call "handicapped" children "differently abled", for example), but the themes are intensely relevant today. He does not sanitize his thoughts, he is uncomfortable with the situation and he shares this information, but we are right there with him as his eyes are opened to a whole new way of experiencing the world, and he grows right along with us.
This book is extremely short, just 80 small pages with some sketches (in my original edition anyway, I don't know what the newer ones look like). But that is why I give it 5 stars. It does not include even one more sentence than is necessary to share the story. This is what happened at that camp. This is who was there, and what they were like, and what their dreams were, and how they made a few of those dreams come true. Highly recommended.
November 11, 2012
"nice" book in that you feel a glimmer of hope and encouragement, but I really did not care for it, and will not use it in my classroom again. On a personal level, the description of what MS is was awful. i recognize that research has come a long way since this book was published, but I dealt with explaining to my students that, just like each of them, not every disability is the same and what MS really entails. (I am not an expert, nor am I a neophyte, I have MS)
March 16, 2019
This book was very good. I even cried at the end of the epilogue. My favorite character was Benny B. He never lost his spirit. Instead, he lifted everyone else's. Even though it was short, this book had a lot of feeling and emotion in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2018
the acron people by ron jones is a good book and i enjoyed it alot, this book is about a camp for disabled people. throughout the book they talk about that it doesnt matter what you look like on the outside its how kind you are that really matters.
September 27, 2023
able-bodied guy discovers disabled people have feelings too!! he’s just an asshole who now has a savior complex. though some moments were heartwarming and i believe this short book was well-intentioned it did not accomplish what it was supposed to accomplish.
November 9, 2020
5/5 November 9, 2020. I read this book for school as a part of my teacher's class. It was a very sweet book and made a good class discussion.
August 31, 2022
This is what happens when you forget your book and take the kids to the dentist! Check the school bags for books!!!
Read
February 7, 2017This book was about a camp. The camp was made for specific people. These people were called handicapped. Their handicap was that they were in wheelchairs or mentally handicapped.
Mentally handicapped means that their brains aren’t developed fully or develop slower than normal. So they go to this camp to have a fun time and to give their parents a well deserved break. When the children arrive at this camp there really isn’t any emotion like they aren’t sad to leave their parents or happy or mad nothing. Then at the end when it is time for them to leave they feel sad to leave the camp and they feel something about the camp which is a real happy thing for the book. Their are little romances in the book crushes and stuff like that. There is good leadership and even bravery, this book was very good and I very much enjoyed reading it and I think you will to. This book was very interesting and caring and thoughtful and if you like books like that well there’s one more reason that you will enjoy this book.
Mentally handicapped means that their brains aren’t developed fully or develop slower than normal. So they go to this camp to have a fun time and to give their parents a well deserved break. When the children arrive at this camp there really isn’t any emotion like they aren’t sad to leave their parents or happy or mad nothing. Then at the end when it is time for them to leave they feel sad to leave the camp and they feel something about the camp which is a real happy thing for the book. Their are little romances in the book crushes and stuff like that. There is good leadership and even bravery, this book was very good and I very much enjoyed reading it and I think you will to. This book was very interesting and caring and thoughtful and if you like books like that well there’s one more reason that you will enjoy this book.
February 24, 2017
The Acorn People is written by Ron Jones and is about a camp counselor and a group of handicapped boys having adventures in Camp Wiggin. The group consists of the speedster Benny B, the talkative Spider, the quiet and mysterious Thomas Stewart, the shy but ruddy Arid, and the blind but navigating Martin. These boys and reluctant-at-first counselor Ron climb mountains and become kings and pirates and have fun in the camp (and get help from one camp nurse). I recommend on reading this book if you like heartwarming stories with adventure in between.
October 19, 2019
My class read this a few weeks ago, and I still have VERY VERY STRONG feelings about this book, so this review is going to gut this book to the garbage can.
Now here is why I hate this book, and it’s awful!
It was written when offensive terms for disabled people were used. It made me cringe and become angry when we heard the words or phrases ‘handicapped’, or ‘can’t do it because their HANDICAPPED’. It made me mad and I wasn’t a fan.
