A book to inspire, motivate students
by Fran Hawk
Charleston Post and Courier

“Books for Oliver” by Lee Elliott Rambo and Jim Larkin charms children as it conveys the message that education is a privilege. The vibrant illustrations by Dan Brown convey the everyday realities of life in a small African village.

Oliver starts attending class at his little school in Kenya, but he can’t continue unless his parents buy the required books. Finding the money is a serious dilemma for this family, which possesses only basic necessities.

Rambo has a master’s degree in elementary education and has worked as a teacher, mentor and education adviser. Although “Oliver” isn’t a true story it’s based on Rambo’s experiences. She became an assistant teacher at an elementary school in Kenya when she accompanied her husband on a medical mission trip. While she was teaching, the principal of the school called all the students to the courtyard and sent home the students who didn’t have the required materials.

In my dreams, students in South Carolina would treasure books and work hard to acquire them. My students treat textbooks, library books and other books casually and often with disrespect.

“Oliver” provides perspective as well as a “teachable moment”.

The book is available on the Web at www.booksforoliver.com. The Web site offers discounts and materials for teachers and additional biographical information about the authors.

Also in my dreams, and quite possibly in reality, students who read this book will be inspired to provide books for children in Kenya.

Rambo suggests two Web sites that give all the information necessary to launch such a worthwhile, world-worthy project: www.camelbookdrive.wordpress.com and www.africanlibraryproject.org.

Reach Fran Hawk at Fran_Hawk@charleston.k12.sc.us.