Caroline Starr Rose

picture book and middle-grade author

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Fast Five: Novels about Teachers and their Students

22 Comments

teacher books

I cried when my family listened to FRINDLE on CD last Thanksgiving. Yes, that’s the mid-grade novel about a ball-point pen. But bigger than that, it’s the story of a teacher allowing her student to make discoveries and learn well beyond the classroom.

Last month I read LOVE THAT DOG, another lovely teacher book. Today I finished a book that was hopeful and beautiful.

THE YEAR OF MISS AGNES, by Kirkpatrick Hill

Hill has created more than just an appealing cast of characters; she introduces readers to a whole community and makes a long-ago and faraway place seem real and very much alive. This is an inspirational story about Alaska, the old and new ways, a very special teacher, and the influence that she has over everyone she meets. A wonderful read-aloud to start off the school year.Kit Vaughan, Midlothian Middle School, VA 

Here are some other favorites:

UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE, by Bel Kaufman

Never before has a novel so compellingly laid bare the inner workings of a metropolitan high school. Up the Down Staircase is the funny and touching story of a committed, idealistic teacher whose dash with school bureaucracy is a timeless lesson for students, teachers, parents–anyone concerned about public education. Bel Kaufman lets her characters speak for themselves through memos, letters, directives from the principal, comments by students, notes between teachers, and papers from desk drawers and wastebaskets, evoking a vivid picture of teachers fighting the good fight against all that stands in the way of good teaching.
From Amazon.com

CHRISTY, by Catherine Marshall

“An inspiring story. With skill, Catherine Marshall has described human qualities common to all people everywhere.” — Boston Globe

Years ago, while visiting my sister, I ran out of books to read. I found a copy of Christy in her guest-room closet. She had found it — an autographed copy — at a garage sale. And because my sister is one wonderful person, she sent me home with the book.

TISHA, by Robert Specht

Anne Hobbs is a prim and proper 19-year-old schoolteacher who yearns for adventure. She finds this and much more in a town with the unlikely name of Chicken, located deep in the Alaskan interior. It is 1927 and Chicken is a wild mining community flaming with gold fever. Anne quickly makes friends with many of the townspeople, but is soon ostracized when she not only befriends the local Indians but also falls in love with one. A heartwarming story in the tradition of Benedict Freedman’s classic, Mrs. Mike, Tisha is one of those rare books that stays with the reader for years, beckoning to be read again and again. –MaudeenWachsmith

I found an old copy of TISHA at my grandparents’ house and remember sitting up with it late into the night.

TO SIR, WITH LOVE, by E.R. Braithwaite

This book follows E.R. Braithwaite’s teaching experiences in the slums of London. I read this as an exchange student, when my Australian teacher gave it to me. I’d already read the assigned book, A PATCH OF BLUE. Both books deal with racism and both movie versions star Sidney Poitier. I suppose these were reason enough for my teacher to give me this second story. Thanks, Ms. Kronitis! Reading this book encouraged me to teach.

In honor of the new school year (my sons started class today) and to all of those who work so hard to make a difference in children’s lives, thank you.

Are there any teacher books you can think of to round out my list?

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Filed Under: books and reading, teaching

Comments

  1. Natalie Aguirre says

    August 18, 2010 at 11:24 am

    I remember Christy. I loved it.

    Reply
  2. Kenda says

    August 18, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    What a great list! Coming from a family of teachers, I’m making note of the ones I haven’t read yet, though Christy is one of my favorites. Thanks for the heads up!

    Reply
  3. salarsenッ says

    August 18, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    Great list. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  4. Michelle says

    August 18, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    I’ve got two for middle graders. Sahara Special, by Esme Raji Codell, and The View From Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg. Both are about special teachers and their students.

    Reply
  5. Caroline Starr Rose says

    August 18, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    Michelle, yes! THE VIEW FROM SATURDAY is wonderful. I’ve never heard of SAHARA SPECIAL. Adding it to my list.

    Reply
  6. Paul Greci says

    August 18, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    This is a great list!! A few here that I haven’t read. I’m especially interested in The Years of Miss Agnes. Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Jemi Fraser says

    August 18, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    I haven’t read all of these yet – thanks 🙂

    Reply
  8. MaryC says

    August 19, 2010 at 2:23 am

    I read FRINDLE with my class last year and they adored it. We used it as our jumpoff book to become word detectives and focus on vocabulary.

    Of course on the younger level there’s Miss Nelson is Missing.

    Thanks for the list!

    Reply
  9. Amy Holder says

    August 19, 2010 at 5:18 am

    Awesome list of books! My to-read list has grown after reading this post. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Jen says

    August 19, 2010 at 6:34 pm

    I love the list of books!!! This is an extra special list! I am excited to have added to my pile!

    Reply
  11. A.L. Sonnichsen says

    August 20, 2010 at 6:06 am

    I went right away and reserved The Year of Miss Agnes from our library. I always appreciate your book suggestions so much.

    Amy

    Reply
  12. Caroline Starr Rose says

    August 20, 2010 at 2:04 pm

    Amy, you’ll love it! It’s beautiful.

    Reply
  13. SWK says

    August 21, 2010 at 6:03 pm

    Might be cool to add a play – William Gibson’s THE MIRACLE WORKER. A lovely list, thanks.

    Reply
  14. Caroline Starr Rose says

    August 21, 2010 at 7:30 pm

    Yes! Great idea.

    Reply
  15. Amanda Hosch says

    August 28, 2010 at 4:44 am

    Have you read HATE THAT CAT yet? It’s the sequel to LOVE THAT DOG.

    It’s just as funny, moving, and entertaining as the first one.

    Reply
  16. Caroline Starr Rose says

    August 29, 2010 at 9:54 pm

    Amanda, I haven’t. I need to!

    Reply
  17. Facundo's Reading Room says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:27 am

    I have two. Thank you Mr. Faulkner and The
    Wednesday Wars. I am adding your suggestions to my summer reading list. Thanks

    Reply
    • Caroline Starr Rose says

      July 6, 2013 at 3:28 pm

      Yes! Both are wonderful. Great suggestions.

      Reply
  18. Emilia Whippie says

    July 2, 2013 at 7:53 pm

    My students suggested that I read “Because of Mr. Terupt” and I am so glad I did! It is about a 5th grade teacher and his class as told through different perspectives by his students. There is a sequel as well. You’ll laugh and cry and discover a love of teaching all over again.

    Reply
    • Caroline Starr Rose says

      July 6, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      I must admit I still haven’t picked it up, though it has found its way to my nightstand…

      Reply
  19. Thuy says

    April 9, 2017 at 8:56 pm

    Thanks for sharing.!

    Reply

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