I also think their was no dialogue that interested me long enough. We get it from Rons prospective, but I wasn’t interested. At all.
The book had a good idea, but the writing is awful. That’s the main part of why I hate this book. No offense to the author, but this book shouldn’t be published. Ron Johnson is just such an awful writer and everything made me cringe and cry in agony in my head.
The representation was fucking awful as well. I have a disabled person in my family and the lack of rep for these characters ASTOUNDED ME.
While yes the book sends a good message, I can’t look past all the problems I listed here.
Ok I’ll shut up now, but I hate this book lmaooo
Now here is why I hate this book, and it’s awful!
It was written when offensive terms for disabled people were used. It made me cringe and become angry when we heard the words or phrases ‘handicapped’, or ‘can’t do it because their HANDICAPPED’. It made me mad and I wasn’t a fan.
I also think their was no dialogue that interested me long enough. We get it from Rons prospective, but I wasn’t interested. At all.
The book had a good idea, but the writing is awful. That’s the main part of why I hate this book. No offense to the author, but this book shouldn’t be published. Ron Johnson is just such an awful writer and everything made me cringe and cry in agony in my head.
The representation was fucking awful as well. I have a disabled person in my family and the lack of rep for these characters ASTOUNDED ME.
While yes the book sends a good message, I can’t look past all the problems I listed here.
Ok I’ll shut up now, but I hate this book lmaooo
February 23, 2022
This bok was supid. I hat it it weird it remind me of my unle. He toch my mom in bed. lol great read my broter lov this book
You sound like a bitch, bitch
Shut the fuck up
When your fans become your haters
You done?
Fuck, your beard's weird
Alright
You yellin' at the mic, you weird beard
We doin' this once
Your beard's weird, why you yellin' at the mic?
Rihanna just hit me on a text
Last night I left hickeys on her neck
Wait, you just dissed me? I'm perplexed
Insult me in a line, compliment me on the next, damn
I'm really sorry you want me to have a heart attack
Was watchin' 8 Mile on my NordicTrack
Realized I forgot to call you back
Here's that autograph for your daughter, I wrote it on a Starter cap
Stan, Stan, son, listen, man, dad isn't mad
But how you gonna name yourself after a damn gun and have a man bun?
The giant's woke, eyes open, undeniable
Supplyin' smoke, got the fire stoked
Say you got me in a scope, but you grazed me
I say one call to Interscope and you're Swayze
Your reply got the crowd yelling, "Woo"
So before you die let's see who can out-petty who
With your corny lines (Slim you're old)
Ow, Kelly, ooh, but I'm 45 and I'm still outselling you
By 29 I had three albums that had blew
Now let's talk about somethin' I don't really do
Go in someone's daughter's mouth stealin' food
But you're a fuckin' mole hill, now I'ma make a mountain out of you, woo!
Ho, chill, actin' like you put the chrome barrel to my bone marrow
Gunner? Bitch, you ain't a bow and arrow
Say you'll run up on me like a phone bill, sprayin' lead
Playin' dead, that's the only time you hold still
Are you eating cereal, or oatmeal?
What the fuck's in the bowl, milk? Wheaties or Cheerios?
'Cause I'm takin' a shit in 'em, Kelly, I need reading material
Dictionary
Yo Slim, your last four albums sucked
Go back to Recovery, oh shoot, that was three albums ago
What do you know? Oops, know your facts before you come at me, lil' goof
Luxury, oh, you broke, bitch?
Yeah, I had enough money in '02
To burn it in front of you, ho
Younger me? No, you the whack me
It's funny, but so true
I'd rather be 80 year old me than 20 year old you
'Til I'm hitting old age, still can fill a whole page with a 10 year old's rage
Got more fans than you in your own city, lil' kiddy
Go play, feel like I'm babysitting Lil Tay
Got the Diddy okay so you spent your whole day
Shootin' a video just to fuckin' dig your own grave
Got you at your own wake, I'm the billy goat
You ain't never made a list next to no Biggie, no Jay
Next to Taylor Swift, and that Iggy ho, you about to really blow
Kelly, they'll be putting your name
Next to Ja, next to Benzino, die, motherfucker
Like the last motherfucker sayin' Hailey in vain
Alien brain, you Satanist (yeah)
My biggest flops are your greatest hits
The game's mine again and ain't nothin' changed but the locks
So before I slay this bitch, mwah, give Jade a kiss
Gotta wake up Labor Day to this (the fuck?)
