Finding the Green Stone

by Alice Walker, Catherine Deeter (Illustrations)

After saying unkind things to family and friends, Johnny loses both his green stone and his interest in life, and he recovers them only when he discovers love in his heart.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 1991

About the author

Noted American writer Alice Walker won a Pulitzer Prize for her stance against racism and sexism in such novels as The Color Purple (1982).

People awarded this preeminent author of stories, essays, and poetry of the United States. In 1983, this first African woman for fiction also received the national book award. Her other books include The Third Life of Grange Copeland , Meridian , The Temple of My Familiar , and Possessing the Secret of Joy . In public life, Walker worked to address problems of injustice, inequality, and poverty as an activist, teacher, and public intellectual.

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Next door is a new teacher this year. She is aware that we read a book every day. She walked this over to me the other day suggesting we would enjoy it. I recognized the author but was unfamiliar with the story.

The theme of the story is clear: your inner self shines outwardly. I like the message.

Unfortunately, I believe the message is lost somewhat in the story. My students, while they enjoyed the tale (and most definitely the illustrations), struggled recognizing the theme. I had to provide a lot of explanation that it wasn't the physical stone that was lost, but the inner good that had to be located.

Because of that, this didn't work as well as I had hoped. It is a fine story, however.

[CKE387 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Message: Kindness will help shine your light to the world.
Enjoyable moral story.

Beautiful artwork, loved the various shading of the skin tones, eye colors, hair textures and colorful clothing and backgrounds.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young boy loses his green stone - life force? Connection to community? - and begins the hard work of making amends.

[Cricket Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1991, Walker’s book fits well into books about kindness and mindfulness. The expressive Illustrations complement Walker’s thoughtful text.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my word. Julie and Olivia suggested this one to me after that awful "Boy Who Swallowed Snakes" book. Yeah, this one is just as creepy. The pictures are awful! The moral/lesson is being rammed down your throat. Some of the things that happen are completely ridiculous. The wording at some points is just dumb or cheesy--or both. Almost makes me wish my favorite color wasn't green. Give me a break. The woman who wrote "The Color Purple" should NOT be writing children's books. Especially when the other one is called "To Hell with Dying."

[Gordon Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding the Green Stone is the story of young Johnny, who lives in a society where everyone has a green stone. Through kindness and love, the stones shine brighter and brighter. However, due to bad choices mad by Johnny, his stone nearly fizzles out. The rest of the story revolves around Johnny trying to learn what kindness truly is. This was a very neat book; the concept was very creative. The book has a good moral lesson, even though the illustrations were average. I would certainly recommend this book for any classroom.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy loses his green stone, which is the very thing that makes him unique. An enjoyable allegory about self-awareness.

[Yotamhod24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

although this is a childrens story that can be read in about 20 minutes, it is very deep, well written, and moving. i love it, and it has influenced the way i look at and treat others.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great children's book about loving others.