At the end of the school year, Mrs. Smedmeyer gives her fifth-grade class a special assignment: they have to do something helpful for someone else. But theres a catch-the kids have to keep it a secret from the person theyre helping.
Tammy and Tommy Robins and their cousin Jeremy know exactly the person they want to help. His name is Mr. Mendabe, and hes a nice old man who is always smiling, despite his painful-looking limp, and who sometimes hands out lollipops. The three kids decide to mow his unkempt lawn.
When they get to Mr. Mendabes house, though, they realize the old man needs more than a neatly mown lawn. His porch is broken, his hedges are overgrown, his fence is falling down, and his roof is missing shingles. The kids are shocked but not discouraged. Theyre going to do their best for their friend, even if it means getting their whole class, their parents, and high-school kids involved.
An inspiring story of the difference people can make if they try, A Random Act of Kindness is a read-alone book for children reading at a third- to fifth-grade level.
About the Author
Nelson Skip Foleys family has lived in Maine for three hundred years. He dwells in the western foothills of Maine with his wife, Laura, a respected teacher of first grade and now reading recovery. Foley has also written for daily and weekly newspapers for many years.
Foley earned his bachelor of science in public administration from the University of Maine at Augusta. He has run his own businesses as well as taught music and is now somewhat retired. He fills his days writing, volunteering for nonprofit organizations, and substitute teaching all grades.
Foley and his wife have twins, and both are successful in their own ways. His daughter is an airline captain, and his son provides technical support for an East Coast sports company.