Bein' rich-shamed by some prick usin' my name for clickbait
In a state of bliss 'cause I said his goddamn name
Now I gotta cock back, aim, yeah, bitch, pop champagne to this
It's your moment, this is it
As big as you're gonna get, so enjoy it
Had to give you a career to destroy it
Lethal injection, go to sleep six feet deep
I'll give you a B for the effort, but if I was three
Foot 11, you'd look up to me, and for the record
You would suck a dick to fuckin' be me for a second
Lick a ballsack to get on my channel
Give your life to be as solidified
This mothafuckin' shit is like Rambo when he's out of bullets
So what good is a fuckin' machine gun when it's out of ammo?
Had enough of this tatted-up mumble rapper
How the fuck can him and I battle?
He'll have to fuck Kim in my flannel
I'll give him my sandals
'Cause he knows long as I'm Shady, he's gon' have to live in my shadow
Exhausting, letting off on my offspring
Like a gun barrel, bitch, get off me
You dance around it like a sombrero, we can all see
You're fuckin' salty 'cause young Gerald's balls-deep inside of Halsey
Your red sweater, your black leather
You dress better, I rap better
That a death threat or a love letter?
Little white toothpick
Thinks it's over a pic, I just don't like you, prick
Thanks for dissing me
Now I had an excuse on the mic to write, "Not Alike"
But really, I don't care who's in the right
But you're losin' the fight you picked
Who else want it, Kells?
Attempt fails, Budden, L's
Fuckin' nails in these coffins as soft as Cottonelle
Killshot, I will not fail, I'm with the Doc still
But this idiot's boss pops pills and tells him he's got skills
But Kells, the day you put out a hit's the day Diddy admits
That he put the hit out that got Pac killed, ah
I'm sick of you bein' whack
And still usin' that mothafuckin' Auto-Tune, so let's talk about it (let's talk about it)
I'm sick of your mumble rap mouth
Need to get the cock up out it before we can even talk about it (talk about it)
I'm sick of your blonde hair and earrings
Just 'cause you look in the mirror and think you're Marshall Mathers (Marshall Mathers)
Don't mean you are, and you're not about it
So just leave my dick in your mouth, and keep my daughter out it
You fuckin', oh
And I'm just playin', Diddy, you know I love you
Chek out emem he rap gud lmao
You sound like a bitch, bitch
Shut the fuck up
When your fans become your haters
You done?
Fuck, your beard's weird
Alright
You yellin' at the mic, you weird beard
We doin' this once
Your beard's weird, why you yellin' at the mic?
Rihanna just hit me on a text
Last night I left hickeys on her neck
Wait, you just dissed me? I'm perplexed
Insult me in a line, compliment me on the next, damn
I'm really sorry you want me to have a heart attack
Was watchin' 8 Mile on my NordicTrack
Realized I forgot to call you back
Here's that autograph for your daughter, I wrote it on a Starter cap
Stan, Stan, son, listen, man, dad isn't mad
But how you gonna name yourself after a damn gun and have a man bun?
The giant's woke, eyes open, undeniable
Supplyin' smoke, got the fire stoked
Say you got me in a scope, but you grazed me
I say one call to Interscope and you're Swayze
Your reply got the crowd yelling, "Woo"
So before you die let's see who can out-petty who
With your corny lines (Slim you're old)
Ow, Kelly, ooh, but I'm 45 and I'm still outselling you
By 29 I had three albums that had blew
Now let's talk about somethin' I don't really do
Go in someone's daughter's mouth stealin' food
But you're a fuckin' mole hill, now I'ma make a mountain out of you, woo!
Ho, chill, actin' like you put the chrome barrel to my bone marrow
Gunner? Bitch, you ain't a bow and arrow
Say you'll run up on me like a phone bill, sprayin' lead
Playin' dead, that's the only time you hold still
Are you eating cereal, or oatmeal?
What the fuck's in the bowl, milk? Wheaties or Cheerios?
'Cause I'm takin' a shit in 'em, Kelly, I need reading material
Dictionary
Yo Slim, your last four albums sucked
Go back to Recovery, oh shoot, that was three albums ago
What do you know? Oops, know your facts before you come at me, lil' goof
Luxury, oh, you broke, bitch?
Yeah, I had enough money in '02
To burn it in front of you, ho
Younger me? No, you the whack me
It's funny, but so true
I'd rather be 80 year old me than 20 year old you
'Til I'm hitting old age, still can fill a whole page with a 10 year old's rage
Got more fans than you in your own city, lil' kiddy
Go play, feel like I'm babysitting Lil Tay
Got the Diddy okay so you spent your whole day
Shootin' a video just to fuckin' dig your own grave
Got you at your own wake, I'm the billy goat
You ain't never made a list next to no Biggie, no Jay
Next to Taylor Swift, and that Iggy ho, you about to really blow
Kelly, they'll be putting your name
Next to Ja, next to Benzino, die, motherfucker
Like the last motherfucker sayin' Hailey in vain
Alien brain, you Satanist (yeah)
My biggest flops are your greatest hits
The game's mine again and ain't nothin' changed but the locks
So before I slay this bitch, mwah, give Jade a kiss
Gotta wake up Labor Day to this (the fuck?)
Bein' rich-shamed by some prick usin' my name for clickbait
In a state of bliss 'cause I said his goddamn name
Now I gotta cock back, aim, yeah, bitch, pop champagne to this
It's your moment, this is it
As big as you're gonna get, so enjoy it
Had to give you a career to destroy it
Lethal injection, go to sleep six feet deep
I'll give you a B for the effort, but if I was three
Foot 11, you'd look up to me, and for the record
You would suck a dick to fuckin' be me for a second
Lick a ballsack to get on my channel
Give your life to be as solidified
This mothafuckin' shit is like Rambo when he's out of bullets
So what good is a fuckin' machine gun when it's out of ammo?
Had enough of this tatted-up mumble rapper
How the fuck can him and I battle?
He'll have to fuck Kim in my flannel
I'll give him my sandals
'Cause he knows long as I'm Shady, he's gon' have to live in my shadow
Exhausting, letting off on my offspring
Like a gun barrel, bitch, get off me
You dance around it like a sombrero, we can all see
You're fuckin' salty 'cause young Gerald's balls-deep inside of Halsey
Your red sweater, your black leather
You dress better, I rap better
That a death threat or a love letter?
Little white toothpick
Thinks it's over a pic, I just don't like you, prick
Thanks for dissing me
Now I had an excuse on the mic to write, "Not Alike"
But really, I don't care who's in the right
But you're losin' the fight you picked
Who else want it, Kells?
Attempt fails, Budden, L's
Fuckin' nails in these coffins as soft as Cottonelle
Killshot, I will not fail, I'm with the Doc still
But this idiot's boss pops pills and tells him he's got skills
But Kells, the day you put out a hit's the day Diddy admits
That he put the hit out that got Pac killed, ah
I'm sick of you bein' whack
And still usin' that mothafuckin' Auto-Tune, so let's talk about it (let's talk about it)
I'm sick of your mumble rap mouth
Need to get the cock up out it before we can even talk about it (talk about it)
I'm sick of your blonde hair and earrings
Just 'cause you look in the mirror and think you're Marshall Mathers (Marshall Mathers)
Don't mean you are, and you're not about it
So just leave my dick in your mouth, and keep my daughter out it
You fuckin', oh
And I'm just playin', Diddy, you know I love you
Chek out emem he rap gud lmao
May 1, 2014
It was a good story but didn't wasn't really long enough to grasp it.... and the ending.... really?
March 31, 2018
This book was so beautiful. I work with these wonderful individuals with physical and developmental disabilities each day and honestly they teach me more about livin’
February 9, 2013
This is a great story for young adults very inspiring
March 27, 2019
The Acorn People, written by Ron Jones, is an autobiographical account of Ron's experience as a summer camp counselor. The book begins as Ron approaches his last week as a counselor, when the camp opens up to children with disabilities. Mr. Jones, along with the other counselors are upset and angry when they hear this news because they worry about the ability of the upcoming campers. Ron is responsible for a group of five campers, who have a range of disabilities. The book follows their week at camp as they beat all the odds and have a great camp experience! As a reader we see how Ron's view of children with disabilities changes as they accomplish the unfathomable.
