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Elaine's Circle: A Teacher, a Student, a Classroom, and One Unforgettable Year
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 25, 2018
This was touching. I read it for a work-related book club as I work in education. This made me want to be a teacher more like Elaine. This story is about her class and community more than Seamus illness. I cried, though. I want to read it again.
October 30, 2007
This book is a true story about how a teacher and her class support a student as he is fighting brain cancer. It was a hopeful, but poignant story.
May 9, 2007
This woman is the teacher I hope to be someday. What she does for her students is incredible. Do not start it without a box of tissues handy!
September 29, 2008
Amazing story, amazing woman. My fourth grade teacher :)
June 1, 2018
Any teacher should read this short gem!
May 30, 2024
A Miraculous Story
I grew up in Alaska. Son of respected and beloved schoolteachers. A student of many fantastic teachers including my parents. This story definitely resonated with me. I was drawn to this book for several reasons. Number one was obvious, it took place in Alaska, my home state. Not only that, I was very familiar with the Eagle River area and had worked for a year and a half as the pool manager of the Chugiak Swimming Pool. I even knew of one of the people in the book.
This was a magical book about a teacher who made a difference in the lives of her students. Toward the end of the book, I confess that I became emotional and shed tears of empathy and compassion. I trained to be a teacher and I wanted to be like the teacher exemplified in this book.
Thank you Mr. Katz for this wonderful present!
I grew up in Alaska. Son of respected and beloved schoolteachers. A student of many fantastic teachers including my parents. This story definitely resonated with me. I was drawn to this book for several reasons. Number one was obvious, it took place in Alaska, my home state. Not only that, I was very familiar with the Eagle River area and had worked for a year and a half as the pool manager of the Chugiak Swimming Pool. I even knew of one of the people in the book.
This was a magical book about a teacher who made a difference in the lives of her students. Toward the end of the book, I confess that I became emotional and shed tears of empathy and compassion. I trained to be a teacher and I wanted to be like the teacher exemplified in this book.
Thank you Mr. Katz for this wonderful present!
March 1, 2023
This was a book about an amazing student in a classroom community of learners. The teacher, was flexible, compassionate and a leader that turned a unique set of circumstances into a life changing year for a class of 25 students. Elaine Moore guided this class to work as a community circle where there was no beginning and there was no end.
August 4, 2024
Written in 2005 about an inspiring teacher who has a student dying of brain cancer. She builds a strong class
community and is able to support the little boy, Seamus, through his cancer by bringing the class to him at his house. This also teaches the class a beautiful life lesson in loving kindness and does not shy away from the reality of death. What a beautiful story that shows the benefit of going outside of the required “curriculum” to learn important life skills. What every teacher truly desires!
community and is able to support the little boy, Seamus, through his cancer by bringing the class to him at his house. This also teaches the class a beautiful life lesson in loving kindness and does not shy away from the reality of death. What a beautiful story that shows the benefit of going outside of the required “curriculum” to learn important life skills. What every teacher truly desires!
July 18, 2008
I really loved this book. Yes, it was sad, but it was so well-written and compassionate that the underlying story was not about death, but life, and how his illness affected a community, and how one person can become an everyday hero and role model. As an Amazon.com reviewer said: “The story is so well written, before you know it the book is done and your life is changed forever.” I totally agree.
Read
January 26, 2010Touching read. Predictable but shows the beauty of a classroom.
July 6, 2023
Summary: Elaine views Circle Time as key to building a learning community with her students. When one of them is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Elaine and her circle of students, including the one dying find ways to make that fourth grade a most extraordinary year.
There was more to Elaine Moore than met the eye. She spoke with a soft voice, hardly the take-charge-in-the-classroom voice. She spent Circle Time every day at the beginning of classes, just talking, and listening to children talk about their lives in small town Alaska. Yet her fourth graders listened, and learned more than just the subjects she taught. They learned about each other and to care for each other as well as how to enlarge the circle by caring for others. Kids were encouraged to find ways to turn each day into a celebration.
