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Monday
March 15, 2010 Since 1922 |
‘Sahara Special’ anything but ‘bor-ing’
By JoAn Martin
Baytown Sun Published April 18, 2004 Codell, Esmé Raji. “Sahara Special.” New York. Hyperion Books for Children. 2003. 175 pages. $15.99. ISBN 078680793-8. Ages 8-12
Sahara refuses to work at school and is placed in a special class along with Darrell. Grieving over being abandoned by her father, Sahara hates the fact that the counselor has compiled a file of never-sent letters Sahara has written to her father.
When Miss Pointy, a new teacher, takes over the class, Sahara and Darrell both become intrigued with learning. Miss Pointy’s ears and nose are pointy, her shoes are pointy, her fingers, even her voice is pointy.
Sahara tries not to be seduced into enjoying school, despite being given a journal to pour out her heart and a trouble basket to leave her home troubles in — heavy troubles which are invisible to the eye. But Miss Pointy is trickier than most teachers.
Everyone does their homework because Miss Pointy gives stickers. Sahara has difficulty collecting stickers. Her jealousy and sticky fingers cause her to lift a sticker off Luz’ journal.
The teacher creates curiosity by using words like “thespian,” “cynic,” “bureaucrats,” “mandated.” If the class uses the forbidden word, “bo-ring,” Miss Pointy threatens to send them to the nurse to get a shot to cure their boringitis.
Miss Pointy talks about architecture as if it’s a person. After the class constructs skyscrapers from drinking straws, she takes them on fantasy trips with pictures to see architectural wonders all over the world.
Esme Codell’s first book, “Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year” won an Alex award, given for the best adult books for young adults. She shares poignant events and hilarious, laugh-out-loud incidents so typical of a classroom.
In “Sahara Special,” any teacher will find herself or himself in the middle of a group of fifth-graders who are a sea of differences, yet respond in fifth-grade dialogue.
Esmé Raji Codell’s novel will inspire teachers who attempt to influence troubled but talented students by believing in them.
JoAn Martin reviews children’s books for The Baytown Sun. She is a retired teacher. She may be reached at josbook(at)mindspring.com.
Baytown Sun Published April 18, 2004 Codell, Esmé Raji. “Sahara Special.” New York. Hyperion Books for Children. 2003. 175 pages. $15.99. ISBN 078680793-8. Ages 8-12
Sahara refuses to work at school and is placed in a special class along with Darrell. Grieving over being abandoned by her father, Sahara hates the fact that the counselor has compiled a file of never-sent letters Sahara has written to her father.
When Miss Pointy, a new teacher, takes over the class, Sahara and Darrell both become intrigued with learning. Miss Pointy’s ears and nose are pointy, her shoes are pointy, her fingers, even her voice is pointy.
Sahara tries not to be seduced into enjoying school, despite being given a journal to pour out her heart and a trouble basket to leave her home troubles in — heavy troubles which are invisible to the eye. But Miss Pointy is trickier than most teachers.
Everyone does their homework because Miss Pointy gives stickers. Sahara has difficulty collecting stickers. Her jealousy and sticky fingers cause her to lift a sticker off Luz’ journal.
The teacher creates curiosity by using words like “thespian,” “cynic,” “bureaucrats,” “mandated.” If the class uses the forbidden word, “bo-ring,” Miss Pointy threatens to send them to the nurse to get a shot to cure their boringitis.
Miss Pointy talks about architecture as if it’s a person. After the class constructs skyscrapers from drinking straws, she takes them on fantasy trips with pictures to see architectural wonders all over the world.
Esme Codell’s first book, “Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year” won an Alex award, given for the best adult books for young adults. She shares poignant events and hilarious, laugh-out-loud incidents so typical of a classroom.
In “Sahara Special,” any teacher will find herself or himself in the middle of a group of fifth-graders who are a sea of differences, yet respond in fifth-grade dialogue.
Esmé Raji Codell’s novel will inspire teachers who attempt to influence troubled but talented students by believing in them.
JoAn Martin reviews children’s books for The Baytown Sun. She is a retired teacher. She may be reached at josbook(at)mindspring.com.