Horton Hears a Who

Title: Horton Hears a Who

Author / Illustrator: Dr. Suess

Stars: 5 out of 5

A kangaroo named Horton hears someone from a spec of dust. The kangaroo who rules the jungle tells Horton that no people that small exist and she insists that he forget the spec. Horton chases after the spec and proves to the Kangroo that there are people on the spec.

This is one of my all time favorite books and movies. When I was little I loved reading this story and a couple of years ago I couldn’t even believe they made a movie. (The movie is amazing.) I love the story because Horton who is just your average elephant stands up for what he believes in. He knows that he is right and he is willing to do whatever it takes to prove it to the other animals. I can remember as a child after reading this story my mom told me that this is an example of how ever little girl should act. They should know what is right and stand by it. I can remember a specific incident when I was in about 8^th grade. My friends would not invite a girl over for a huge slumber party. This girl knew that she wasn’t invited and was very upset about it.  I knew that this was a horrible and mean thing to do and I tried to tell my friends but they insisted that she couldn’t come. When I discussed the situation with my mom she reminded me of Horton and how he did whatever it took to stand up for what is right. I ended up not going to the sleepover because I wanted to make sure my friends knew that I did not think this was right. I feel that this positive Dr. Suess story can show students a variety of things. First students can look at the positive theme of standing up for what you believe, like I did in 8^th grade. Second as a teacher you can use little Jo-Jo and his one small voice to represent a vote. We can show our students how each and every voice or vote matters and your voice can be the one that changes everything. After the movie came out I heard people talking about this story representing anti abortion beliefs. I can see how this would be an accurate theme I do not believe that this is the only thing that Horton can represent. If a teacher is brave enough to enter that conversation I believe it could be a very influential one.