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The Push
John is an expert at a lot of different things: he can give you any statistic about his favorite baseball team, he can make people laugh until milk squirts out their noses, and he can solve any math problem in his head. But when John was born, his arms and legs didn't work, so John spends his life in his wheelchair. John and his best friend, Marcus, go on lots of adventures together, with Marcus pushing the wheelchair and John providing the entertainment. They learn that they are both stronger together than they are on their own.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 3, 2018
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 3, 2018
This is a children's book about friendship. I say that it is written for children but I believe that there is a message in there for everyone. It is based on the story of real-life friends Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, who wrote I'll Push You.
In this story, Marcus moves next to John and the two of them became friends almost immediately. The two become inseparable. Where ever and what ever they do, Marcus helps John but having a great sense of humor and providing the fuel to push John's wheelchair.
I was given this book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review. However, even if that were not the case, I would have purchased this book for my grandchildren, after I read I'll Push You. Excellent book and I highly recommend it for every family and classroom.
In this story, Marcus moves next to John and the two of them became friends almost immediately. The two become inseparable. Where ever and what ever they do, Marcus helps John but having a great sense of humor and providing the fuel to push John's wheelchair.
I was given this book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review. However, even if that were not the case, I would have purchased this book for my grandchildren, after I read I'll Push You. Excellent book and I highly recommend it for every family and classroom.
November 7, 2019
Need more! I love it! At first, I thought, what kid is going to do the things that Marcus did for John, right off the bat. But then I realized how cynical I was being about the storytelling, how I was looking for the average story with the "what did we learn" at the end. While this book has that at the end, it has it all the way through. Need more!
April 23, 2018
This book is a wonderful tale of friendship that is actually based on the real-life friendship of the authors, Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck. They have a book for adults called I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair.
My girls are in physical therapy for a genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. We frequently see children in wheelchairs at therapy and thank God my girls don't see a disability. They just see someone to talk to and to make friends with.
But, many children are not exposed to children (or adults) with disabilities. This book illustrates a beautiful friendship between two boys—one of which is in a wheelchair. Children need this exposure. They need to see that we are all people who deserve love and respect.
The kids loved this book so much. Two of my most tender-hearted girls cried when we read this book the first time. They ask to read it often.
This book is perfect to start teaching compassion to your children ages 5-9. Although I will say, I might have had a few tears in my eyes myself as I read this book aloud to the girls.
This book was provided to me by Tyndale. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
My girls are in physical therapy for a genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. We frequently see children in wheelchairs at therapy and thank God my girls don't see a disability. They just see someone to talk to and to make friends with.
But, many children are not exposed to children (or adults) with disabilities. This book illustrates a beautiful friendship between two boys—one of which is in a wheelchair. Children need this exposure. They need to see that we are all people who deserve love and respect.
The kids loved this book so much. Two of my most tender-hearted girls cried when we read this book the first time. They ask to read it often.
This book is perfect to start teaching compassion to your children ages 5-9. Although I will say, I might have had a few tears in my eyes myself as I read this book aloud to the girls.
This book was provided to me by Tyndale. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
March 20, 2018
https://audrasbookblabbing.wordpress....
Cleanliness: Angel (Ages 5+ Topic to consider: disability.)
4.5 stars
I didn't understand the name of this book until I looked at the cover. I might have "aww'd" a little! Haha. The pictures were very cute throughout, and I liked how some of the words overlapped the pictures while some had their own white space. (It was a teensy bit hard to read when the words were in a tree, though.)
The Push teaches kids that just because you have differences doesn't mean you can't be friends with someone. It also shows how you can help people with disabilities. It actually was a deep story!
One main character, Marcus, went the extra mile for his friend. The one thing that took this down to a 4.5 stars for me was that while it did teach how to go that extra mile, I felt it might give too high of expectations to some children. Not every friend is a Marcus, and I think the author should have touched on that, too.
This was a very sweet book that I think a lot of children will enjoy and learn from. It's especially sweet because it is based off the real-life friendship of the author and his illustrator.
~I was sent a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for an honest review~
Cleanliness: Angel (Ages 5+ Topic to consider: disability.)
4.5 stars
I didn't understand the name of this book until I looked at the cover. I might have "aww'd" a little! Haha. The pictures were very cute throughout, and I liked how some of the words overlapped the pictures while some had their own white space. (It was a teensy bit hard to read when the words were in a tree, though.)
The Push teaches kids that just because you have differences doesn't mean you can't be friends with someone. It also shows how you can help people with disabilities. It actually was a deep story!
One main character, Marcus, went the extra mile for his friend. The one thing that took this down to a 4.5 stars for me was that while it did teach how to go that extra mile, I felt it might give too high of expectations to some children. Not every friend is a Marcus, and I think the author should have touched on that, too.
This was a very sweet book that I think a lot of children will enjoy and learn from. It's especially sweet because it is based off the real-life friendship of the author and his illustrator.
~I was sent a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for an honest review~
October 23, 2018
The story of John and Marcus, two boys who are neighbors and become best friends. Marcus moves in next door to John and John goes out to meet his new best friend. Marcus and John share an interest in baseball, hiking, eating pizza, and are in the same class at school. John has a condition that makes it necessary for him to use a wheelchair and sometimes feels like a burden to Marcus because he can't do everything that other boys their age can do. He needs some extra help, but Marcus doesn't mind because having John around makes everything better. He's a whiz at math, he knows all the baseball stats, and he tells the best jokes. John's energy and sense of humor make everyone and everything better. Marcus can run and hike and climb stairs, but he needs help with math and can't tell jokes and doesn't remember baseball statistics. Both boys appreciate the other for the things that they CAN do rather than resent each other for the things that they can't.
