Listen to the Wind: the story of Dr. Greg & three cups of tea by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth

Here at School Services we are often asked for resources about people who make a difference in the world.

We have a few favourites:
Harvesting Hope: the story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull
Ryan and Jimmy: and the well that brought them together by Herb Shoveller
Planting the Trees of Kenya: the story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
These are all stories about remarkable, strong-willed individuals who decide, despite the obstacles in their way, to make a difference in the world. Listen to the Wind is another that we can now add to this list.

Greg Mortenson is an American nurse who, while returning from an unsuccessful attempt to climb K2, becomes separated from his climbing buddy and lost in the mountains. He stumbles into Korphe, a Pakistani mountain village, “cold, hungry and sick”. The village nurses him back to health and when he asks the wise man how he can repay them, the advice is “listen to the wind”.

You will have to read the book to find out what he does to make a difference to the village – and to many other villages in that part of the world.

Kids of all ages will love this book, not only for the inspiring story but also for Susan Roth’s gorgeous collage and the informative photos.

reviewed by Beth

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers (2009)