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Ants Across the Page
“We were doing okay until my dad bought us a woman.”
Oh, wait. I’m not supposed to use the word bought. He hired us a woman. Her name was Maggie, and I knew we were in trouble from the beginning…”
Ants Across the Page is a story of the 1960s told from the perspective of an undiagnosed dyslexic eleven-year-old boy, Luke, who tries to spruce up his father so he can win the heart of a woman they refer to as “the sarge” behind her back. In a nutshell, whether you’re a kid whose letters move on the page or an awkward man with tractor grease under his fingernails — there’s always hope.
Oh, wait. I’m not supposed to use the word bought. He hired us a woman. Her name was Maggie, and I knew we were in trouble from the beginning…”
Ants Across the Page is a story of the 1960s told from the perspective of an undiagnosed dyslexic eleven-year-old boy, Luke, who tries to spruce up his father so he can win the heart of a woman they refer to as “the sarge” behind her back. In a nutshell, whether you’re a kid whose letters move on the page or an awkward man with tractor grease under his fingernails — there’s always hope.
240 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2022
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Connie Averitt Williams
1 book2 followersConnie taught school for thirty years. During that time she wrote curriculum for Christian schools and authored several books. She enjoys reading, playing the piano, and doing things like taking phone-photos of God’s amazing nature in the sunlight glare—and later viewing her work in the shade only to discover she has eight new selfies of her chin. Life is full of surprises.
Other books:
Right Hand Man by Connie Williams
Write Creatively by Connie Williams
Other books:
Right Hand Man by Connie Williams
Write Creatively by Connie Williams
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 27, 2022
This delightful story hooked me with the first sentence. It's told from the mind and heart of a fifth grade boy who is quite intelligent but struggles to read. This book made me smile, laugh, and tear up. I love Ms. Williams writing style. She blends serious subjects with just the right amount of humor and humanity. The characters are well-developed and I fell in love with all of them. So far, I bought 3 books ~ for myself and a for gifts. I will add it to my favorites on my book shelf and re-read it often. This is a good book for educators and students too.
October 11, 2022
Should be required (yet delightful) reading for all educators and parents
This heart-warming story sheds light on a learning challenge that is much more commonly diagnosed now, but has gone undetected for eons. I truly think it would behoove every new teacher, coach, and parent to read and see how creativity and love can work wonders in a child’s life.
While I learned some incredible tips and details, ANTS is not just a teaching book or tool. It’s a story of an unlikely family in 1960 so be ready to transport to another era…
The first page is loaded with descriptive passages that will have you feeling like you’re in the book yourself, so be prepared to live in the past for a few hundred pages. Descriptors, titles, products, it’s all from middle America 1960. The old-timey words and phrases will be an education in itself. If you’re young, you may be googling some terms and if you’re older, you may catch yourself with a little smile on your face as you read.
The family initially consists of a widowed dad with two sons who desperately need some help on a daily basis. This help comes in the form of Maggie, who whips them into shape quickly. However, underneath a newly clean kitchen and socks that match each day, the reader can tell something additional is bubbling beneath the surface. Learning challenges, old wounds, grief, and love are just some of those bubbles.
The characters grow (literally since Maggie is also widowed and pregnant) into a family over the course of the book with even a little bit of romance thrown in.
In the end, we have an excellent ending with all the characters having learned some lessons as well as the reader. I look forward to reading more stories by this author who is one of the most descriptive storytellers I’ve read.
This heart-warming story sheds light on a learning challenge that is much more commonly diagnosed now, but has gone undetected for eons. I truly think it would behoove every new teacher, coach, and parent to read and see how creativity and love can work wonders in a child’s life.
While I learned some incredible tips and details, ANTS is not just a teaching book or tool. It’s a story of an unlikely family in 1960 so be ready to transport to another era…
The first page is loaded with descriptive passages that will have you feeling like you’re in the book yourself, so be prepared to live in the past for a few hundred pages. Descriptors, titles, products, it’s all from middle America 1960. The old-timey words and phrases will be an education in itself. If you’re young, you may be googling some terms and if you’re older, you may catch yourself with a little smile on your face as you read.
The family initially consists of a widowed dad with two sons who desperately need some help on a daily basis. This help comes in the form of Maggie, who whips them into shape quickly. However, underneath a newly clean kitchen and socks that match each day, the reader can tell something additional is bubbling beneath the surface. Learning challenges, old wounds, grief, and love are just some of those bubbles.
The characters grow (literally since Maggie is also widowed and pregnant) into a family over the course of the book with even a little bit of romance thrown in.
In the end, we have an excellent ending with all the characters having learned some lessons as well as the reader. I look forward to reading more stories by this author who is one of the most descriptive storytellers I’ve read.