This is such a nice story about friendship and what makes everyone different and special in their own ways.
This is such a nice story about friendship and what makes everyone different and special in their own ways.
March 24, 2018
This is the beautiful story of the friendship between Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck. I read their story in the book I’ll Push You and was excited when asked to read this version, written for children.
Gorgeous illustrations help to tell the tale of two very typical boys. One just happens to be in a wheelchair. The boys do everything together, with Marcus helping John when needed. Nothing stops them! What a touching tribute to an authentic friendship, teaching children that at the heart we’re all alike, and we all have gifts to contribute.
This book is fabulous for children and adults, and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Gorgeous illustrations help to tell the tale of two very typical boys. One just happens to be in a wheelchair. The boys do everything together, with Marcus helping John when needed. Nothing stops them! What a touching tribute to an authentic friendship, teaching children that at the heart we’re all alike, and we all have gifts to contribute.
This book is fabulous for children and adults, and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
March 1, 2021
I couldn't decide whether to give this book a 4 or a 5 star rating. I truly love the story and the message. I thought more could have been done with the print of the text. I also had unanswered questions such as how did Marcus get John on his back to carry him given Marcus didn't have use of his arms. Or how did they go sledding together? Maybe it's the professional special educator in me that would have liked more detail. Otherwise it' a wonderful book so I gave it 5 stars.
January 4, 2019
A socially important book, the story is of a boy whose arms and legs do not work, and the friend who stays by his side throughout his childhood.
May 16, 2019
What a sweet story, with a great lesson.
The only thing wrong with this book is that these boys are BoSox fans.
The only thing wrong with this book is that these boys are BoSox fans.
February 15, 2021
A lovely inclusive story about selfless friendship and love. A bit of a tearjerker.
March 26, 2018
If you haven't yet read 'I'll Push You' (click for my review!) or seen the movie (I've yet too sadly) then I have to insist you do so. Two best friends, one with a extremely limiting physical disability, who chose to work together to overcome obstacles that other's put in their way. I was so excited to see that this dynamic duo came out with a children's book of their inspiring friendship and unparalleled spirit. Geared for children aged 5 and older this book is perfect for your Minions to build a conversation and awareness of not only disabilities but also that everyone has a story to tell and everyone has a gift to share. Even if the gift is helping someone else find their place in this world.
While I currently do have easy access to my Minions I know that when we do get together this summer this will be a book that is returned to again and again. MooMoo is of such an open heart that she will be drawn to the story and as a budding reader will be able to read to herself and the younger ones with ease. Goobie is my heart. He'll be full of questions (and concerns) but also will find a way to incorporate this theme into who he is. That's just the amazing Minions they are. I don't have to read it right this minute with them to know where the discussions will lead. The compassion and concern that will lead to understanding and insight. The growth of my babies as they stretch their ages to to maturity. And stretch their hearts to the world.
As an adult, the themes of this story reverberate back to the original story of two besties leading each other through life. I still firmly believe that every friendship needs a Justin (John) to allow us all to see that being unable does not make one incapable. Being helped is not the same as being helpless. I also still firmly believe that every friendship needs a Patrick (Marcus) to allow us all to see that stepping up to help another does not mean they are stepping down to helpless. That sometimes the helper is actually the helpee. This book is an amazing tool to teach children that everyone has a role in life, a value to our world, and that in friendship there is balance. There is acceptance and their is love. Compassion does not equal pity. These two gentlemen can teach us all so much, young and old, and we need to make an effort to never stop learning and growing and helping each other.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally posted at https://fizzypopcollection.com/the-push/.
While I currently do have easy access to my Minions I know that when we do get together this summer this will be a book that is returned to again and again. MooMoo is of such an open heart that she will be drawn to the story and as a budding reader will be able to read to herself and the younger ones with ease. Goobie is my heart. He'll be full of questions (and concerns) but also will find a way to incorporate this theme into who he is. That's just the amazing Minions they are. I don't have to read it right this minute with them to know where the discussions will lead. The compassion and concern that will lead to understanding and insight. The growth of my babies as they stretch their ages to to maturity. And stretch their hearts to the world.
As an adult, the themes of this story reverberate back to the original story of two besties leading each other through life. I still firmly believe that every friendship needs a Justin (John) to allow us all to see that being unable does not make one incapable. Being helped is not the same as being helpless. I also still firmly believe that every friendship needs a Patrick (Marcus) to allow us all to see that stepping up to help another does not mean they are stepping down to helpless. That sometimes the helper is actually the helpee. This book is an amazing tool to teach children that everyone has a role in life, a value to our world, and that in friendship there is balance. There is acceptance and their is love. Compassion does not equal pity. These two gentlemen can teach us all so much, young and old, and we need to make an effort to never stop learning and growing and helping each other.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally posted at https://fizzypopcollection.com/the-push/.
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November 20, 2018This book was really cool and amazingly felt really normal and not didactic at all.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews