Petar: An Inspiring Story about an Unexpected Friendship

by Maranda Russell

Age Level: 7-11 (can be read independently or aloud)

When a new student with special needs joins Skyler's fourth grade classroom, Skyler and the other kids aren't sure how to react. However, a small gesture of kindness soon results in a friendship that becomes more than Petar or Skyler ever expected.

A heartwarming short story about looking past our differences and seeing others for who they are inside. Includes an afterword from the author about the real-life child who inspired the story.

13 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Hi! I am an award-winning artist, author, poet, book reviewer, and blogger. I have been given several awards and honors for my writings and artwork. I spend most of my time reading, writing, drawing, watching cartoons, hanging out with my family, playing with my cats, enjoying nature, browsing local bookstores and doing other fun, nerdy stuff.

Reviews

[Khadidja Lamameri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petar is a wonderful and inspiring book for children. The story is about a child with a disability (spine problem that causes a body to losses its control). The disability didn't allow Petar to enjoy much of the school's activities specially recess. Petar knew he was different but really wanted a friend, he did the first step by sharing his snack with Skyler who became his best friend since then. a small gesture made both boys best bodies. Unfortunately Petar had to be homeschooled because of his repetitive falls at recess and even though the relationship between Petar and his classmates didn't stop there. This book could be the best tool a teacher could use to make her/his classmates show care and sensitivity toward children with disabilities.

[Andrew Crossland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a UK educator, I was intrigued by this book as it covered some of the topics that interest me in today's classrooms. I thought the story was charming and dealt sensitively with Special Educational Needs issues. In turn, I think the story highlights the build-in kindness of all children with the lead character displaying these qualities throughout the story This story would be a effective text to read to children in order to explore the idea that all people have positive qualities and that we should treat people with kindness and respect.

[Bree Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Bree Wolf, author of Fireflies

‘Petar’ is a story about a boy with a disability who is different in a way or two as young Skyler realizes, slowly getting to know him. And yet Petar is a totally ‘normal’ kid in every other way. He wants to play, spend time with his friends, share his candy and just enjoy life.
This story makes you see how much we are all the same in what we want and hope for, and that people with a disability enrich our lives just as those without one do.
I felt sad when the story was over. I could have read more about Petar and his life.
Highly recommended!

[Ashley Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petar is a story that revolves around a boy with disability. The story is inspired by a little boy who has some kind of spinal disorder that prevented him from playing like other children. This touching story is about the friendship between Petar and Skyler and how Petar's classmates looked after him and made him feel good and have fun. This story teaches us that we all are different in one way or the other, yet together we complete ourselves and make life ever better. Great work by the author!

[J.S. Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story about Petar, a young boy who has special needs, and Skyler, a girl who reaches out to him. Their friendship is beautiful and realistic; it tugged at my emotions and made me cry. There are some nice turns of phrase. Skyler says, “My thoughts were swallowed up by Petar.” And Petar writes, with a profound understanding, “It is lonely sometimes being different, but then again, I guess it is probably lonely sometimes even being normal." Petar is a quick, good book to read.

[Angela Lambkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, indeed it was a very inspiring story that I would red for any age!

I enjoyed this inspiring type if story, a very clean reads that I would like to recommend for five stars and for kids ages 7-12 and up. I had received this ebook for free and in return , here is my honest review.
Great job Maranda! By Angela