Quiet Rink always sits at the back of the classroom, away from the other children who have heard strange rumors about his family and prefer to keep their distance. But when a kind new girl joins his class, Rink's life begins to change. Inspired by the experiences of her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, Jen Wojtowicz's heartwarming tale encourages children to empathize with and reach out to others.
- Book of the Year Finalist, ForeWord Magazine, 2005
- Featured in O Magazine, 2015
- 8.5 x 10.75 inches
- 32 pages
- Ages 4-9 years
"The Boy Who Grew Flowers [demonstrates] the positive impact of creating high-quality storytelling to nourish young minds" — Mara McEwin, Artistic Director, Treehouse Shakers
"Children who struggle to fit in at school will find a hero in the star of this debut children's book...it will remind [young readers] of the power of kindness" — Publishers Weekly
"This is a wonderful story that teaches about accepting differences - and even celebrating them" — Library Media Connection
"A charming story of first love and personal achievement" — New York Botanical Garden
"A friendship between a quiet boy – shunned by schoolmates on account of his family, which includes rattlesnake tamers and shape-shifters – and a girl, which celebrates difference and kindness" — The Guardian
Jen Wojtowicz is an artist who also happens to write. She currently teaches artists who also happen to have disabilities. She says, "I have observed that when people are kind and accepting toward each other, it alleviates a lot of needless suffering." Jen lives in upstate New York with her son Marcel and their seven-year-old shih tzu, Michie.
Steve Adams is an award-winning illustrator. After finishing his studies of graphic design in 1994, he traveled to Europe for an advanced training course in design. Upon his return, Steve began collaborating with various publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and American Lawyer. Since 1999 Steve has shared his passion of illustration and graphic design by teaching at a college in Montreal, Canada, where he lives.