This is the story of one year in the life of this gifted, caring teacher, and one class of fourth graders, including one of them, Seamus Farrell, with terminal cancer of the brain. Not the best student, he always worked hard, Quiet but spirited, and always caring about his classmates. It was Seamus, who on a field trip, faced with a fork in the trail at which it wasn’t clear which way to go said, “That way, Mrs. Moore!” He’d been absent a lot as Christmas approached with what was thought the flu going around, with headaches and vomiting–and a funny limp that didn’t quite fit the picture. When his mother, training to be a nurse, saw his response to a neurological test, she knew there was trouble. Surgery revealed an inoperable tumor deep inside his brain. Radiation could knock it back and steroids could control the swelling. They gave him six weeks.
Elaine had faced death before, when faced with breast cancer, and had talked with her students honestly at that time. Now she gathered them again and told them the truth, sensitively but honestly, that Seamus was facing a very serious illness and might not return to class. They talked about the possibility of death, which Elaine deferred to discussions with parents. But the Circle cared and wanted to see Seamus. Working with the principal and parents, arrangements were made for three to four students to visit during lunch several times a week, to go over homework assignments, and to do the one thing Seamus needed most, just to be with him and assure him he was still a part of the class. Later, the class makes a quilt with a square representing each child to present to Seamus. One of the most remarkable instances of Elaine’s bond with Seamus comes in the circumstances in which she presents the quilt to Seamus, an interaction which was literally life-giving.
This is not merely the story of a caring teacher who walks her class through one of the toughest situations they could face. It is the story of Seamus, his courage in the face of death, his honest conversations with a thoughtful pastor, his love for his class, and determination to finish fourth grade and enter fifth grade. It’s the story of a family and community who do their best by one another, faced with such a devastating diagnosis. No platitudes or stupid remarks. No denial of death. No one using the situation for personal advantage. Simply people doing the best they can while their hearts are breaking. Including children, who when treated with honesty and respect, show themselves incredibly creative and caring and responsible.
I reviewed another Bob Katz book, Third and Long, earlier this year. That was a fictional account of an Ohio town facing a factory closure when a drifter comes through, raising hopes for the high school football team and even for the factory. This was a true story. Both gesture toward what communities can be at their best, a message much needed in our divisive times. This also celebrates the significant role of teachers, who, at their best, teach far more than a state-approved curriculum. Here is a story of students, teachers, administrators, and parents, not at odds with each other, but together to care for one courageous child facing death.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author.
There was more to Elaine Moore than met the eye. She spoke with a soft voice, hardly the take-charge-in-the-classroom voice. She spent Circle Time every day at the beginning of classes, just talking, and listening to children talk about their lives in small town Alaska. Yet her fourth graders listened, and learned more than just the subjects she taught. They learned about each other and to care for each other as well as how to enlarge the circle by caring for others. Kids were encouraged to find ways to turn each day into a celebration.
This is the story of one year in the life of this gifted, caring teacher, and one class of fourth graders, including one of them, Seamus Farrell, with terminal cancer of the brain. Not the best student, he always worked hard, Quiet but spirited, and always caring about his classmates. It was Seamus, who on a field trip, faced with a fork in the trail at which it wasn’t clear which way to go said, “That way, Mrs. Moore!” He’d been absent a lot as Christmas approached with what was thought the flu going around, with headaches and vomiting–and a funny limp that didn’t quite fit the picture. When his mother, training to be a nurse, saw his response to a neurological test, she knew there was trouble. Surgery revealed an inoperable tumor deep inside his brain. Radiation could knock it back and steroids could control the swelling. They gave him six weeks.
Elaine had faced death before, when faced with breast cancer, and had talked with her students honestly at that time. Now she gathered them again and told them the truth, sensitively but honestly, that Seamus was facing a very serious illness and might not return to class. They talked about the possibility of death, which Elaine deferred to discussions with parents. But the Circle cared and wanted to see Seamus. Working with the principal and parents, arrangements were made for three to four students to visit during lunch several times a week, to go over homework assignments, and to do the one thing Seamus needed most, just to be with him and assure him he was still a part of the class. Later, the class makes a quilt with a square representing each child to present to Seamus. One of the most remarkable instances of Elaine’s bond with Seamus comes in the circumstances in which she presents the quilt to Seamus, an interaction which was literally life-giving.
