Sister Anne's Hands

The 1960's possibly brought about more change in the American psyche and way of life than had occurred before or even since. This little tale addresses issues of tolerance, brotherhood, and compassion in a way that primary/elementary children can understand. Sister Anne comes to a Catholic school with as much wide-eyed enthusiasm about teaching as those in her charge have about learning. When an unnamed student leaves a derogatory note for the nun to find, the sister decides its' time to make her students aware of the racial conditions in America. From the lesson, her children become better citizens, ultimately paving the way for a more humane society. This book can be used to stimulate discussion about race, loneliness, individuality, and civic responsibility. It definitely cuts across the curriculum Five stars do this book an injustice. It's a superior work, deserving of attention and placement in the classroom.

If you're looking for a picture book that handles the topic of racism tenderly for young children, then SISTER ANNE'S HANDS is an excellent choice indeed!Seven-year-old Anna Zabrocky is excited about her first day in the second grade. She is also very curious about her new teacher, Sister Anne, an African-American nun. Anna has never encountered a black person up close and personal before. Therefore, she feels a little uncertain and nervous as she avoids Sister Anne's gentle touch of welcome on the first day of school. Soon all of Anna's apprehensions vanish as her classroom comes alive. Sister Anne's warmth and gentleness engages them in learning new things, sharing wonderful stories and telling hearty jokes. Just when everything feels perfect for the new school year, someone hurls a paper airplane that sails by Sister Anne's head and hits the blackboard. On its wings were written some very hurtful things. Not only did this cruel act bring a great deal of pain to Sister Anne's eyes, but a sense of guilt comes upon Anna as though she had crafted the paper airplane herself. It is how Sister Anne chooses to take this painful moment and turn it into a teachable moment that makes this book so great. By the close of the school year, it is obvious that the strength and courage of this teacher changes the lives of her students forever. The lyrical movement of the text along with the dream like illustrations of a classroom and library from the 1960's enhances this story that much more. This is truly a beautiful book!

This book made me cry, every time I read it. I remember going to school with "penguins" as teachers, and the horrible bigotry happening in the schools. The pictures are breath-taking, and the words are powerful. I bought it for the parochical school my children go to. If you buy one book for your 3-8 grader, buy this one.

Sister Anne teaches her young students not only their math and reading, but important lessons in justice, dedication, and love. The text reflects the simple, concrete experiences of a child while suggesting how these experiences gently deepen the young narrator's understanding. The lovely illustrations are slightly muted in tone, appropriately giving the book the look of a memory recalled. Outstanding in every way.

I intend to buy this book for our church library and read it during a children's sermon. I found it at the bookstore and began reading and soon I had read the entire book. Very appealing school story of a white girl's first encounters with a black person, her schoolroom teacher, Sister Anne. The idea of other races is something we all deal with sooner or later in life depending on where we live, and I hope this lesson is learned earlier than later, especially in the global world we live in today. I was once a classroom teacher and the give and take between Sister Anne and her students is very real. This book teaches that there are some things said that can't be taken back, and you are then dependent upon the person you may have injured with hateful words to forgive you. Sister Anne is a teacher, an encourager and a forgiver. The pictures I at first disliked because of their muted grey tones--usually pictures in children's books are quite colorful. But the grey shows up nicely against the pink floral tones. Here perhaps they resemble photos (we who lived through the civil rights demonstrations saw it on black and white TV. Also the greys go nicely with Sister Anne's black and white habit, and the neutral brown earth tone of her hands and face. This is a sweet and ethereal book which kids would, I suspect, like to read again and again. At the end, Sister Anne does not return--she is assigned to another school elsewhere. I have often faced that as a teacher--I look back and wonder how my students are doing, much as the child in this book wonders about Sister Anne and is left with fond memories of her love. Sister Anne touches the children in this book and she will touch all readers, too.