Pay it Forward: Young Readers' Edition

This fictional work revolves around an extra credit assignment given by a seventh grade social studies teacher in Atascadero, California.  In order to receive credit, over the course of the school year a student would have to figure out a way to “change the world.” Most of the students in the class sarcastically snickered and made fun of this optional project when it was first announced.  However, Trevor, a student from a troubled family, took the assignment very seriously.  Pay it Forward is the story of his project and how it impacted others.

The original book was published in 1999.  This newer edition, published in 2014, was modified by the author to make it more suitable for younger audiences.  We read the Young Readers Edition at the Okemos Library in our summer tween book group to coincide with our reading program theme, “Build a Better World.”  I liked this book because it conveys the message that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can make an impact in the world (family, school, workplace, community, etc.), if they have a positive attitude and love and kindness in their hearts.