Ryan and Jimmy

Ryan and Jimmy chronicles the real-life connection between a Canadian first-grader and a Ugandan boy. What begins as a school project about water access in Africa leads to an unexpected friendship across continents. The book follows Ryan's efforts to help bring clean water to Jimmy's village through fundraising and community organizing. Their initial connection grows into years of correspondence and collaboration between their two communities. This true story captures the development of both boys from childhood through their teenage years as their paths continue to intersect. Events take dramatic turns that test their bond and reveal the impact that one person's actions can have. Ryan and Jimmy demonstrates how children can be catalysts for meaningful change and cross-cultural understanding. The narrative stands as an example of how personal relationships can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries to create lasting transformation.

Readers appreciate this true story about friendship and clean water initiatives between a Canadian boy and Ugandan youth. Parents and teachers note it works well for teaching children about global issues, cultural connections, and making a difference at a young age. Reviewers highlight the accessible writing style for grades 3-7 and the inclusion of photographs that help children connect with the real people involved. Multiple teachers mention using it successfully in classroom discussions about charity and global citizenship. Common criticisms include that the story can feel rushed in parts and that some readers wanted more details about the challenges faced. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (276 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (15 ratings) Common Sense Media: 5/5 (1 rating) One teacher on Goodreads wrote: "My students were completely engaged and inspired by Ryan's initiative at such a young age." A parent reviewer noted: "This book showed my children that kids their own age can take action and help others."

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🌍 Ryan Hreljac started his clean water mission at just six years old when he learned that children in Africa had to walk hours each day to get water. 💧 The well that Ryan initially fundraised for ($70) was built at Angolo Primary School in Uganda, where Jimmy lived - this coincidence led to their friendship. ✉️ Ryan and Jimmy became pen pals first, then met in person in 2000 when Ryan visited Uganda to see the well his fundraising had built. 🏃 In 2000, Jimmy had to flee his village due to rebel activity and eventually found refuge in Canada, where the Hreljac family adopted him. 🌟 The Ryan's Well Foundation, which grew from Ryan's childhood initiative, has now helped build over 1,000 wells and 1,200 latrines, providing clean water to more than one million people.