The Thing That Lou Couldn’t Do
Author: Ashley Spires

We’ve all faced challenges in our lives. During those times, we often don’t know what to do, or become discouraged and think that we should give up. This book teaches us the necessary lesson of learning from failure, stepping up after being pushed down.

One afternoon, Lou’s friends wanted to play a game of pirate ship. Unlike most pirate ships, they wanted to be set on a tree. Not knowing how to climb a tree, Lou tried to convince her friends of playing elsewhere: the steps, the couch, her house. However, they remained certain that the tree was the best place to play. At first, Lou made many excuses, convincing herself that it was unhealthy to climb right after eating, that it was too dangerous, that she had other things to do. However, her friends begged her to join in and play. Lou became annoyed at the beginning, wishing that her friends would just leave her alone. But, they kept persisting and persisting to teach her how to climb, and eventually she gave in.

Lou tried and tried as her friends continued to play above her. She seemed to fall every few steps in her climb. She felt like she had climbed for hours but instead was only a feet off the ground. She wanted to give up. However, watching her friends, hearing their joyous laughter, motivated her, and eventually, after many tries, she made it to the top of the tree.

This story teaches an important lesson on perseverance and courage to all young children, reminding them that it never hurts to give something a try.

English review written by Vania Chow.
Vania is a vibrant and passionate student who is interested in many global affairs- human rights, food insecurity, and politics. She thoroughly enjoys reading and writing about these issues as she believes that words and education are one of the best ways to make an impact. Outside of school, she is an active member of her community and loves spending times outdoors with her family and friends. With these values in mind, she hopes that the book reviews she has written will empower children today to love reading.