A Smile as Big as the Moon: A Special Education Teacher, His Class, and Their Inspiring Journey Through U.S. Space Camp

A great read! You will not want to put it down. It's truly a remarkable story about how every human deserves love and acceptance as we need food and water.

Wonderful story! I bought it because Big Dan graduated from the same high school that I did. I sat and had coffee with him after reading the book and learned what a wonderful, humble man he is. The special education teacher, Mike Kersjes, and the students did all of the work---but Big Dan made it all possible by providing the financial support that they needed. Be sure to keep a box of Kleenex handy, because your eyes will surely be leaking by the time you finish this book! There's a DVD, too---Hallmark made a movie by the same name. Look for it on Amazon and buy it, too!

A SMILE AS BIG AS THE MOON is a beautiful story. It touches the heart immediately. It is a story that focuses on ability not the individual disabilities of the students. Let's look past what we see and give everyone a fair shot at achieving success(at any level).I have worked with special ed kids during my professional career. They are amongst the most capable and sincere students that I have had. All they ask is an equal share at being accepted. We all have abilities. Just give them a chance.A disability doesn't define the level of achievement that one is able to reach. It is the heart of the person that should eclipse such out-dated expectations.

As a SPED teacher, I loved this book the first time I read it. Now my granddaughter is showing interest in working in Special Education. I bought this copy for her as a Christmas gift. She also loves it. Knowing it is a true story, makes it even better.

I am the biggest fan of this book. It usually takes a lot for me to really get into a book but from the moment I bought it on my kindle it was hard to put it down. I really enjoyed this book . I have been to space camp before and am actually going for the 10th time this summer! I also am in the Early childhood Education program at my high school and have spent much time with Young children like the children in this story. This book really portrays both special education and space camp soo accurately. I would mostdefinatlly tell everyone to read this book. I also would recommend watching the hallmark movie as well.

As a Special Education teacher for the past 28 years, it still amazes me that some teachers still don't have an understanding of the challenges faced by students with disabilities. Provided the supports and given the encouragement these students will consistently surprise us by rising to the occasion. This book does a great job of describing various disabilities and sends a positive message to all children. We just finished the book in class and the kids loved it. They walk a bit taller and with pride knowing that if they put the work in, it will pay off.

I was required to take a class on special education to complete my teaching license after moving from another state. I found a community college that offered a class that uses this book as their main assignment for the semester. I was pleased to actually enjoy the book and thought it was inspiring and insightful.

I loved this book because it reiterates the belief that all children have the ability to succeed given love, encouragement and the time and opportunity to stretch and spread their wings. We as parents and teachers should never give up on our kids!

I haven't read this book, but I have seen the film and it was amazing. I laughed, I cried and I have nothing but admiration for a teacher who was determined that his pupils should have a chance to fulfil their potential and follow their dream.

Happened to watch the film by accident one night on TV and just HAD to read the book. Fantastic! Just couldn't put it down - well written and so inspirational, both from the teachers point of view and the students in what they achieved. Wonderful.

I bought this after watching the TV movie (which is abosutely incredible to watch) and I can't wait to finish reading it. I've only read the first few chapters but the writing style is gripping

Amazing story! As a teacher I couldn't help but feel motivated throughout the whole story. I cannot recommend this book enough.

The book is brilliant, It was nice to know that someone was out there caring for kids with disabilities back then, and if you enjoy the book, the film based on the book is just as good