The Acorn People has a lexile score of 720L, which suggests that this book is for readers in the second or third grade. I somewhat agree with this assessment. The short length of the book as a whole as well as the easy to digest words, pages, and chapters make it an attainable book for young readers. On the other hand, there are views and themes throughout the book that are far above the comprehension of a young elementary student. In the early stages of the book when Ron is speaking about his expectations there is some graphic language used, as well as some prejudice towards disabled people. The rest of the book seems to be more PG, than the first few pages. That being said I would suggest this book for a group of middle school students. The reason I read this book was because my 7th grade class was reading it. I think that this is a good fit due to the low lexile range and the heavier themes.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, but it was far to easy for me. I sat down to read the first couple chapters, and three hours later I was done with the book. I think that this is a great read for all ages and it was especially great for me due to my personal connections with summer camp. This book is a great way to introduce autobiographies and stereotypes to young readers and I would recommend it to all middle school language arts teachers.
The Acorn People has a lexile score of 720L, which suggests that this book is for readers in the second or third grade. I somewhat agree with this assessment. The short length of the book as a whole as well as the easy to digest words, pages, and chapters make it an attainable book for young readers. On the other hand, there are views and themes throughout the book that are far above the comprehension of a young elementary student. In the early stages of the book when Ron is speaking about his expectations there is some graphic language used, as well as some prejudice towards disabled people. The rest of the book seems to be more PG, than the first few pages. That being said I would suggest this book for a group of middle school students. The reason I read this book was because my 7th grade class was reading it. I think that this is a good fit due to the low lexile range and the heavier themes.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, but it was far to easy for me. I sat down to read the first couple chapters, and three hours later I was done with the book. I think that this is a great read for all ages and it was especially great for me due to my personal connections with summer camp. This book is a great way to introduce autobiographies and stereotypes to young readers and I would recommend it to all middle school language arts teachers.
May 29, 2023
I have read this book many times in my life -- and after reading it again -- I can still say that I liked it.
People are people -- we all are unique -- we are all different -- we all have feelings -- we all want to belong.
The book is from the camp counselor's point of view. He has volunteered to work at a kid's camp for the summer -- but is not expecting the kids to have a variety of handicaps and special needs. He is not sure how to interact with these kids and has to deal with his inadequacies in knowledge and experience as well as his anger for being put into this situation.
The mutual understanding comes when the acorn necklaces are made and shared with everyone in the camp thus dubbing everyone "acorn people" because they are all a little nutty.
Since the camp was designed for boy scouts, there is a lot of learning how to adapt -- but they do that -- and maybe for the first time in their lives -- the kids get to live "normal" lives having fun with each other and to celebrate their unique skills.
My favorite part is when they climb the mountain -- if the boy scouts can do it so can they -- and they do in their own way.
My second favorite is the play at the end of the book -- each camper has a unique roll to play -- which makes the camp nurse, Mrs. Nelson, my favorite character, who refused to let her children be condemned to a label.
"Why can't life be like this? Human beings in all their magnificence. Working to find that moment of pride. That one second of excellence at being alive. Hearing our singular voice held in harmony by the voices of those we love. The feeling of belonging not just to oneself but to the entire universe." (page 62)
This is a small paperback -- only 80 pages -- I love the illustrations by Tom Parker. More of a mature person book -- does have at least one bad word and the camp nurse appears drunk.
People are people -- we all are unique -- we are all different -- we all have feelings -- we all want to belong.
The book is from the camp counselor's point of view. He has volunteered to work at a kid's camp for the summer -- but is not expecting the kids to have a variety of handicaps and special needs. He is not sure how to interact with these kids and has to deal with his inadequacies in knowledge and experience as well as his anger for being put into this situation.
The mutual understanding comes when the acorn necklaces are made and shared with everyone in the camp thus dubbing everyone "acorn people" because they are all a little nutty.
