The Power of Your Words

November 17, 2010

Just before I retired from teaching and changed careers to librarianship, I came across a wonderful book entitled Mr. Peabody’s Apples by Madonna. Madonna (singer and author) wrote in her book dedication to teachers that "It is about the power of words. And how we must choose them carefully to avoid causing harm to others."

In the book, Mr. Peabody, a popular history teacher in the small town of Happville, is accused of stealing apples from the town fruit market. Rumors are spread and unkind words are said about Mr. Peabody throughout the town. The accuser eventually learns a powerful lesson about how things are not always as they seem.

I encourage people of all ages to check out this easy juvenile book from your local MCPL. Very simply yet eloquently, Mr. Peabody’s Apples illustrates the power of one’s words.

Chris E.
Liberty Branch