Clementine’s Letter

Sara Pennypacker's Clementine's Letter is a funny, big-hearted school story for 6 year olds about a girl whose favourite teacher might be leaving.

What happens

Clementine is in third grade and she's finally getting the hang of it. She and Mr D'Matz, her teacher, are "in sync" these days (she hears "in sink", which is perfect). Then the principal announces he's a finalist for a teachers' trip to dig in Egypt. If he wins, he'll be away until the school year is over.

Clementine is furious. He PROMISED to be their teacher this year! And the substitute, Mrs Nagel, seems to catch her doing everything wrong.

Then the whole class has to write letters to the judges saying why their teacher should win. Clementine has a much better idea. She gets Mitchell, her friend Margaret's big brother, to tell her everything about the smelliest boy he ever shared a tent with at camp. Can you guess what kind of letter she's writing?

It's all told by Clementine herself, and she's hilarious. She writes important reminders on her arm. She calls her little brother a different vegetable every time (Broccoli, Lima Bean, Zucchini). She turns her "stingray eyes" on anyone who won't lend her money. And she honestly can't see why any of it gets her into trouble.

There's real feeling underneath, though. Her mum, her dad and her little brother all have their hands full, so she's left alone with a problem she doesn't know how to say out loud. Lots of kids will know that feeling of a grown-up changing the plan without asking them first.

It's a lovely warm family to spend time with. Her dad lets her ride the service elevator when she's cross. She secretly gets him started on writing a book. And she raises money for a present for her mum in a very Clementine way (let's just say the charity bags in the basement don't quite make it to the charity).

If your reader sometimes feels a bit misunderstood at school, they'll adore her.

What to read next

If they want more of her, the one simply called Clementine starts with a truly terrible week and a lot of trouble over Margaret's hair.