To put themselves into Eddie's shoes, 8th graders twisted and tied pipe cleaners to form either a rabbit or dog just like the protagonist did for Annie/Amy and Tala - respectively - in Mitch Albom's THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN. According to the novel, "[Eddie] reached into his short pocket and pulled out three yellow pipe cleaners, which he carried just for this purpose." Then, students used their own imaginations and creativity to design an animal of their choice out of the pipe cleaners. From sharks and snails to bees and cats, the 8th graders rose to the challenge. 

First, view the 8th grader's re-creation of Eddie's pipe cleaner rabbit for Amy/Annie!

According to the novel first chapter, "The End," "[Eddie] took the pipe cleaners into several small loops, then twisted the loops around one another. His hands shook now, so it took longer than it used to, but soon the pipe cleaners resembled a head, ears, body, and tail" (p. 13). 

Next, view the 8th grader's re-creation of Eddie's pipe cleaner dog for Tala!

In the chapter, "The Last Lesson," "[Eddie]" pulled [the pipe cleaners] out and twisted them together, as he had done in his days at the pier. [Tala] rose to her knees to examine the process. His hands shook. 'You see? It's a . . .' he finished the last twist '. . . dog'" (p. 187). 


Creator: Makayla


Creator: Jayden


Creator: Samuel

Lastly, view the 8th grader's original pipe cleaner animals!


Animal: Cat
Creator: Soraya


Insect: Butterfly
Creator: Ethan


Animal: Shark
Creator: Sophia


Animal: Snail
Creator: Kaelle


Animal: Spider or Octopus
Creator: Sean


Insect: Butterfly
Creator: Makayla


Insect: Bee
Creator: Samuel

Just as when Tala took her pipe cleaner dog, she "smiled - a smile Eddie had seen a thousand times" (p. 187), the 8th grade hopes their pipe cleaner creations made you smile!