Member Reviews

STICKY NOTES is from Matthew Eicheldinger, a middle school teacher and gifted storyteller. He subtitles his collection: "Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments." And he offers insights for all of us, not just educators, although I did feel that he validated and evoked many of the varied feelings I had as a teacher. Eicheldinger's short vignettes reminded me that we often have an impact on others that we may never realize. A favorite was called "A Dance" about a young boy who is quite excited when his invitation is accepted, but young love runs its course and, saddened, he simply seeks quiet time and acceptance in Mr. Eicheldinger's classroom during a free period. There are so many more that will inspire readers and touch their hearts. Eicheldinger has collated other stories online at Instagram and TikTok. He says, "empathy and compassion are what keep us grounded and connected" – so true. 4.5 stars

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Oh so very cute a read! My grateful thanks to the publisher and the author for sharing this advance reader's copy.

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Lovely very short stories that are uplifting and heart warming.
If you like his instagram stories, you will like these (but some of them you probably already know).

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I loved the sticky notes short stories included in this book. It showcases the innocent ways of children which we can learn from and teaches us so many different lessons in each of the notes.

As adults, we lose hope and become hardened due to life, and this book is just perfect to remind us of the way things should be – trying our best regardless of circumstances, giving each other the benefit of the doubt, and enjoying our greatest passions in life.

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I loved this collection, it shows the humanity and pain behind being a teacher, definitely full of very impactful stories.

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This book was so heartwarming. Each chapter was 1-2 pages and although it’s written by a teacher regarding his students, every human will be able to resonate with and appreciate some of his life lessons. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review - pub day is 10/15/24!

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When I saw the premise of this little book, I immediately wanted to read it. I thought it sounded very sweet and I am a big advocate for public school teachers. I am not familiar with this author's social media presence, I didn't know who he was until I found this book.

That being said, I just couldn't make myself enjoy this book. I really wanted to, but some of the stories felt like they were being forced to have meaning, and I just didn't feel it. Maybe not knowing the kiddos these stories are about make it harder to resonate with them.

It also felt redundant in parts. The author often would end one of his little stories with, "and that's what I think of when I see -insert normal everyday object here-" but it wasn't every story so I couldn't even chalk it up to a running theme.

I can see why some people would love this little book, it just wasn't for me.

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I could not put this book down! The life lessons, that Matt Eicheldinger’s students taught him, left such an impression on me. My favourite phrase from the book was, “Sometimes you’ll work with someone and get so caught up in what you are trying to do you end up missing the traits that are going to make someone truly special. (pg 7)”

Eicheldinger’s stories made me think of the experiences I have shared with my own students. I always say that my students are just the best people ever. They are constantly making me laugh and challenge myself to be the best teacher ever. From time to time I have also found myself writing my own little notes at the funny or interesting things they have said.

This collection reminded me that even after a hard day, the connection that I have made with students is what is most important. I highly recommend reading these life lessons for yourself!

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This collection of short (very short) stories from the classroom was a great read that made me miss being a teacher! The little moments the author has picked are (in turns) funny, inspiring, touching and even sad. Some of the stories have much greater impact than others, but overall I quite enjoyed this collection.

I LOVED the design too, the colours and little pictures made this book so much fun to read!

3.5 stars rounded up

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I discovered Matthew’s Instagram only about a year ago, after I had retired from 30+ years of teaching, but I loved it instantly. I just adored his little stories and how they perfectly captured the wonders and the positives of working with children. I was totally thrilled to see him put his little stories into a book for everyone to discover.

These little stories capture the life of a teacher and many of the positive little interactions that they have with their students. But they also show just how compassionate and considerate kids can be. We often only hear about how cruel and nasty kids can be, especially middle schoolers. But the kids featured in this book show such kindness to each other that it does give you hope that the world is not as negative as we think it is.

The stories are all very short, only two pages each, and are written in verse. But the length of the story doesn’t change the impact each one has. These little anecdotes are told with a lot of down home charm and wit and many leave you with the feeling of a warm hug. There are some sadder stories, but they all remind you what it is like to be human. I especially liked the stories where the author admits to having a bad day, and maybe not behaving his best, but how the students help him on those occasions too.

I just loved this little glimpse into the life of a middle grade teacher and his students. But this isn’t a book just for educators. I think everyone could benefit from reading this, especially on a day when things feel so dark and hopeless. This little book is a reminder of the good we all have in ourselves if we just take the time to remember to be kind to each other.

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Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

A heartwarming book that reminds one why we become teachers. Six grade is such an interesting year as they are just growing into teens, and their personalities mature a lot during the year.

I think I will attempt to try this for myself. Remember the little moments.

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Eicheldinger offers a refreshingly honest and heartwarming collection of reflections on the small, often overlooked moments that shape our lives. Drawing inspiration from the humble sticky note, he weaves together personal anecdotes and universal truths that encourage readers to slow down, live in the present, and find meaning in the seemingly mundane. 'Sticky Notes' is a thought-provoking read that celebrates the significance of life's little moments.

