Monday, April 7, 2008

Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker

It all started way back when, reading this post by Mary Lee at A Year of Reading. I was so new to blogs, I don't even know how I stumbled upon this one. I believe I searched Google for the words "Fifth Grade Read Aloud" and a whole new world opened up for me. Not only the world of blogs, but the world of Clementine!
The third book in the Clementine series is Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Marla Frazee. This might possibly be my favorite of the three books.
The plot is that Clementine's teacher has been nominated for a award which will afford him the privilege to work outside the classroom on a project. (Lucky him) But Clementine feels very betrayed by his leaving. Clementine is also again trying desperately to please her mother and father which turns into a very cute subplot.
The reason I love this book so much, or even dare I say, more than the other two, is the fact that so much of it centers on Clementine and her relationship with her teacher. I hope everyday that I mean that much to one of my students. If just one student would feel betrayed by me not being at school, I would be thrilled! I also really like the way she talks about the substitute teacher. My favorite line (not quoting because someone has already snagged my book) is where Clementine talks about how she didn't know the substitute teacher's rules before hand. (That is before she had done wrong.) And haven't we all felt like that at some point?
I could probably go on and on about this book, but my suggestion is, just read it! It will only take you a very small slice of time and you will feel so happy you did!
Other Reviews:
Literate Lives
A Year of Reading

6 comments:

Karen said...

Very well said, Megan. I loved the book, too, and you really stated the essence of why!

Jen Robinson said...

Oh, I am looking forward to this one, Megan. So glad to hear it lives up to the previous two.

I learned about Clementine from A Year of Reading, too, and the books rapidly became among my favorites.

Franki said...

We must be reading the same books at the same time! Loved this one too!

Barbara O'Connor said...

I can't wait to read it. I LOVE Clementine!

Blink said...

Clementine is one of my new fave characters. I read the first book aloud to my class last quarter to get them interested in the books. Couldn't keep it on our classroom shelf after the reading. I loved how this book appealed to both girls and boys. Great review. Look forward to reading this.

Mary Lee said...

I'm just getting a "full circle" feeling right now!!!