The Great Turtle Race in Kansas
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The Great Response "Dear Students: I agree that we should make the Ornate Box Turtle state reptile. I will support your undertaking…" wrote a state representative. The students were thrilled to receive so many letters. They were reading and discussing them in class. "Listen to this!" said Tammy, “Dear Tammy: We (the KNEA) believe your effort is a serious and important one for the state…" Another student added excitedly that she had heard from a state senator, "…the Ornate Box Turtle is very much like most Kansans; friendly but independent." Misty read a letter from another representative: "Dear Misty: When we return to session in January, I will study this proposal with an open mind." With such an obvious and favorable wind of response at their backs, an editor of the Wichita Eagle Beacon newspaper contacted them and wrote an editorial in favor of making the Ornate Box Turtle the state reptile. The class started receiving more and more letters of support. By the end of November, they had support from all parts of Kansas.
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About the Book
"The Great Turtle Race in Kansas" is based on a true story of a 6th grade class in Caldwell, Kansas, who succeeded in their petition to make the Ornate Box turtle the Kansas state reptile. In this fun and instructional children's tale, Hank Thatcher brings to life the workings of state government.
About the Author
Hank Thatcher grew up in Dodge City, Kansas. His childhood interests were history, music, reading, and writing. As a young boy he was greatly intrigued by Dodge City's rough and rowdy past. After hearing stories from his grandmother about the Ornate Box Turtle and an adventuresome 6th grade class of Caldwell, Kansas, Hank decided to write this novel tale.