The Thread That Runs So True: A Mountain School Teacher Tells His Story

I am so blessed to have been given a first edition signed by the author copy of this book. I had read the paperback previously and enjoyed it so much. As a teacher, I felt it was written just for me. I have purchased several copies as gifts for teacher friends as well as for two of my own children who are teachers. The women who gave me the first edition are elderly school-teachers who knew Jesse Stuart personally and have no children with whom to leave the book. I count this book as one of my greatest treasures. Thank you, ladies. He was an inspiration to future generations of teachers and I have quoted him many times. I plan to give several copies as Christmas gifts this year to friends, family, and team-mates.

The Thread That Runs So True was a marvelously written autobiography with much meaning. Jesse Stuart wonderfully depicted his life as a school teacher. Somewhat near the beginning of the book, the written meaning of the title is revealed when Stuart is singing a song containing the words. The thread that runs so true is play, which is emphasized throughout the book. Yet, there is a more meaningful lesson taught. Contextually, it is evident that the thread is also the teaching profession itself. Stuart's thread would most likely be the country life. After being a successful teacher and administrator, traveling abroad, and numerous other ventures, he returns to his Kentucky home and farms sheep. This is fantastic for almost any audience, students, teachers, and those who were once either or both. It is filled with unbelievable experiences from Stuart physically fighting his students to him being shot at for dating a particular lady. In the case of good fiction, you must remind yourself that the events didn't actually happen. In reading this book, I learned that with the most interesting non-fiction, you must realize that the events actually did occur.

I first read this book when I was in the ninth grade, and it, more than any other book I ever read, inspired me to become a teacher. This book has (I believe) been in print without interruption since it was originally published in the 1940s. I myself have bought so many copies that I have lost count, replacing copies borrowed by students and never returned. Although the world that Stuart wrote about, rural Kentucky in the 1920s and 1930s, has pretty much vanished, the book, in its passion for the good of education, in its compassion for both students and teachers, feels utterly contemporary. The stories of Stuart's experiences as teacher and administrator speak to our needs, even though most of us will never have to ride horseback to school or beat a student senseless to earn classroom control or be beaten ourselves by ignorant opponents of out views. But in our different world it is good to be reminded of the power of the teacher-student bond, a bond that will not soon be eliminated by distance education. Teachers who know how to make a class come alive, how to bring learning to life, are as important today as they were sixty years ago, or indeed 600. Inspirational, insightful, theoretical, this book is all, but it has also one more virtue: the prose is a bit breathy, but Stuart really knew how to tell a story!

This is the best book I have read about teaching. It is inspirational as well as entertaining. . Jesse Stuart knew how to teach children in such a way that they wanted to learn. His approach to education was one of making learning practical as well as fun. He also instilled in them a pride for themselves and for their school. The Thread That Runs So True should be required reading for every teacher education program in the United States.

I happened upon this fine autobiography one day while browsing through the library at West Middle School where I am a 7th grade teacher. I don't even remember what drew me to this book, but some form of "magic" must have been involved, because its enchantment is still on me. I hold this book in such high regard that I have read it to my classes over the years. I don't recall one student ever asking me to stop reading it. The stories of this fine man's life are intriguing and in many ways unbelieveable! "Thread" chronicles Jesse Stewart's career as a teacher/principal/superintendent of schools in rural Kentucky. He not only fought for the rights of his fellow teachers, but also the rights of his students. He believed that an education would set any man or woman free, especially those he taught inKentucky's hills and hollows. This book should be read by every teacher. It should be required reading for every principal and school superintendent in this fine country of ours. Do yourself a favor and buy this book.