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Sticky Notes is a collection of short memories from the author’s time of teaching. Some are heartwarming, some are heartbreaking but each one reminds you of something different that is important in life. Simple but captures the heart and soul of working with children perfectly - especially the small life lessons they often teach you.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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This is a sweet read. The premise of the book sounded intriguing as it was based on a teacher (the author) being impacted by their own impact on a student. A general reminder that sometimes we don’t need to push for answers or put a stop to behavior, but take a moment to meet others (especially children) where they’re at. Many examples of where a student just needed the space for someone to listen or a tool (even an empty chair) to serve as comfort. Even mundane seeming things can make a world of difference and exhibit a sense of caring or understanding.

This is a gifting type book for sure. The snippets may be teacher-student focused, but I could see this being gifted to others that just need quick little inspirational bits for humanity.

It’s a very quick read, but I think it could easily be marketed as a daily inspiration, page-a-day format, or one of those tear off calendars. Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the ecopy.

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In this book, Matthew Eicheldinger recounts numerous student interactions over the course of his teaching career. As a child therapist, I greatly appreciated each of his stories, as I have had many similar experiences with clients myself.

Matthew's accounts highlight how most often the educator is the one learning as many of his students were the ones teaching the most valuable lessons. Many stories were very heartwarming and ended on a positive note, while others were flat out heartbreaking. Matthew conveyed how there are still lessons to be learned from all types of interactions, even the ones that don't end so well.

One of my favorite lessons that Matthew describes is how simply being there for a child can make the biggest difference. Many of his lessons involved interactions with parents, which I also greatly value due to the nature of my work with kids.

Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about this book. It was a very quick read. I actually read the whole thing on my lunch break. I think this book could be a good one to revisit from time to time.

Thank you to NetGalley, as well as to the author and publisher of this book for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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In the book Sticky Notes there are 100 true anecdotes that has a personal lesson in them.
It's a quick read. Motivational and Inspirational and each story is only a few pages.
The stories are quick, to the point. I personally like a bit of a description and sentence variation, but a totally fun easy read!

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"Sticky Notes" is a heartwarming collection of stories that takes readers on a journey through the everyday experiences of a dedicated teacher and the remarkable children in his classroom. This book is a delightful compilation of moments that highlight the unique and often surprising lessons that students can teach us.

Through a series of engaging and uplifting anecdotes, the author shares insights into the world of education from the teacher's perspective. Each story captures the essence of the challenges and joys of teaching, showcasing how the smallest interactions can leave a lasting impact. From moments of unexpected humor to profound realizations, the stories in "Sticky Notes" are a testament to the resilience and wisdom of children.

It's a celebration of the small moments that make a big difference, and it encourages us to appreciate the wisdom and joy that children bring into our lives. This book is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest lessons come from the most unexpected places.

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“Sticky Notes” is the motivational snack you need in your life to find inspiration and meaning in the small moments and interactions in life.

Filled with Eicheldinger’s trademark wit and down home charm, Matt reminds his readers to take a breather and appreciate all those little moments along the way to see the profound impact that a shared moment can have on our selves and others. Back when I was teaching, if I were able to share even 1/4 of the insight and wisdom that Eicheldinger has, then I would consider myself a very lucky person indeed.

A quick read that can be taken in a moment or two here and there or all at once, Matt offers an honest look at the world, primarily through moments shared with students in his classroom, reminding us all to slow down and appreciate the little things while also enjoying the wit, wisdom, and humor of others. For those of you, like me, who look forward to and listen to Matt’s stories most every day on Instagram, you’ll especially appreciate that Eicheldinger narrates the audiobook. Heartwarming, relatable, funny, engaging, and uplifting, this is the book you never knew you always needed.

Thank you @andrewsmcmeelpublshing and @netgalley for the advance digital copy. @matteicheldinger I loved it! This is a book that I will reach for in moments when I need to remind myself to appreciate the good in everyone and no matter how your day went, “remember to just smile and think, ‘I still zoomed!” Available October 14, 2024, this is a book I’ll definitely pick up for on my shelves.

“Sticky Notes” is a must read. Mark it on a #stickynote and order your copy today!

#motivational #inspirational #familyandrelationships #educationstories #stickynotes #nonfictionbooks
#bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookgeek #booknerd #bookreview #bookrecommend #highlyrecommend #youshouldreadthis #matteicheldinger #andrewsmcmeelpublishing #netgalley

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I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a quick read that is at times funny and sentimental. I had to wipe away a tear at times. It reminds us that we adults can learn a lot from kids also.
A great read.

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What a touching little book, filled with lyrical school day memories from the other side. A collection of sticky notes saved over a long career as a grade school teacher. I definitely teared up here and there. Sometimes the moral of the story felt a bit forced, I just let my eyes blur over those parts. This will definitely pick you up if you're feeling down. I wonder where those kids are today ...

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