Tom T’s Hat Rack is a book that was inspired by a real person. The author, Michele Spry., had a very good friend named Tom Trabue who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in May of 2012. Because of this life changing event, Michele was inspired to write this book. Watching how positive and upbeat her friend was able to stay throughout his treatment had an incredible impact on her life. Michele decided that she wanted to live her life paying it forward to others as often as she could. The simple act of kindness towards others is easy to do and the feeling you get in return from making others happy is incredible. With that in mind, she began writing “Tom T’s Hat Rack.” Michele also dedicated this book to her dear friend, Tom Trabue, and proceeds from the book are donated to the American Cancer Society.

“Tom T’s Hat Rack” is a chapter book  filled with colorful pictures throughout. I was impressed by all of the full color pages scattered throughout the book to help bring the story to life.  The message of the book is great for people of all ages. The story starts as a young girl, 10 year old Shelby Summers, is graduating the 4th grade.  Her teacher gives out the Summer assignment to write about something unforgettable that they do over their Summer school break. She has a mom who is a nurse and her dad is a doctor. Their neighbors and good friends, Mr. and Mrs. T, have helped care for Shelby from infant on. The families are very close and Shelby spends lots of time at Mr. and Mrs. T’s home. Mr. T. had been through cancer treatments the year before and Shelby had been very involved in his care, doctors appointments, and just keeping him company. Now Mr. T. has come up with a special surprise project that he and Shelby will work on throughout the Summer. They diligently spend a couple hours almost every day working but Shelby doesn’t know what the final result will be. At the end of Summer, when they assemble their work, she learns that they created eight hat racks for the Cancer Hospital. Mr. T. will also be donating some hats that he had used during his treatment since his hair has now grown back. Shelby puts a spin at the end by coming up with an idea for a scarf rack for the women as well. So Mr. T. and Shelby also create some of those with the material they still have left over from the hat racks. This is a great story of thinking about others.

Tom T’s Hat Rack would be great for children ages 7 to 12.  It’s made up of 17 short chapters in the 97 pages.  At the end of the book, there is even a page on “Paying It Forward.” It asks what you can do to help others in your community and has a list numbered for you, your children, or even your whole family to write your answers in. It even reiterates that no matter how big or small, as long as you are doing something positive to help others, that’s all that matters.

You can connect with Michele on Facebook or learn where to purchase your copy of Tom T’s Hat Rack right here.  Two lucky winners will each win their own signed copy of “Tom T’s Hat Rack” right now at Emily Reviews.  Open to US.    Enter in the Giveaway Tools widget below. The giveaway will end at 11:59pm EST on 5/2.

Miranda

I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
Follow Miranda on Pinterest | Twitter| Blog | Instagram

www.emilyreviews.com/category/miranda