The Acorn People (Paperback)

Ron Jones

ISBN 10: 044022702X / ISBN 13: 9780440227021

Published by Random House USA Inc, New York, 1996

About this Item

Paperback. The Acorn People is an inspiring true account of one man's experience at a camp for disabled children, and how it changed his life forever. From uncomfortable to exceptional, Ron Jones' story is one that will teach readers to never underestimate the powers of determination, support, and friendship-- and to look at those with handicaps in an entirely new way.This true story of a boy who must overcome prejudice and weakness to treat a group of special needs children with the respect-and love-they deserve "will give your innards a bear hug. . . . You will read this book with a lump in your throat." (Lincoln Journal)From Ron Jones, a teacher who started the classroom program that inspired the movie The Wave, comes a memoir about a life-changing summer.Ron expected that his time as a counselor at Camp Wiggin would be filled with sunny days spent hiking, swimming, and boating. But when he arrives on day one, his illusions are quickly shattered. He knew that the kids would be "handicapped," but he didn't anticipate having to care for children who can barely walk or see or retain the use of their limbs. At first, the severity of the campers' disabilities seems too much to bear. But everything changes once Ron gets to know his group-kids who call themselves "the Acorn People" because of the acorn necklaces they wear around their necks. The campers teach him that, inside, they are the same as any average kid, and with encouragement, determination, and friendship, nothing is impossible."A fantastic and beautiful story."-Seattle Times"Uncomfortably moving, yet told in surprisingly unsentimental terms. . . . Succinct and tender, it will haunt the reader long after the brief passages have been read."-Houston Chronicle"Ron Jones' true story of a group of handicapped children at summer camp is one of the most poignant, beautiful and eloquent tales to come this way in a long time."-Flint Journal The author's experiences as a counselor at a summer camp for handicapped children form the basis for his portrayal of five severely handicapped youths at Camp Wiggin and the acorn necklaces and zest for life that united them all. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780440227021

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Acorn People (Paperback)
• Publisher: Random House USA Inc, New York
• Publication Date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 044022702X
• ISBN 13: 9780440227021
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

This true story of a boy who must overcome prejudice and weakness to treat a group of special needs children with the respect—and love—they deserve “will give your innards a bear hug. . . . You will read this book with a lump in your throat.” (Lincoln Journal)
 
From Ron Jones, a teacher who started the classroom program that inspired the movie The Wave, comes a memoir about a life-changing summer.
 
Ron expected that his time as a counselor at Camp Wiggin would be filled with sunny days spent hiking, swimming, and boating. But when he arrives on day one, his illusions are quickly shattered. He knew that the kids would be “handicapped,” but he didn’t anticipate having to care for children who can barely walk or see or retain the use of their limbs. At first, the severity of the campers’ disabilities seems too much to bear. But everything changes once Ron gets to know his group—kids who call themselves “the Acorn People” because of the acorn necklaces they wear around their necks. The campers teach him that, inside, they are the same as any average kid, and with encouragement, determination, and friendship, nothing is impossible.
 
“A fantastic and beautiful story.”—Seattle Times

“Uncomfortably moving, yet told in surprisingly unsentimental terms. . . . Succinct and tender, it will haunt the reader long after the brief passages have been read.”—Houston Chronicle

"Ron Jones' true story of a group of handicapped children at summer camp is one of the most poignant, beautiful and eloquent tales to come this way in a long time."—Flint Journal

About the Author

Ron Jones is an author and has written several novels including The Acorn People, The Wave, and B-Ball, which have each been made into award-nominated television specials. Jones is a native San Franciscan, who still lives in California with his family. He is a graduate of Stanford University masters degree program in education and he taught theater and sports to the physically and mentally disabled for 30 years, but has since retired. Jones now enjoys writing and performing as a spoken word artist.