What happens when a perfectly dreadful adult is forced to deal with a talented albeit unusual group of children? A very funny, offbeat book by Newbery Medalist Paul Fleischman called The Dunderheads (Candlewick).
As a teacher, Miss Breakbone makes Viola Swamp from Miss Nelson Is Missing fame (Houghton) look positively sensitive. She so revels in her meanness that she gives herself a gold star every time she makes a student cry. Plus Miss Breakbone is the master of confiscating kids’ possessions.
Sounds awful, huh? But this is a very funny tall tale just in time for the start of school.
I can imagine a teacher (or even a parent) reading this book aloud to a child who has some familiarity with school — and even with older kids. Not only should it relieve jitters (no real teacher could be this bad!) but the book suggests that unusual skills have a place.
Each student who Miss Breakbone has dubbed a group of altogether “…mind-wandering, doodling, dozing, don’t-knowing dunderheads” has a special talent. Used cooperatively, these talents foil the dastardly teacher for a happy and very satisfying ending.
I haven’t had a chance to share this book with kids yet, but can’t wait to. The illustrations are contemporary and just as wacky as the story.
If anyone does get a child’s response, please let me know what it is. It might be an interesting way to start the school year!
About the Author
Reading Rockets’ children’s literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Publication Date
August 12, 2009