Rocks in His Head

Anyone who has ever felt a little out of step with the world will identify with this true story of a man who followed his heart and his passion. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8. It's a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.

Some people collect stamps. Other people collect coins. Carol Otis Hurst's father collected rocks. Nobody ever thought his obsession would amount to anything. They said, "You've got rocks in your head" and "There's no money in rocks." But year after year he kept on collecting, trading, displaying, and labeling his rocks. The Depression forced the family to sell their gas station and their house, but his interest in rocks never wavered. And in the end the science museum he had visited so often realized that a person with rocks in his head was just what was needed.

Author: Carol Otis Hurst
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Published: 05/08/2001
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.74lbs
Size: 10.28h x 8.30w x 0.37d
ISBN: 9780060294038
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.5
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 49750 / Rocks in His Head


Award: Golden Sower Award - Nominee
Award: North Carolina Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Massachusetts Book Award (MassBook) - Honor Book
Award: Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Review - Children 04/01/2001 pg. 498
Publishers Weekly 04/30/2001 pg. 78
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2001 pg. 440
Ingram Children's Advance 05/01/2001 pg. 46
Booklist 06/01/2001 pg. 1890
School Library Journal 06/01/2001 pg. 118
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2001 pg. 143
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2001 pg. 292 - Superior,Well Above Average
ALA Notable Children's Books 03/15/2002 pg. 1234
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2001 pg. 292 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Stevenson, James: -

James Stevenson is an op-ed contributor to the New York Times. His popular column, "Lost and Found New York," has appeared regularly in the newspaper since 2003. He was on the staff of The New Yorker for more than three decades; his work includes 2,000 cartoons and 80 covers, as well as reporting and fiction. He is also the author and illustrator of over 100 children's books. He lives in Connecticut.Hurst, Carol Otis: -

Carol Otis Hurst is a storyteller, teacher, children's book critic, and columnist for Teaching K-8 Magazine. She is the author of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book Rocks in His Head.

Stevenson, James: -

James Stevenson is an op-ed contributor to the New York Times. His popular column, Lost and Found New York, has appeared regularly in the newspaper since 2003. He was on the staff of The New Yorker for more than three decades; his work includes 2,000 cartoons and 80 covers, as well as reporting and fiction. He is also the author and illustrator of over 100 children's books. He lives in Connecticut.