This is a short 10-12 page story based on an actual event in the 5th grade. It's the first time I can remember successfully turning a crisis into an opportunity. It was a breakthrough in my young life when what I viewed with fear and dread was turned into a day of accomplishment and success.

This story is true, but I decided to add one fictional character for better entertainment and understanding. Otherwise this story is as accurate as I can remember after more than fifty years. The Old Rock School should be entertaining to almost anyone, but it will have the most appeal to those around the fifth grade age level, their moms or dads, and elementary school teachers. (I taught 4th grade for more than 20 years.)

Many kids simply don't feel confident in school, they don't feel successful, they may have trouble making friends... If you know a youngster who is struggling with shyness, low self-esteem, or lacks confidence, this little story could be encouraging to them.

I know about that, it took me most of a lifetime to have the confidence to publish my 1st book. (This one was the 2nd.) The first draft of The Old Rock School was written over twenty years ago. I read it to my 4th graders every year to see how they reacted. They always liked the story, but I continued to make small changes.

After reading the story to the class I'd reveal that it was a true story and that I was actually the main character. My students would get excited and say they couldn't believe it. Sometimes teaching kids was a lot of fun!