The Pirate of Kindergarten

Lyon, George Ella. 2010. The pirate of kindergarten. Ill. by Lynne Avril. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416950240

Plot Summary

Ginny loves reading circle, but it’s hard to find a seat when half of them aren’t real. Ginny loves to read, but it’s hard when there are two of every word on the page. Numbers and scissors are especially hard because Ginny sees two of everything. On vision screening day Ginny finds out that most people only see one of everything. After a trip to the eye doctor Ginny returns to school with an eye patch. As a Kindergarten Pirate, Ginny is able to read, do numbers and scissors, and take her place in the reading circle without knocking over chairs.

Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers)

The Pirate of Kindergarten offers a straightforward example of the difficulties of succeeding in school with a vision problem. Ginny has difficulties in reading, math, and trouble with spatial reckoning. Ginny has developed coping skills such as tightening her mind “the way you tie a knot in a rope.” Some of Ginny’s coping skills, reading with her nose in the fold of the book or with one eye closed, are discouraged by her well intentioned, but oblivious, teacher. The teasing of other children and the details of the corrective therapies are briefly mentioned, but they are not the focus of the story. What the story reveals is the confusion of double vision, and the relief when corrected.

Avril’s mixed media illustrations clearly show how the world would look to someone with double vision. The illustrations often contrast what Ginny sees, overlapping doubled images, with the clear images that her classmates and teacher see. The pirate aspect of the story does not come into play until after Ginny receives her eye patch, and then it is only used as a metaphor of Ginny’s growing confidence and command once her view of the world has been set right.

Review Excerpts

Horn Book Magazine: “Avril’s easygoing pictures in cheerful colors simultaneously depict a warm, inviting classroom and the chaos seen through Ginny's eyes. Ginny squints her way through the day, eager to learn and succeed at school, but her efforts and frustration are palpable.”

Booklist: “Based on Lyon’s own experience, the sensitively written story radiates empathy and good humor. Even children who have not experienced Ginny’s problem will understand her occasional frustration and find it intriguing that one person can literally see the world differently from another.”

Connections

Nonfiction books about vision disorders and eyeglasses for older readers:

Goldstein, Margaret J. 1997. Eyeglasses (Household history). Minneapolis : Carolrhoda Books. ISBN 9781575050010

Silverstein, Alvin. 2000. Can you see the chalkboard? (My health). New York: Franklin Watts. ISBN 9780531139691