Clemetine's Letter

Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker
elementary & up

Clementine adores her teacher. She doesn't get in much trouble with him because he has taken the time to get to know her. Clementine is very impulsive and likes to know and understand the rules. So when her teacher is a finalist for a grant that will send him to Egypt, Clementine is very upset. She even writes a letter to the grant committee trying to convince them that he is a horrible person and teacher. When the substitute teacher arrives Clementine is getting in trouble again because the sub has different rules and expectations than Clementine's "real" teacher.


I though this book was very cute. I've definitely had students with Clementine's personality. This book really serves as a good reminder for the teacher that some kids honestly are not trying to misbehave. Sometimes it just seems that way. Or, like Clementine they are following the wrong set of rules.
I think that students also will enjoy this book. It is easy to read and has some illustrations. Illustrations (or lack thereof) can be a real deal breaker.