I was super excited to read Sticky Notes, by Matthew Eicheldinger, as I heard so many good things about it. That, and I like teacher snippet stories - you know the ones, with short chapters, each with a lesson of sorts. As a teacher, I know that the little stories we collect over the years really do add up. All that said, going into this book I was excited to read it.

The concept behind the book is genuinely heartwarming: Eicheldinger's reflection on how small gestures can have a lasting impact, inspired by a nonverbal student who treasured his daily encouraging notes. The book certainly delivers on its promise of uplifting stories that focus on themes like kindness, connection, and personal growth. I particularly enjoyed how the stories were presented in verse, which gave them a unique flow and made them very quick to read. For readers looking for quick, feel-good anecdotes, "Sticky Notes" offers a gentle and easy experience.

While I appreciated the positive sentiment behind each lesson, given the setting of a middle school classroom and the potential for quirky, unexpected moments with young students, I was really hoping for a little more humor to balance the earnestness. While there were certainly moments of warmth, I personally missed the sharp wit or laugh-out-loud observations that can often accompany stories of human interaction.

Ultimately, "Sticky Notes" is a pleasant and straightforward read. It succeeds in its goal of reminding readers to appreciate the small things and the connections we make. The simple, heartwarming tales focused on finding inspiration in the small moments of the classroom. If you're looking for a gentle reminder of life's simple lessons, this book could be a good fit. If, like me, you prefer your heartwarming stories with a side of unexpected humor or more complex emotional nuances, you might find yourself wanting a bit more.

Delightful and wholesome. Perfect for all audiences and especially anyone who may need a dash of hope. I appreciate the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.

I loved this. Such a quick, moving read. I loved that the teacher cared so much for the students that he made this whole book. I sincerely hope there’s more additional sticky note stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the digital ARC.

This was a quick but very moving and impactful set of short stories.

This book. It was SO SWEET and thought provoking and honestly, you have no idea how something you say or do can make an impact on someone else. This book was little vignettes of those instances, where something small ended up not being small at all.

This is a PERFECT gift for the teacher in your life. It would be a great pick me up when they have a bad day and can dip into the book to remind themselves that, yes, they ARE making a difference and that the students in their life are also making a difference in THEM.

This book made me laugh, tear up and think. I cant recommend it highly enough.

5, this is a book to get and re-read or pick up often, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an eARC of this book to read and review.

STICKY NOTES is from Matthew Eicheldinger, a middle school teacher and gifted storyteller. He subtitles his collection: "Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments." And he offers insights for all of us, not just educators, although I did feel that he validated and evoked many of the varied feelings I had as a teacher. Eicheldinger's short vignettes reminded me that we often have an impact on others that we may never realize. A favorite was called "A Dance" about a young boy who is quite excited when his invitation is accepted, but young love runs its course and, saddened, he simply seeks quiet time and acceptance in Mr. Eicheldinger's classroom during a free period. There are so many more that will inspire readers and touch their hearts. Eicheldinger has collated other stories online at Instagram and TikTok. He says, "empathy and compassion are what keep us grounded and connected" – so true. 4.5 stars

Oh so very cute a read! My grateful thanks to the publisher and the author for sharing this advance reader's copy.

Lovely very short stories that are uplifting and heart warming.
If you like his instagram stories, you will like these (but some of them you probably already know).

I loved the sticky notes short stories included in this book. It showcases the innocent ways of children which we can learn from and teaches us so many different lessons in each of the notes.

As adults, we lose hope and become hardened due to life, and this book is just perfect to remind us of the way things should be – trying our best regardless of circumstances, giving each other the benefit of the doubt, and enjoying our greatest passions in life.

I loved this collection, it shows the humanity and pain behind being a teacher, definitely full of very impactful stories.

This book was so heartwarming. Each chapter was 1-2 pages and although it’s written by a teacher regarding his students, every human will be able to resonate with and appreciate some of his life lessons. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review - pub day is 10/15/24!

When I saw the premise of this little book, I immediately wanted to read it. I thought it sounded very sweet and I am a big advocate for public school teachers. I am not familiar with this author's social media presence, I didn't know who he was until I found this book.

That being said, I just couldn't make myself enjoy this book. I really wanted to, but some of the stories felt like they were being forced to have meaning, and I just didn't feel it. Maybe not knowing the kiddos these stories are about make it harder to resonate with them.

It also felt redundant in parts. The author often would end one of his little stories with, "and that's what I think of when I see -insert normal everyday object here-" but it wasn't every story so I couldn't even chalk it up to a running theme.

