Review sponsored* by Doris Wild Helmering
The Children’s Book Review | July 26, 2017
The Boy Whose Idea Could Feed The World
Written by Doris Wild Helmering
Illustration by John Dyess
Age Range: 8-12 years
E-book: 151 pages
Publisher: Doris Wild Helmering (May 28, 2017)
ASIN: B071SKRMLF
What to expect: Motivation/Inspiration, Strong Story Telling, Great Characters
We meet Alex, a 12-year-old middle-schooler, as he is sent to speak to the school counselor, Mr. D. It seems that Alex is having trouble concentrating at school, except on the topics that really interest him. One of these topics, we learn early on, is insects. When Alex is subsequently seriously injured by a bicycle accident and a run-in with some dogs, he has to spend some time recovering at home. His relationship with the counselor grows, and Mr. D helps Alex to explore and expand his interest in insects. This connection, between student and counselor, is positively and convincingly rendered by Doris Wild Helmering, the book’s author, and a counselor herself. Soon, Alex is 
heading out to a local cricket farm to learn about insects being used as an emerging food source. Alex and his brother begin raising worms—in their bedroom—and quickly attract the attention of local media and business owners to their exciting endeavors.
As this adventure in new food sources grows, which in itself is a great educational topic that readers will love to explore, Alex finds and fosters his focus and motivation. Through this transformation he manages to do truly great things. This very important lesson is handled adeptly by Helmering, and complimented with real visual energy by the book’s illustrator, John Dyess. Students and parents alike will have an excellent time reading this thoughtful and intelligent story, particularly the convincing psychological portrait of Alex, who overcomes bullying and physical injury throughout his journey. Of additional import is the very timely issue of food shortage and science education that the book raises. A book that promises something for everyone, from science education, real-world discussions of motivation, insight into insect protein, and a touching portrait of a family coming together, The Boy Whose Idea Could Feed The World is truly a nourishing and enriching read!
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Also available on Amazon is The Parent Teacher Discussion Guide, which is exclusively available for free download here on The Children’s Book Review.
Bullying, diversity, how to motivate a seemingly unmotivated kid, family values and school values, sadness and loss, self-image and self-esteem, a philosophy of kindness and what a child might want to be when he or she grows up are all topics addressed in, “The Parent Teacher Discussion Guide.” What I had hoped to get across was, “Hey, kid, you’re not alone in the way you think and feel.” Most middle graders have similar questions and are dealing with almost identical issues as they move through grade school.
Excerpts from the middle grade book, “The Boy Whose Idea Could Feed the World” are included as a springboard to start the conversation. As these discussions unfold I believe you’ll discover quite a lot about how your middle grader thinks and feels. If these discussions take place in a classroom, it will quickly become evident that many of their classmates have similar questions, struggles and concerns.
My philosophy: Throw a kid the ball, step back, listen and be reassured they will not only catch the ball but run with it. Never have I been disappointed in how honest, perceptive, candid and bright middle graders can be given the right prompts in a safe environment.
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About the Author
Doris is a marriage and family counselor in St. Louis, MO in private practice. She has written numerous self-help books, two children’s books, one middle grade book and numerous booklets, appeared on Oprah three times, had her own segment on television, her own radio show, consulted for a number of fortune five-hundred companies, and has logged over 51,000 hours doing individual, marital, group and family therapy.
Read our exclusive interview: Doris Wild Helmering Discusses The Boy Whose Idea Could Feed The World
www.doriswildhelmering.com | doriswildhelmering.wordpress.com
About the Illustrator
John Dyess is a painter, illustrator, photographer and teacher creating art and illustration for over fifty years. His commercial clients include many major corporations and companies including the National Geographic Museum, Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals. His illustration work has been published in many widely distributed magazines such as Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Sports Afield and Bassmaster.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. Doris Wild Helmering, the author of ‘The Boy Whose Idea Could Feed The World,’ sponsored* this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …
