I enjoy reading good children's books even though technically I've "outgrown" them. This one was very absorbing and a wonderful story that every child should read - or have read to them by a parent or relative or somebody, because adults can enjoy it and benefit from it as well.

I won't say anything about the story, but the characters are all very nice. Jimmy's sister is helpful, his teacher and friends are kind, and Jimmy is ultimately forgiving and goes on bravely - very good role-models for young readers to acquaint themselves with.

I don't know exactly what else to say except that I recommend this book very highly.

My 6th grade teacher read this book to my class 25 years ago. It was a class favorite!

What stands out most vividly is a complete lack of a whiny, self-pitying tone, while still dealing honestly with the anger and bitterness that Jimmy at first feels upon going blind. The book also honestly captures the tension between Jimmy and Mike, the boy who threw the firecraker at Jimmy (not on purpose), and how the strain between them is eventually resolved.

The book is also a fascinating look at the world of the blind, and of guide dogs. I've never forgotten the scenes of Jimmy at the school for the blind before he gets his dog. Even eating can be tricky; the teachers use clock face references so the blind students know where the food is (e.g. meat is at 3:00, the peas are at 6:00, and the glass of water is at 10:00).

This is a wonderful story of forgiveness. Jimmy is blinded by the careless act of a friend and must learn to adapt to a new life being blind. His whole life changes especially when he meets Leader, his four legged guide dog. This was my favorite book as a child. My 3rd grade teacher read it aloud to our class. I kept an old copy of it and have read it to all of my children. Everytime I see it at a garage sale I pick up another copy. I was glad to see that it has been reprinted and that so many other people are enjoying it. I have also recommended it to my child's second grade teacher and he has been reading it to his classes ever since.