Teacher and author Phillip Done has a new book out called Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind — a delightful collection of funny, charming and tender short stories from his third-grade classroom.
The book is organized by months of the school year and then within each month are a couple of related short stories. I have to tell you, I think that is a terribly clever format.
I also have to tell you that there is one particular story that I haven’t been able to quit thinking about since I read it a month or two ago. It’s in the December chapter and it’s about this economically-challenged little boy named Henry who gives up his lunch money so he can give his teacher, Mr. Done, a Christmas present. If you buy the book only to read that one story, it will be worth it.
I loved this book, as I did his first book, and I think you will too.
Julie at Elisharose says:
My (homeschooled) daughter is about to start 3rd grade. I think I would enjoy hearing stories of her contemporaries. Thanks for the recommendation.
August 21st, 2009 at 3:04 pm
france59 says:
The brief mention of Henry brought tears to my eyes. Children are amazing.
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Oh it’s a sweet story, and so tenderly told. You would love this book. ~AM
August 21st, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Screwed Up Texan says:
Someone else recommended this book a couple weeks ago. I think it’s a message for me to pick it up!
August 21st, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Sarah S. says:
I need to dust off my Shelfari account and start a list of ‘good stuff to read’. Sounds wonderful…
August 21st, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Aggiema (Michelle) says:
The first book was excellent, I totally enjoyed reading it and have recommended it to several of my friends. Thanks again for sending it to me!
August 21st, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Pat T says:
Oh how timely, I need to pick up both. I amthisclose to switching careers and going back to school to earn my teaching certificate / Master of Arts in Education degree. Classes start Tuesday so I need to decide fast, I am 95% there. I need to pick these up this weekend.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Kathie says:
Thank you for the recommendation – I picked up the book today. i have a daughter in third grade.
God Bless and have a great weekend!
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Common Mom says:
I LOVED the first book . . . laughed my behind off . . . and can’t wait to get this one as well. Thank you for posting about it.
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Jenny 867-5309 says:
I’ve never heard of this author, but love reading stories of kids. I wonder if it’s on Audibles….gonna have to see.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Melissa @ Anxious for Nothing says:
After reading your post, I put both of Done’s books on hold at the library. The first one came in and I stayed up until midnight last night literally laughing out loud every other page. Thanks for the recommendation.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:47 pm