Knots on a Counting Rope (1987)

I had mixed feelings about this book after reading it. I enjoyed reading the book but can see how some students may have a difficult time becoming invested in it. The story is about a young boy asking his grandfather to retell him the story of his own birth and becoming. What I liked about this book is how the authors Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault create such a loving relationship between the grandfather and grandson. I know that I, myself was connecting to book, so many students could also connect while reading. One thing I did not particularly enjoy while reading was the fast switching point of views. At times a had to reread portions to make sure I was following if it was the grandfather speaking or the boy. I am not sure if that was the authors goal to really solidify the story and show that the grandfather is passing down the story for the boy to tell. This book shows the importance of relationship with grandparents and passing down of stories from generations to generations. ( )

His grandfather was telling the story of the main characters birth. he loves to hear the story from his grandfather. It shows the importance of a grandfather and grandmothers love within a child's life. I really loved this book because i am very close with my grand parents. So putting the importance of the elderly in the book really connects to me. ( )

This is a sweet story of the close relationship between an old grandfather and his young handicapped grandson. “Strength-of-Blue-Horses” is left blind after a difficult birth, but two blue horses give him the strength and will to survive. The boy and his horse learn how to run the trail and enter a race. They do not win, but his grandfather tells him he has “raced darkness and won.” The boy loves for his grandfather to tell the story of his birth, the blue horses, and the race. Each time he tells it, he ties a knot in the counting rope, which also signifies that he is growing older.[return][return]This book is valuable because it shows the close relationship between the grandfather and the boy. It is also a story of inclusion because the boy is never left out by the other boys, and of overcoming a handicap.

I liked the storytelling within the book. I liked how the book talks about passing stories through traditions and down from generation to generation. The grandson wants his grandfather to share the story of when he was born and other moments in the Boy's life. The knots represent these moments and how the boy will eventually be able to tell the story on his own. The rope with knots also represents time passing and the grandfather no longer being around to help the by tell his story. I also thought it was good that the boy overcame an obstacle and was able to accomplish the tasks. ( )

The reviewer for Publisher