Since the camp was designed for boy scouts, there is a lot of learning how to adapt -- but they do that -- and maybe for the first time in their lives -- the kids get to live "normal" lives having fun with each other and to celebrate their unique skills.
My favorite part is when they climb the mountain -- if the boy scouts can do it so can they -- and they do in their own way.
My second favorite is the play at the end of the book -- each camper has a unique roll to play -- which makes the camp nurse, Mrs. Nelson, my favorite character, who refused to let her children be condemned to a label.
"Why can't life be like this? Human beings in all their magnificence. Working to find that moment of pride. That one second of excellence at being alive. Hearing our singular voice held in harmony by the voices of those we love. The feeling of belonging not just to oneself but to the entire universe." (page 62)
This is a small paperback -- only 80 pages -- I love the illustrations by Tom Parker. More of a mature person book -- does have at least one bad word and the camp nurse appears drunk.
December 18, 2018
The Acorn People by Ron Jones is a small and simple book that manages to give an enormous emotional impact to those who read it. This is done by showing us some of the struggles that people who have special needs face compared to someone who doesn’t have special needs, and how they enjoy their life despite their needs. It does this by showing us the perspective of Ron, someone who isn’t disabled but volunteers to be a counselor at Camp Wiggin a summer camp for those with special needs. The beginning of the story starts with Ron think his days as a counselor will be full of sunny days spent hiking, swimming, and boating. However over the course of the first day during which the campers arrive he learns that he was perhaps to wishful thinking in how his time at Camp Wiggin would be spent. This is because the campers he and another counselor are in charge of need constant attention and aid do to their disabilities. However over the course of the book Ron comes to realize that the campers he’s in charge are more than their disabilities and that on the inside they same as any other kids. I definitely recommend that others read this book as the book isn’t too complicated or long and story is interesting.
June 27, 2024
I picked up The Acorn People by Ron Jones from a Free Little Library, drawn by its intriguing title.
This memoir recounts Ron Jones's experience as a camp counselor at Camp Wiggins, where he was tasked with looking after multiple children with chronic disabilities with only 24 hours' notice in a camp not designed for individuals with severe disabilities nor any direct care experience.
Initially, I found the descriptions of the children's disabilities to be stark and even grotesque. However, as the story unfolded, it became clear that the author's initial shock and discomfort were genuine and relatable (even as a disabled individual myself), given his unexpected and underprepared role at the camp.
By the end, the book had moved me deeply. It beautifully captures the themes of perseverance, friendship, and empathy. I couldn't help but bawl my eyes out.
The Acorn People is a heartfelt reminder that compassion and consideration can overcome even the toughest challenges.
This memoir recounts Ron Jones's experience as a camp counselor at Camp Wiggins, where he was tasked with looking after multiple children with chronic disabilities with only 24 hours' notice in a camp not designed for individuals with severe disabilities nor any direct care experience.
Initially, I found the descriptions of the children's disabilities to be stark and even grotesque. However, as the story unfolded, it became clear that the author's initial shock and discomfort were genuine and relatable (even as a disabled individual myself), given his unexpected and underprepared role at the camp.
By the end, the book had moved me deeply. It beautifully captures the themes of perseverance, friendship, and empathy. I couldn't help but bawl my eyes out.
The Acorn People is a heartfelt reminder that compassion and consideration can overcome even the toughest challenges.
January 5, 2023
the writing killed me- i cannot deal with books written in first person. However, the overall story is nice for a quick read. I don’t want to spoil anything, though you can very easily guess what happens as you’re reading it, but it broke my heart. It’s almost bittersweet? Definitely more bitter than sweet but it’s all about finding silver linings in everything and appreciating the moment- themes that are always going to be relevant. In sum: good story-ish, bad writing, and a sprinkle of ableism (more so at the beginning).
I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who doesn’t already have knowledge about it. Definitely take the descriptions with a grain of salt- it’s meant to take place in the 70s (?) so he likely was trying to convey his mindset at the time rather than what we know now. The whole thing feels a little grey- not entirely right or wrong.
