Listen to the Wind

Listen to the Wind, The story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea

• Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth
• Collages by Susan L. Roth
• Dial Books for Young Readers

If you have read the book, Three Cups of Tea, you know the story of the extraordinary Greg Mortenson. After losing his way in the Himalayas he found himself in a small village in Pakistan. Upon seeing the outdoor school, he vowed he would help the village and build a school. Listen to the Wind tells the story for children in a picture book illustrated with magnificent collages by Susan L. Roth. Included in the book is a scrapbook of photographs, illustrating the actual process of bringing the school to reality. Because of the theme of the book, it is appropriate for students of any age as an introduction to other cultures and to the power one person can have to make changes in the world.

As a follow up to the book, students can create their own collages, perhaps illustrating a way they have, or could, help someone else. They may wish to raise money for Greg Mortenson's charity which helps build schools, Pennies for Peace. You can find a toolkit, should you want to launch a campaign. It includes a number of videos which can be downloaded and used in the classroom, many of which are useful even if you do not raise money for his project. There are good connections to the Broad Area of Learning: Citizenship and Community Life.

If you have not read Three Cups of Tea, I recommend it. Greg Mortenson is an inspiration for what he does, for his determination and for how he has bridged cultures and brought a message of friendship wherever he goes.