Sunday, April 19, 2009

The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts

The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts is by Richard Peck. This story is set in rural Indiana in 1904. 15-year-old Russell's summer ends on an uplifting note, his teacher has died. As the author notes, "If your teacher has to die, August isn't a bad time of year for it...". He and his brother are certain the school board will tear down the one room school house and they'll be free. But to their utmost horror the school board hires their bossy older sister Tansy as the new teacher. Peck evokes not only the feeling of the times, but humor as Tansy lives her dream of being a teacher against all the obstacles young boys can throw in her path. A great story for teachers as well as students. A real joy to read.

Ratings: 6th grade - 10 out of 10.

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