I can see why some people would love this little book, it just wasn't for me.

I could not put this book down! The life lessons, that Matt Eicheldinger’s students taught him, left such an impression on me. My favourite phrase from the book was, “Sometimes you’ll work with someone and get so caught up in what you are trying to do you end up missing the traits that are going to make someone truly special. (pg 7)”

Eicheldinger’s stories made me think of the experiences I have shared with my own students. I always say that my students are just the best people ever. They are constantly making me laugh and challenge myself to be the best teacher ever. From time to time I have also found myself writing my own little notes at the funny or interesting things they have said.

This collection reminded me that even after a hard day, the connection that I have made with students is what is most important. I highly recommend reading these life lessons for yourself!

This collection of short (very short) stories from the classroom was a great read that made me miss being a teacher! The little moments the author has picked are (in turns) funny, inspiring, touching and even sad. Some of the stories have much greater impact than others, but overall I quite enjoyed this collection.

I LOVED the design too, the colours and little pictures made this book so much fun to read!

3.5 stars rounded up

I discovered Matthew’s Instagram only about a year ago, after I had retired from 30+ years of teaching, but I loved it instantly. I just adored his little stories and how they perfectly captured the wonders and the positives of working with children. I was totally thrilled to see him put his little stories into a book for everyone to discover.

These little stories capture the life of a teacher and many of the positive little interactions that they have with their students. But they also show just how compassionate and considerate kids can be. We often only hear about how cruel and nasty kids can be, especially middle schoolers. But the kids featured in this book show such kindness to each other that it does give you hope that the world is not as negative as we think it is.

The stories are all very short, only two pages each, and are written in verse. But the length of the story doesn’t change the impact each one has. These little anecdotes are told with a lot of down home charm and wit and many leave you with the feeling of a warm hug. There are some sadder stories, but they all remind you what it is like to be human. I especially liked the stories where the author admits to having a bad day, and maybe not behaving his best, but how the students help him on those occasions too.

I just loved this little glimpse into the life of a middle grade teacher and his students. But this isn’t a book just for educators. I think everyone could benefit from reading this, especially on a day when things feel so dark and hopeless. This little book is a reminder of the good we all have in ourselves if we just take the time to remember to be kind to each other.

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

A heartwarming book that reminds one why we become teachers. Six grade is such an interesting year as they are just growing into teens, and their personalities mature a lot during the year.

I think I will attempt to try this for myself. Remember the little moments.

Eicheldinger offers a refreshingly honest and heartwarming collection of reflections on the small, often overlooked moments that shape our lives. Drawing inspiration from the humble sticky note, he weaves together personal anecdotes and universal truths that encourage readers to slow down, live in the present, and find meaning in the seemingly mundane. 'Sticky Notes' is a thought-provoking read that celebrates the significance of life's little moments.

Sticky Notes is a collection of short memories from the author’s time of teaching. Some are heartwarming, some are heartbreaking but each one reminds you of something different that is important in life. Simple but captures the heart and soul of working with children perfectly - especially the small life lessons they often teach you.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a sweet read. The premise of the book sounded intriguing as it was based on a teacher (the author) being impacted by their own impact on a student. A general reminder that sometimes we don’t need to push for answers or put a stop to behavior, but take a moment to meet others (especially children) where they’re at. Many examples of where a student just needed the space for someone to listen or a tool (even an empty chair) to serve as comfort. Even mundane seeming things can make a world of difference and exhibit a sense of caring or understanding.

This is a gifting type book for sure. The snippets may be teacher-student focused, but I could see this being gifted to others that just need quick little inspirational bits for humanity.

It’s a very quick read, but I think it could easily be marketed as a daily inspiration, page-a-day format, or one of those tear off calendars. Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the ecopy.

In this book, Matthew Eicheldinger recounts numerous student interactions over the course of his teaching career. As a child therapist, I greatly appreciated each of his stories, as I have had many similar experiences with clients myself.

Matthew's accounts highlight how most often the educator is the one learning as many of his students were the ones teaching the most valuable lessons. Many stories were very heartwarming and ended on a positive note, while others were flat out heartbreaking. Matthew conveyed how there are still lessons to be learned from all types of interactions, even the ones that don't end so well.

One of my favorite lessons that Matthew describes is how simply being there for a child can make the biggest difference. Many of his lessons involved interactions with parents, which I also greatly value due to the nature of my work with kids.

Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about this book. It was a very quick read. I actually read the whole thing on my lunch break. I think this book could be a good one to revisit from time to time.

Thank you to NetGalley, as well as to the author and publisher of this book for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.