[The Way to School] is both a fascinating look at school around the world and a very subtle message to readers to appreciate what they have.
Spare text and beautiful images powerfully and accessibly demonstrate how environmental hazards, rough terrains, and poverty impede children from reaching their destination....An excellent starting point to discuss diversity and culture in the primary grades.
School Library Journal
Not only does this beautiful book deserve a place in every school library, but I’d recommend it for every home library as well — and encourage parents to share it with their school-age offspring.
For a children’s story with few words, it’s one of the most powerful books I have read in a while.
This is a magnificent book for teachers to use in the classroom at the start of a new school year... this book belongs in every school library.
Children's Book Heal
In this series of characterful, evocative photographs from around the world, McCarney illustrates the lengths and effort some kids put into their daily journeys. And the adventure and peril just makes clear what’s at the heart of their journeys — the determination and value they have for their own education. Inspiration, solidarity, even a little envy — a picture book to inspire all three.
Buoyant and beautiful, The Way to School is a deeply powerful illustration of the importance of education and the universal drive to learn.
Though its message is subtle, The Way to School celebrates schools and the importance of education and is well worthy of purchase. Highly Recommended.
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Although this book is accessible to young readers, it would also make a wonderful read aloud for a primary class at the beginning of the school year.
Canadian Teacher Magazine
Striking color photographs illustrate this vivid reminder that everyday life challenges some young people much more than others, and that schooling is so valuable that it makes even the most difficult journeys worthwhile! Highly recommended, especially for public and early grade school library picturebook collections.
The Midwest Book Review
While the United States is no stranger to Mother Nature’s fury, The Way to School sheds light on the obstacle course paths some students tackle when they leave home.... The one thing the students in this book all have in common is that they're happy to be at school, once they arrive.
The Charlotte Observer
[The Way to School] is able to show that different communities have very distinct experiences when going to school and a number of them not too pleasant... Despite all these differences the book shows how much children love being in school. This is a book recommended for public libraries and children's rooms everywhere.
The Deakin Review of Children's Literature
[The Way To School]’s captivating photography of the difficulty of these journeys could inspire students to appreciate and value their own education.
The Way to School may spark curiosity and discussion in young learners who may have never considered what the idea of valuing one's education looks like on the other side of the globe.
Kutztown University Book Review
With its gorgeous full-sized color photographs and sparse text, this eye-opening story can be very appealing to young readers, and very appropriate, too. Any child studying in a developed country will count his or her blessings after seeing how some young children must travel to school.
Catholic Library World
This book could be used in association with many topics including diversity, cultural studies, transportation, landforms and the effects of natural disasters. The main message of the book is that it is a great privilege to be able to attend school.