January 13, 2023
I am in love with Ants. Across the page. It's the kind of book that warms the heart because the author brings each character to life in a charming way. The story is about a dyslexic boy and his Down syndrome brother, who try to get by after their mother dies. Fifth-grader Luke assumes a caretaker role for seven-year-old Stevie, and I had to chuckle at the humorous results. While their father is a loving parent, he has to earn a living as a farmer and a tractor repairman in their barn, leaving little time for keeping up the home. which sorely needs a woman's touch. Enter, darling Maggie, whom they affectionately dub, "the Sarge," She hires on as their housekeeper but soon becomes much more, whipping the family and the home into shape in a delightful way. The entire family learns about love and God. I learned about dyslexia and Down's syndrome and their challenges in the natural environment of their family interactions. Each character is charming and I smiled often while learning about them. The book gave me the same warm feeling I felt while reading "The Mitford" series by Jan Karon. I hope Ms Williams writes more books.
January 10, 2024
Ants Across The Page by Connie Averitt Williams is the most heart warming Christian novel that I just could not put down. I read it in just one sitting.
The book is set on a farm in small town America during the 1960’s. The town is called Walnut Grove which reminded me of Walnut Grove in the Little House On The Prairie books and so that is what I pictured as I read.
It is in the farmhouse that we meet a very realistic dysfunctional family that have hearts full of love. The family consists of a widower, a seven year old with Downs Syndrome and eleven year old Luke who has dyslexia (undiagnosed). The mother died and they are all trying to cope as best they can. Housekeepers come and go until one day Maggie, a heavily pregnant lady, lands on their doorstep. She is larger than life with a heart that loves and keeps on loving.
Now, the house has a beating heart and a united family is born. Family are those who love us. Maggie is the hands and feet, the eyes and ears of Jesus. She loves through actions not words. She recognizes a family in need of rescue. And in turn, the family rescues her. We are reminded that God longs to rescue us from our situations.
Faith is important. We need to teach our world about Jesus. Maggie knows Jesus and introduces Him in a relaxed way. “When Maggie prayed, she talked to God like He was sitting right next to her, listening.” Maggie shows what a relationship with Jesus looks like. Jesus is there beside us. He takes our messes and transforms them into something beautiful.
Fathers are important. “Knowing that my dad was nearby.” Loving fathers’ bond with their children, who feel safe in their presence. Likewise, we can feel safe, resting in our heavenly Father’s arms.
The action is seen through the eyes of Luke. Disabilities in the 1960’s were often misunderstood and therefore, Luke faces huge difficulties. He is extremely clever verbally but struggles with the written word. School is failing him but people come alongside him in extraordinary ways. It is beautiful to follow Luke on his journey of discovery.
This is a book about love. It is love for one another in a family. It is not about grand gestures of love but the little everyday things that make a huge difference.
I adored Ants Across The Page. It is a beautiful, heartfelt family read, just perfect for ages twelve and over.
Having worked as a learning support assistant to special needs teens in the local high school, this book spoke to my heart. I have known many ‘Lukes’ over the years. This book spoke to my soul as we see the love of Jesus in action. I adored Ants Across The Page.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The book is set on a farm in small town America during the 1960’s. The town is called Walnut Grove which reminded me of Walnut Grove in the Little House On The Prairie books and so that is what I pictured as I read.
It is in the farmhouse that we meet a very realistic dysfunctional family that have hearts full of love. The family consists of a widower, a seven year old with Downs Syndrome and eleven year old Luke who has dyslexia (undiagnosed). The mother died and they are all trying to cope as best they can. Housekeepers come and go until one day Maggie, a heavily pregnant lady, lands on their doorstep. She is larger than life with a heart that loves and keeps on loving.
Now, the house has a beating heart and a united family is born. Family are those who love us. Maggie is the hands and feet, the eyes and ears of Jesus. She loves through actions not words. She recognizes a family in need of rescue. And in turn, the family rescues her. We are reminded that God longs to rescue us from our situations.
Faith is important. We need to teach our world about Jesus. Maggie knows Jesus and introduces Him in a relaxed way. “When Maggie prayed, she talked to God like He was sitting right next to her, listening.” Maggie shows what a relationship with Jesus looks like. Jesus is there beside us. He takes our messes and transforms them into something beautiful.
Fathers are important. “Knowing that my dad was nearby.” Loving fathers’ bond with their children, who feel safe in their presence. Likewise, we can feel safe, resting in our heavenly Father’s arms.
The action is seen through the eyes of Luke. Disabilities in the 1960’s were often misunderstood and therefore, Luke faces huge difficulties. He is extremely clever verbally but struggles with the written word. School is failing him but people come alongside him in extraordinary ways. It is beautiful to follow Luke on his journey of discovery.
This is a book about love. It is love for one another in a family. It is not about grand gestures of love but the little everyday things that make a huge difference.
I adored Ants Across The Page. It is a beautiful, heartfelt family read, just perfect for ages twelve and over.
Having worked as a learning support assistant to special needs teens in the local high school, this book spoke to my heart. I have known many ‘Lukes’ over the years. This book spoke to my soul as we see the love of Jesus in action. I adored Ants Across The Page.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 25, 2022
In this story, the words family, love, forgiveness, memories, and learning are central to the plot.
In it, an independent dad raises both his dyslexic son Luke and his Down syndrome son Stevie by himself. The place they live in is messed up, but everything works fine. When Maggie starts working there as a housekeeper who becomes familiar with tying up their stuff, it changes the lives of everyone involved in it.
