Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window

The Little Girl at the Window is a book of memories and stories by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. After being expelled from school in the first grade, she attends Tomoe, an innovative and "freer" school set up in railroad cars and run by a man, Kobayashi, who understands children and wishes for them to be individuals, creative, and complete without the fears, complexes, and prejudices many get from traditional schooling. It is an easy read, as it is simple stories being told about a little girl and meant to be enjoyed by children and adults as well. I think it would be an excellent read for anyone with an interest in education (especially the elementary school level). It's heartfelt and innocent in ways only memories of childhood can be. It was very popular in Japan at one time (maybe even now? I don't know), but I do not think very well known here, as I had never heard of it until a week ago. It is sweet and would be great for reading yourself or to children who can better appreciate Totto-chan's excitement, worries, amusing little adventures.

"Having eyes, but not seeing beauty; having ears, but not hearing music; having minds, but not perceiving truth; having hearts that are never moved and therefore never set on fire. These are the things to fear, said the headmaster."