Like many "first's" in life, I can recall the first time I read Ash Road. It depicted a time, and place, and culture, that was completely different to my own. As a young person, the book moved me to interpret life, and indeed the world, in a new light. From that point on in my educational career, I embraced the idea of reading for "pleasure", an undertaking that has literally changed my life. Thank you Mr. Southall. Now I plan on giving Ash Road as a birthday gift to my sixth grade daughter, who is constantly bothering me to stay up "just a little longer", .......to read.