Written from Luke's point of view, this book kept me turning the pages. My attention was captured from the very beginning to the very end. As the author expressed genuine emotions from the characters, the reader was able to identify with them. My self-identification is with Maggie, a forceful woman who likes to take care of others as a way of showing love and pleasing them.
There is no doubt that the book is a must-read for anyone of any age. However, the lessons it contains apply to the world we live in today.
Thanks to the author and BookSirens.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In it, an independent dad raises both his dyslexic son Luke and his Down syndrome son Stevie by himself. The place they live in is messed up, but everything works fine. When Maggie starts working there as a housekeeper who becomes familiar with tying up their stuff, it changes the lives of everyone involved in it.
Written from Luke's point of view, this book kept me turning the pages. My attention was captured from the very beginning to the very end. As the author expressed genuine emotions from the characters, the reader was able to identify with them. My self-identification is with Maggie, a forceful woman who likes to take care of others as a way of showing love and pleasing them.
There is no doubt that the book is a must-read for anyone of any age. However, the lessons it contains apply to the world we live in today.
Thanks to the author and BookSirens.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2022
Told from the perspective of fifth-grader Luke, this novel spans a year in the life of the Bradley family as they move from total chaos to an organised, loving home, thanks to the arrival of a new house-keeper, Maggie (aka Sarge). As she takes charge of the home, Luke continues to wrestle with his learning difficulties in an era where there was little to no understanding or resolution for such problems, while still taking responsibility for his dad and his little brother, Stevie… and devising techniques to ensure that Maggie will stay!
This is a new author for me and I look forward to reading more of her books. She weaves a skilful story, keeping the reader fully engaged with the events involving the various characters as they overcome each challenge they meet. This book is particularly thought-provoking for anyone interested in exploring the manner in which learning difficulties were addressed in the 1960’s.
This is a new author for me and I look forward to reading more of her books. She weaves a skilful story, keeping the reader fully engaged with the events involving the various characters as they overcome each challenge they meet. This book is particularly thought-provoking for anyone interested in exploring the manner in which learning difficulties were addressed in the 1960’s.
October 18, 2022
Ants Across the Page is a novel by Connie Averitt Williams. For me, Ants Across the Page is one of the best, feel good stories I have read in a long time. This story touches my heart and the characters are so believable and realistic, it felt like I was reading about family. I especially liked that the story was told from the point of view of Luke, a fifth grader with learning problems. His mother had died and his dad was hiring a housekeeper and cook. Maggie was a widow and pregnant and she moved in and took charge of dad William, Luke and his down syndrome little brother, Stevie. This wonderful story is told over the school year and I couldn't put it down. Ants Across the Page made me smile, laugh and cry… it is an amazing book. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 14, 2022
Loved this sweet story!! The author's flow of the story with main characters made this story one of the sweetest I've ever read. Love Maggie, what's not to love, right? William, the strong, compassionate wanna do everything right Widow, Dad, with a brilliant son, Luke and Stevie, who is DS. Adding Elizabeth to this crew made one lovable, irresistible makeshift family.
Numerous heartwarming scenes throughout that always left me chuckling or smiling. Very relatable, especially if you lived at that time, in 1960. Oh for the easier, down to earth living. Compassionate and loving story. So thankful got to read it and have it lift my day.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Numerous heartwarming scenes throughout that always left me chuckling or smiling. Very relatable, especially if you lived at that time, in 1960. Oh for the easier, down to earth living. Compassionate and loving story. So thankful got to read it and have it lift my day.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2022
I wasn’t prepared for Ants Across the Page. No one could be prepared for the sonnet of words Connie Williams used to place the reader, smack dab in the middle of Luke’s eleven-year-old mind. From the first paragraph, I was hooked and read this novel in two days.
Ants Across the Page will be a story I shall never forget! The story brought tears to my eyes and gratification to my heart. I know author Connie Williams’ heart was in this story, as mine was reading it!
I received a copy of Ants Across the Page for my honest review.
Ants Across the Page will be a story I shall never forget! The story brought tears to my eyes and gratification to my heart. I know author Connie Williams’ heart was in this story, as mine was reading it!
I received a copy of Ants Across the Page for my honest review.
November 6, 2022
He is dyslexic — before anyone knew what it was
He failed all the time — and a friend decided she needed to help. And then their housekeeper did her best to help him too, Of course the children decided they needed to do stuff to keep the housekeeper forever . . . . .such an amazing story — told mainly from the children’s viewpoint — totally loved it!!!I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
He failed all the time — and a friend decided she needed to help. And then their housekeeper did her best to help him too, Of course the children decided they needed to do stuff to keep the housekeeper forever . . . . .such an amazing story — told mainly from the children’s viewpoint — totally loved it!!!I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
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October 12, 2022Ants Across the Page is an excellent book that could stand alone on its merit as an engaging, heart-warming story, but in addition; this book is filled with instructive life wisdom, spiritual insights and rock-solid techniques for helping children with learning differences. It's a welcome departure from sci-fi fantasy, books promoting a political agenda or stories with no substance.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews