More Than Anything Else is a 1997-1998 Hoosier Nominee for Kindergarten to Third Grade.

The story is about a 9-year old African-American boy named Booker who works in the salt mines with his father and brother. It is a short story about Booker T. Washington. His hunger to learn is stronger than his hunger for food. He talks about the "secret" he will find in the books when he can read.

There are two strong points about the book. It talks about the importance of reading and education. It introduces readers to Booker T. Washington, who led the way for African-Americans to get an education.

I am not sure how much Kirsten understood when I read it to her, but she knows how our parents feel about education and reading. I am in 4th grade and didn't know who who Booker T. Washington was. I knew before the Civil War it was against the law for African-Americans to read or get an education. That is why I think this is an outstanding book. We are priveleged in America today because everyone can learn to read and learn about anything we want.