Don't Forget to Look Back

Don't Forget to Look Back
by Jarvis T Wilbert (Author), Anika Saphiloff (Editor), Diana Maksymenko (Illustrator)
 
Don’t Forget to Look Back is a heartfelt story about a bright, confident girl named Tootie who excels in both school and sports. With loving parents who have always encouraged her to “keep her head up and eyes forward,” Tootie charges through life focused on her own goals and successes.
 
But everything changes the day she notices her teammate Camille crying alone in the lunchroom. For the first time, Tootie realizes that not everyone has the same support she does. Camille is struggling with school, friendships, and even lunch money — and Tootie never saw it because she was always looking straight ahead.
 
Through kindness, friendship, and a gentle lesson from her parents, Tootie learns that success means more than good grades or winning goals. It also means reaching back to help others along the way.
 
With warm illustrations and an uplifting message, this story reminds young readers to stay confident, stay driven, and most importantly… never forget to look back and help someone else.
 
Don’t Forget to Look Back is a touching and beautifully written story that delivers an important lesson with heart and clarity. Tootie is a lovable main character whose confidence, humor, and determination shine from the very first page. Her journey from focusing only on her own achievements to discovering the power of empathy and kindness is both relatable and meaningful for young readers.
 
The book handles its message with real warmth. Tootie’s realization that not all children have the same advantages — or even a friend to sit with — opens the door to valuable conversations about compassion, awareness, and helping others. Camille’s struggles are portrayed with honesty but also with hope, making the friendship between the two girls feel genuine and uplifting.
 
The illustrations add charm and emotion to every page, helping readers feel the excitement of Tootie’s successes, the sadness of Camille’s loneliness, and the joy that grows when the girls support each other.
 
This is a wonderful read for families, classrooms, and anyone looking to encourage kindness, friendship, and character. Don’t Forget to Look Back is more than just a story — it’s a reminder that the world gets better every time we choose to look around and lift someone up.


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