This is not merely the story of a caring teacher who walks her class through one of the toughest situations they could face. It is the story of Seamus, his courage in the face of death, his honest conversations with a thoughtful pastor, his love for his class, and determination to finish fourth grade and enter fifth grade. It’s the story of a family and community who do their best by one another, faced with such a devastating diagnosis. No platitudes or stupid remarks. No denial of death. No one using the situation for personal advantage. Simply people doing the best they can while their hearts are breaking. Including children, who when treated with honesty and respect, show themselves incredibly creative and caring and responsible.
I reviewed another Bob Katz book, Third and Long, earlier this year. That was a fictional account of an Ohio town facing a factory closure when a drifter comes through, raising hopes for the high school football team and even for the factory. This was a true story. Both gesture toward what communities can be at their best, a message much needed in our divisive times. This also celebrates the significant role of teachers, who, at their best, teach far more than a state-approved curriculum. Here is a story of students, teachers, administrators, and parents, not at odds with each other, but together to care for one courageous child facing death.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author.
October 21, 2024
A beautiful, heart breaking but uplifting true story.
***********************************
Have you ever had an unforgettable teacher who changed your life forever?
In Eagle River, Alaska, teachers are under pressure to "teach to the test." Elaine Moore, however, has devoted her career to teaching what she believes is the most crucial lesson of all, that learning only matters in its relationship to others. In Elaine’s Circle, that lesson will be put to its most severe test.
Elaine has been told that Seamus, a popular 4th grade boy in her class, has terminal brain cancer. Elaine's Circle is the true story of how this courageous teacher rallied an entire community in support of her bold decision to engage the students in the most difficult conversation of all, the impending death of their friend and classmate.
This true-life story surges with drama as students, townsfolk and, most of all, Elaine Moore embark on a turbulent yet uplifting journey. With raging battles being fought today over what can be taught in schools and who gets to decide, Elaine’s Circle stands as an inspiring example of how a determined, compassionate teacher can bring people together when they are most in need.
“This book is a gift. It’s a reminder of the profound lessons that can happen daily in the classroom of a gifted teacher. Elaine’s Circle is also a lesson about what children are capable of when treated with honesty and respect."
***********************************
Have you ever had an unforgettable teacher who changed your life forever?
In Eagle River, Alaska, teachers are under pressure to "teach to the test." Elaine Moore, however, has devoted her career to teaching what she believes is the most crucial lesson of all, that learning only matters in its relationship to others. In Elaine’s Circle, that lesson will be put to its most severe test.
Elaine has been told that Seamus, a popular 4th grade boy in her class, has terminal brain cancer. Elaine's Circle is the true story of how this courageous teacher rallied an entire community in support of her bold decision to engage the students in the most difficult conversation of all, the impending death of their friend and classmate.
This true-life story surges with drama as students, townsfolk and, most of all, Elaine Moore embark on a turbulent yet uplifting journey. With raging battles being fought today over what can be taught in schools and who gets to decide, Elaine’s Circle stands as an inspiring example of how a determined, compassionate teacher can bring people together when they are most in need.
“This book is a gift. It’s a reminder of the profound lessons that can happen daily in the classroom of a gifted teacher. Elaine’s Circle is also a lesson about what children are capable of when treated with honesty and respect."
October 15, 2022
A community of love, joy and discovery - a school classroom
After 30 years in an elementary classroom, I had many wonderful memories of students just like those in Room 112. Elaine Moore is remarkably like many of my former colleagues. When teachers and schools today are treated with disrespect I look at all those role models like Elaine Moore, the teachers who have given their lives in school shootings trying to save their students and say these are the teachers I know not those portrayed by politicians and disgruntled people. While methods may be different, teachers desire to try and establish that community of life-long learners in their classrooms. Hats off to Bob Katz for sharing this story of love, kindness and commitment in Ravenswood Elementary. Rest assured that those classrooms are prevalent across our country and teachers deserve our heartfelt gratitude for all they do in shaping our future generations.
After 30 years in an elementary classroom, I had many wonderful memories of students just like those in Room 112. Elaine Moore is remarkably like many of my former colleagues. When teachers and schools today are treated with disrespect I look at all those role models like Elaine Moore, the teachers who have given their lives in school shootings trying to save their students and say these are the teachers I know not those portrayed by politicians and disgruntled people. While methods may be different, teachers desire to try and establish that community of life-long learners in their classrooms. Hats off to Bob Katz for sharing this story of love, kindness and commitment in Ravenswood Elementary. Rest assured that those classrooms are prevalent across our country and teachers deserve our heartfelt gratitude for all they do in shaping our future generations.
