I get emails all the time from authors asking me to review their books and I almost always turn them down simply because right now I don’t have the time to read as much as I would like and then I’ve got their book and the pressure and the guilt and oh my. At my age, books should be fun, not pressure.
Last week I got one of those emails from Phillip Done who is the author of 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny and I responded in my usual fashion, thank you but no, but something about the title piqued my interest and I clicked over to his web site.
If you want a smile, click on his ad on my right sidebar (it’s not a paid click through ad or even a paid ad, there’s nothing in it for me other than possibly a star in my crown) and read his list that starts and ends with “I am a teacher…” and includes “I answer to both mom and dad” and “I pray for snow days” and “I know when a child needs help finding a friend.” Oh that Sean will have such a teachers in his life.
I promise you, you will laugh and you will sigh. And then if you are like me, you will probably want to go buy the book.
AnnieBlogs says:
I LOVED this book. I read it a few years ago while I was teaching. I would LAUGH OUTLOUD and then cry. It was awesome.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Happy Geek says:
I loved the list.
I too hate glitter with all my heart. I haven’t taught in 5 years and I still have a bit stuck on me somewhere.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Colleen says:
I’m not a teacher, but I also have the gift of knowing if someone has gum or other contraband in their mouth even if they’re not chewing.
I also believe every school janitor in this country would agree with the statement “I hate glitter”. I’m sure every one of them has tried to clean up more than their share of the sparkly, sticks to everything like glue stuff.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
K @ Raise Them Up says:
Yes, yes, yes. As a teacher myself, all I can add is a sentimental smile.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Wendy says:
I don’t have time to read new books, but this has now officially been added to my Christmas list. It looks like an awesome book! I can’t wait to read it! Thank you for the recommendation!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Minnesotamom says:
So far I’ve only been offered one author’s books, and I am ashamed to admit that I didn’t respond because I thought maybe it was some sort of spam. I guess that’s a good way for them to get word out, though–contact bloggers!
November 5th, 2008 at 12:36 am
LORI says:
I LOVE EVERY SINGLE WORD I’VE READ SO FAR OF THIS BOOK! IT MAKES ME VERY PROUD TO BE A TEACHER. THIS GUY IS MY KIND OF PEOPLE!
November 5th, 2008 at 1:46 am
Jeanne A says:
A former roommate from elementary and high school days is an author. We’ve talked about how hard it is to keep Children’s books in print. She goes on lots of speaking trips and speaks at a lot of schools. Wish we somehow bring her to our school. A long time ago, my sister had her as author-in-residence at her school and it was good.
She also mentioned how many children’s books are published every year!
So AM, helping out this author is a great thing for you to do.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:01 am
Tara says:
If he contacts you again I’ll read and write a review for him! Sounds fun to me.
(And the book sounds great! If he sends you a copy, send it to me!)
November 5th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Joni says:
There are so few teachers who are actually doing what they like. Few who are really good. You appreciate the good ones. Even if yours is the one that has to rewrite his paper during recess. He was so sad to find out I agreed with his teacher and if he just used enough words the first time he could have been at recess.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Tater Mama says:
I taught 3rd grade for six years and it is the best grade to teach! When I return to the classroom in a couple of years, I hope I’ll be lucky enough to find a 3rd grade position open somewhere because it’s just a magical age. I can’t wait to pick up a copy of the book.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Cassie J. says:
Our church administrator jokes that we either have hay, glitter or sand for every VBS. Each is a nightmare!
I’d love to review books. How do you get started doing that?
November 5th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Melissa says:
Oh, thank you for this. I want to buy that book. Reading that inspired me so much. I realized during my senior year of university Computer Science education that I really should have followed my heart to become an elementary school teacher. Four months into industry work has confirmed it.
Once husband starts grad school next year, I plan on pursuing my dream. I can’t wait to read this book for inspiration! Thanks for the link!
November 5th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Nancy says:
Buy this book! I LOVED it!! And it’s not just a book for teachers. It’ll take you back to your childhood to your own elementary classrooms…and you’ll recognize pretty much all the kids as ones you knew. It’s been a while since I read it…might be time to re-read it.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
k&c's mom says:
I teach first grade.
Life is good in the first grade.
Even after 20 years.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Elizabeth says:
This book is awesome! I found it a couple of years ago through a friend. I am a third grade teacher and I rolled with laughter throughout the book.
I agree with a previous poster that the book isn’t just for teachers.
I also agree with another previous poster that Mr. Done really loves what he does. It shows in his writing. I reread the book before the beginning of each school year and during the year when I am feeling discouraged.
Thanks for helping spread the word about this book!
November 6th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Rita says:
We really need more teachers who CARE! Thanks for the post.
November 8th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Crystal says:
I have this book and it’s marvelous!! I would often read a bit of it when my third graders were reading in the mornings.
November 9th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Holly Smith says:
Thanks for posting this. I am definitely going to get my hands on this book. As a stay-at-home (former third grade teacher) it reminds me of why I decided to teach in the first place.
There was never one day in my seven years of teaching that did not make me: joyful, angry, giggly, appreciated, unappreciated, proud, and truly fulfilled.
While I love staying at home with my son, there are plenty of times when I miss all the good stuff. In my opinion, third grade is absolutely the perfect grade to teach. The kids absorb everything like sponges and still find learning to be cool and fun. Plus, they have become experts in zipping themselves up and using Kleenex appropriately.
Oh how I wish I had written down at least one funny quote a day. My favorite that I can remember, was right after I announced that I was expecting (it was painfully obvious
. One of my students pulled me aside during our walk to the cafeteria. He asked, “Does Mr. Smith know about this?”
November 10th, 2008 at 3:21 pm