Recently my book, Lessons from Starfish, was reviewed by Judith Falloon-Reid. A luminary in the literary and cinematic realms, she is renowned as the host of Shelf Life, an esteemed author, and an accomplished filmmaker. Falloon-Reid’s review illuminates my purpose in writing this book so well – she shares her insight that Lessons From Starfish is not just a book about education for educators but is also about the power of empathy – of human connections – in all our lives.
Review: LESSONS FROM STARFISH (2023)
All of life’s lessons coalesced in a single book, Lessons from Starfish, an insightful look at the things the author learned while teaching others. Juanita’s journey from her Harlem home to her beginnings as a young, green-horn teacher and her growth into an accomplished, educator who has impacted countless young lives, is more than a collection of stories about her students, whom she calls her starfish. It’s more than a narrative about recognizing their uniqueness and her ability to mold them into their best versions of themselves.
Lessons from Starfish is about relationships, nurturing and building them, creating safe environments, navigating rough waters, listening for deeper meanings behind words and patiently awaiting an opening to make a difference. Juanita skillfully and in easy-to read language, draws the reader into her world where each student has a voice, challenges are met and problems are solved using creative and imaginative techniques that can be applied to any relationship at any stage of life. There are lessons for us all in Lessons from Starfish. Masterful writing, powerful storytelling and more than worth the read.
Judith Falloon-Reid
Author, filmmaker & host of Shelf Life
