Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & Susan L. Roth

Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea

(Dial-2009)

By: Greg Mortenson & Susan L. Roth

Collages by: Susan L. Roth

Grade: 2-4

Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea is a wonderful true story about the children of Korphe. Greg Mortenson is a real person who helped change the lives of these children forever. The children of Korphe didn't have a school until Dr. Greg Mortenson came to their village and returned later to help the villagers build their own school. Dr. Greg has now built over 130 schools in rural regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. He is a true example of a global citizen, someone who believes education is right for all children. This is a truly inspirational story and can help to promote cultural awareness and appreciation for the things we take for granted, like school. Although some of the events told in the story may not be true, it is a great story and displays great moral values.

Theme/Skills Taught: Helping others/Teamwork & Appreciation (social skills)

About the Author: After High School, Mortenson joined the US Army as a medic and attended college with a football scholarship. He traveled to Pakistan in order to climb the world's second highest mountain, K2 , took a wrong turn and ended up in the village of Korphe. He was exhausted after the hiking (and rescue of the fifth climber) and they cared for him. After noticing the children attending school outside, he took it as his mission to build them a school. His story is amazing and those children were lucky this man was the man that "stumbled" upon their village. About Greg Mortenson

About the Artist: Susan L. Roth does not pain, she collages. The illustrations in this book are very unique and very captivating. She only cuts or rips. She refusing to use pens, pencils or oils. She is very talented and unique in her style. She agrees that the process can be a mess, but she hardly ever throws away the "scraps". She finds ways to use them in her next works. About Susan L. Roth

Pre-Reading Activities: Show the students a map of where this book takes place. Heroes come from ordinary people who want to make a difference. Talk about heroes you know. Talk about other countries and how some countries don't have school buildings and they learn outside. Discuss "free education" with your students. Most children don't know how lucky they are to be able to go to school for free. Explain that in other countries, children only dream about going to a real school.

Post Reading Activities:
-Make a list of things you need to start a school
-Write a letter to Dr. Greg explaining what you think about what he did
-Use glossary in the back of the book to discuss new vocabulary
-Explain the importance of helping other countries and people. This is a great multicultural book to discuss language barriers and the differences between different cultures.