May 8, 2017
Elaine is who we, as parents, hope our kids are lucky to have at least once in their schooling careers. Elaine is who we, as teachers, pray we grow into as educators of tomorrow's leaders. This book came for me at the right time-the end of the school year can be taxing in a myriad of ways. Seamus' story reminded me when I needed it most that we make a difference in our kids' lives. We might not have an event as catastrophic as inoperable brain cancer to show us how the little decisions that we make day in and day out add up to a big hill of beans (God willing), but matter they do. And the relationships that we stoked throughout the year with our kids and their families really do have ripple effects. This was what I needed to hear in between bawling my eyes out toward the end of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
Elaine was a teacher of 4th graders. She like to do things a bit different in her class than
most teachers. She liked to show her students things about other classmates. Elaine liked to have the kids sit on the floor in a circle and she would sit also. They would talk about lots of different things. There was a classmate named Seamus who eventually got sick and later learned he had brain cancer. Elaine did her best to somehow let Seamus still be part of his class in every way possible. Seamus tried to go to school while he was able. Toward the end the classmates made cards for him and lastly made a patchwork quilt in squares where each student drew what they want on their square for Seamus. Everyone learned something from Seamus life as well as most of town people.
most teachers. She liked to show her students things about other classmates. Elaine liked to have the kids sit on the floor in a circle and she would sit also. They would talk about lots of different things. There was a classmate named Seamus who eventually got sick and later learned he had brain cancer. Elaine did her best to somehow let Seamus still be part of his class in every way possible. Seamus tried to go to school while he was able. Toward the end the classmates made cards for him and lastly made a patchwork quilt in squares where each student drew what they want on their square for Seamus. Everyone learned something from Seamus life as well as most of town people.
October 11, 2022
A Community Reacts as a 4th Grader Faces Death
Bob Katz has captured the miracle that happened one year to a 4th grade class and their teacher. By explaining that year, step by step, he has managed to duplicate it in our hearts. We each have at least one teacher who made a huge difference in our lives. Teachers have certain students who have made an impression on them. This is a story that involves everyone, beyond the classroom to the whole community. I urge you to read it. Please urge others to read it. There is a certain magic involved that cannot be explained, but Bob Katz does a mighty good job of trying. Thank you for writing this book and sharing this story of a phenomenal community and one spunky 4th grader facing terminal illness.
Bob Katz has captured the miracle that happened one year to a 4th grade class and their teacher. By explaining that year, step by step, he has managed to duplicate it in our hearts. We each have at least one teacher who made a huge difference in our lives. Teachers have certain students who have made an impression on them. This is a story that involves everyone, beyond the classroom to the whole community. I urge you to read it. Please urge others to read it. There is a certain magic involved that cannot be explained, but Bob Katz does a mighty good job of trying. Thank you for writing this book and sharing this story of a phenomenal community and one spunky 4th grader facing terminal illness.
June 18, 2022
Touching and Inspiring
Often my reading is superficial to get me sleepy for bed. This book grabbed me as I tried to learn from it. I had to make myself close it before I stayed up all night reading. I loved Elaine's love of her students and great talent to get them engaged. I loved her motto that you learn throughout your life. When you stop learning is when you die.
Rita Bennett
Often my reading is superficial to get me sleepy for bed. This book grabbed me as I tried to learn from it. I had to make myself close it before I stayed up all night reading. I loved Elaine's love of her students and great talent to get them engaged. I loved her motto that you learn throughout your life. When you stop learning is when you die.
Rita Bennett
October 9, 2022
I loved the story, the interaction between teacher and students, and the way the students enveloped their dying classmate. However, the story was v-e-r-y slow to read! Omigosh, if you love Alaska, you'll love all the description. But i skimmed all that to see what happened. Beautiful heartfelt story, so important for us in a society where so many people are dying and yet we are trained not to engage.
June 27, 2023
What a beautiful story
I think this book was perfect. Bob Katz told a story and told it well. He captured the essence of room 112, without drama or embellishments. Any of that would have ruined the core of the story. I can't say enough good about this book. Teachers out there, read this. It will restore you when you feel overwhelmed by the hurdles you're forced through in today's test driven schools.
