Clementine's Letter, by Sarah Pennypacker

Clementine is just starting to get the hang of third grade and she and her teacher, Mr. D'Matz have a good rapport. Then her principal, Mrs. Rice, goes and nominates him for a contest for Teacher of the Year. If he wins, Mr. D'Matz will be leaving for the rest of the year to go on an archaeological dig in Egypt. What about his promise to be her teacher for the whole year? And right now, he is gone for a week with the other finalists for the contest while the judges choose the winner. When Mrs. Rice asks Clementine and her classmates to write a letter telling the judges why they should pick Mr. D'Matz, Clementine sees her chance to sabotage Mr. D'Matz's chances. What does she write and will her letter bring about the desired result? Will it have unintended consequences? 2008

R. Rauch