Don Bartlette came into the world with special challenges. Born with no upper lip, his nose improperly placed and a gaping hole in the roof of his mouth, Don's father rejected him as damaged goods. The children in his village laughed at him, spit upon him and called him unkind names. For a time, Don's only "friends" were the rats in the village dump. But then a white woman in his town took an interest in this young Native American boy. She invited him into her home, teaching him how to speak, how to read and how to eat properly. She even arranged for corrective plastic surgery. Her actions steadily drew out the potential and sense of self-worth within young Don Bartlette. Your students will learn the joy of caring for others in this powerful story illustrating the inestimable value of each human being.

Teachers tell us:
"Good tool to help show tolerance and empathy for those who are different." - OWA Coordinator, Ohio
"The way he gives thanks to God for the way he was made is impressive." - Teacher, Florida
"One person in life makes a big difference. Looks are not everything, the beauty of the person is found inside." - Teacher, New York

Student reactions:
"Students were amazed at the progress made by this once handicapped child...they were moved emotionally by the cruelty he experienced at the hands of his peers and his parents."
"The bell rang before the video was finished and the students were concerned that we would not be able to see the end."
"... responded very emotionally."