I think this book was perfect. Bob Katz told a story and told it well. He captured the essence of room 112, without drama or embellishments. Any of that would have ruined the core of the story. I can't say enough good about this book. Teachers out there, read this. It will restore you when you feel overwhelmed by the hurdles you're forced through in today's test driven schools.
June 5, 2022
Such a good book!
I fully expected to cry, at least at the end of this wonderful book. But, as a review promised it was uplifting to the end. I wish this teacher for my grandkids and kids from troubled homes. She sure handles kids with understanding and empathy. A great telling of a story that needed to be told.
I fully expected to cry, at least at the end of this wonderful book. But, as a review promised it was uplifting to the end. I wish this teacher for my grandkids and kids from troubled homes. She sure handles kids with understanding and empathy. A great telling of a story that needed to be told.
April 2, 2023
I loved this. If every teacher had the gift of caring for her students the way Elaine does, the whole world would be a better place. Her insight is incredible. She needs to be teaching university classes full of education majors. Of course, the whole school and town seems extra special! I wish I knew how Elaine is doing today.
May 24, 2024
This was a story that really spoke to me. My father was a gifted teacher as well. I know the hours that Elaine put in to be that type of teacher!
I have lost 2 husband’s to Cancer. The courage of the parents, family and Seamus had staggered me as I read. The way the class with their parents responded gave me hope. Thank you!
I have lost 2 husband’s to Cancer. The courage of the parents, family and Seamus had staggered me as I read. The way the class with their parents responded gave me hope. Thank you!
May 26, 2026
tear jerker
This was an exceptionally well written book that tugs at your heart strings. You get a look into the life of a teacher, her students and how one person can influence the lives of many. While the book is sad in some areas. You also get the feeling that there are some funny parts in life during sad times.
This was an exceptionally well written book that tugs at your heart strings. You get a look into the life of a teacher, her students and how one person can influence the lives of many. While the book is sad in some areas. You also get the feeling that there are some funny parts in life during sad times.
May 13, 2017
A true teacher at heart...a selfless servant to a classroom of fourth graders. She had a special gift of teaching and loving her students so well, especially Seamus. Elaine Moore established a close-knit community of learners, and modeled care and compassion for a student dying of a brain tumor.
June 1, 2022
One of the most incredible books about one teacher, twenty-six kids, and a school year that changed an entire community. Truly a worthy read in a time when it is difficult to find the good in the world.
June 5, 2022
Every teacher read!
This was an amazing story that I believe should be read by any and every one. The way this teacher taught was fabulous, she taught school work but also love, kindness, life and death. A book I believe will stay with me always.
This was an amazing story that I believe should be read by any and every one. The way this teacher taught was fabulous, she taught school work but also love, kindness, life and death. A book I believe will stay with me always.
October 11, 2022
Elaine's circle
A must read for teachers, parents, everyone. One of the most touching books you will ever read. I was invested in Mrs. Moore from the opening of the book. Then started the unforgettable year. I could not put it down, truly!!!
A must read for teachers, parents, everyone. One of the most touching books you will ever read. I was invested in Mrs. Moore from the opening of the book. Then started the unforgettable year. I could not put it down, truly!!!
February 10, 2023
Elaine's scircle
This is a beautiful account of the positive effect
that a good dedicated teacher has on her students. When a student faces death, she teaches the meaning of being a good friend.
This is a beautiful account of the positive effect
that a good dedicated teacher has on her students. When a student faces death, she teaches the meaning of being a good friend.
July 9, 2023
Uplifting story
This book with a dedicated teacher, a 4th grade class in a small Alaskan town,with ordinary kids was so touching as we meet Seamus who has a brain tumor . the kids and teacher support him through his battle clear unto his death
This book with a dedicated teacher, a 4th grade class in a small Alaskan town,with ordinary kids was so touching as we meet Seamus who has a brain tumor . the kids and teacher support him through his battle clear unto his death
July 18, 2023
What a Story
I wish this teacher was in my school when I was in 4th grade. She examplefies what a teacher should be. Her methods were all inclusive of friendship and learning. I would recommend this book as what can be accomplished by 4th graders.
I wish this teacher was in my school when I was in 4th grade. She examplefies what a teacher should be. Her methods were all inclusive of friendship and learning. I would recommend this book as what can be accomplished by 4th graders.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews