Synopsis
Clementine can’t believe her ears - her beloved teacher, Mr. D’Matz, might be leaving them for the rest of the year to go on a research trip to Egypt! No other teacher has ever understood her impulsiveness, her itch to draw constantly, or her need to play “Beat the Clock” when the day feels too long. And in his place, he’s left a substitute with a whole new set of rules that Clementine just can’t figure out. The only solution, she decides, is to hatch a plan to get Mr. D’Matz back. If it means ruining her teacher’s once-in-a-lifetime chance — well, it’s worth it. Isn’t it?
School Library Journal
Gr 2-4
Clementine and Mr. D'Matz, her third grade teacher, are finally "in sync." But now he's a finalist in a contest and will be spending the entire week with the Adventures for Teachers Committee and, if he wins, he will go on a research trip to Egypt and miss the entire school year. Clementine comes up with a plan to make sure Mr. D'Matz doesn't win that prize when the principal asks the children to write nomination letters. Everything from Clementine's wacky vegetable nicknames for her brother to the dizzying array of colors at the art supply store makes Sara Pennypacker's book (Hyperion, 2008) a kid-friendly celebration of words. Jessica Almasy does a nice job of capturing Clementine's young, enthusiastic voice. A fun listen for Clementine fans.-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT