Summary Of Heilman's Short Story 'Ninos'

“Ninos” Analysis “Ninos” is a short story in which, Robert Leo Heilman, the author, presents a deeper look into the life of less fortunate children. Heilman, shares his experience about the young children he reads to at the local Head Start. Heilman claims, “at times it’s painful for me to know these children and care about them knowing that, in the end, they’re someone else’s kids” (Heilman, 186). Published in the late 90’s and early in Heilman’s life, the author focuses on his ability to truly relate to these young children, through a sense of love and communication. Heilman tells this story from his point of view. For example, the author often uses the term “I” in the story when explaining his experiences. “I tell stories to kids (and bid folks too- when they’ll listen). Although Heilman tells this story through his point of view, he focuses more on the children and their experiences, rather than himself. In this story Heilman discusses grief and love all in one. His experience was more than just reading to the local children at the head start; he truly got to know them and their lives. It did not take long for he to feel love for these children as if they were his own. As stated before, he claimed that, “at times it’s painful for me to know these children and care about them knowing

He had the opportunity to play a huge role in these young kids’ lives through such a small act. Sometimes all children need is someone to just be there for them and listen to what they are going through, Heilman got to be that person. It takes a special kind of person to connect with and be trusted by children, and he was that man. Heilman’s focus on relating to these children gave them a sense of reassurance, and because of him these kids’ had the opportunity to have that father figure that some may not have