I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who doesn’t already have knowledge about it. Definitely take the descriptions with a grain of salt- it’s meant to take place in the 70s (?) so he likely was trying to convey his mindset at the time rather than what we know now. The whole thing feels a little grey- not entirely right or wrong.
August 30, 2022
I read this book in 6th grade and I still think about it all the time. Although an easy and quick read, it is something for all ages as it tells the author's actual experience one summer working at a camp for disable kids. Ron Jones openly admits his lack of preparation or enthusiasm for the task at first but as he gets to know the kids in his cabin, he learns that despite their disabilities they are normal, amazing kids with hopes and dreams. The summer takes on a magical quality to it as a strong bond forms between Ron Jones and his campers as well as them with each other. The heartbreak doesn't truly come until the end, where it is revealed in the epilogue that many of the children died prematurely due to various accidents or succumbing to their illnesses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2017
The book I was reading is called The Acorn People, written by Ron Jones. I did like this book because it was talking about what camp was like back then. I would recommend this book to middle school students because the book has kids and about the age of middle school students.
The book was about some handicapped people and a camp. In spite of Mr. Grumpy, the director of the camp, he didn’t want to have fun or do anything. Spider, who has no arms and no legs, he was taught by other adults to learn how to have fun. I like the character Spider because he had no arms and legs and he still tried his best. Teenagers now should understand to never give up even if things are hard.
The book was about some handicapped people and a camp. In spite of Mr. Grumpy, the director of the camp, he didn’t want to have fun or do anything. Spider, who has no arms and no legs, he was taught by other adults to learn how to have fun. I like the character Spider because he had no arms and legs and he still tried his best. Teenagers now should understand to never give up even if things are hard.
December 15, 2017
A story about a group of young children that find friendship through a necklace of acorns. This camp filled with children who have many differing disabilities and counselors are all in an adventure of a lifetime. Through water aerobics and hiking trails, these children show us that nothing will stop them from achieving their dreams.
I really enjoyed the ups and downs of the book. It was a heart wrenching and warming story that I would recommend, especially to those thinking about special education. It was a great introduction into my special education course and it really helped me appreciate the strength these children have.
I really enjoyed the ups and downs of the book. It was a heart wrenching and warming story that I would recommend, especially to those thinking about special education. It was a great introduction into my special education course and it really helped me appreciate the strength these children have.
December 10, 2018
The book I read was The Acorn People by Ron Jones it was a good a really good book and a sweet book. what I liked about the book was how happy they all felt and how they weren’t judging people the way they were. And how they all felt comfortable and they became friends. I believe that I didn’t dislike anything about the book.I believe the people who will enjoy the book would be Junior High and High schools kids, I believed Adults as well. I believe that Elementarny age still wouldn’t understand the book and there some words that wouldn’t be used.
August 19, 2022
i don't think i'd ever recommend this book to anyone (especially not a disabled person nor for classroom instruction), but i'm definitely not going to forget it. outside of the author's demoralizing characterization of these children's lives and disabilities, the optimism in the book (minus the epilogue) was strong and compelling. the book, and the author's perspective as an able-bodied person, are very telling of its age (published in 1976). in sum, this book may be really short but read something else
March 14, 2025
This book is about a guy named Ron Jones coming into a new camp called Camp Wiggin. He was there to enjoy his summer by swimming and hiking, but he knew there were going to be kids with disabilities he had to take care of. Jones reality was broken after finding out the people with disabilities was worse than he thought. But soon many events happened with them and Ron Jones started to get along with the kids. They made these acorn necklaces and called themselves The Acorn People. Ron Jones realizes that these kids do not only have disabilities, but they show emotions.
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June 6, 2019I would recommend this book because it has a really good message and is non fiction. This message is never to judge someone by the outside, it is a memoir of the author Ron Jones and when he got a summer job as a camp counselor for a camp for special need kids. At first he was rude to them but when he got to know them better he fell for them. I would give this memoir a 8/10.
September 14, 2019
My middle school reading teacher read this book out loud to us. Two decades on and I recall the book quite thoroughly. It is probably intended for a younger audience but I think it provides a different perspective to able bodied kids as to why empathy and compassion are important. The ending is heart breaking but again it helps with a perspective and I think makes you want to be a kinder person.
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