32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny by Phillip Done
Years ago there was a novel by Bel Kauffman, Up the Down Staircase, about the trials and tribulations of a high school teacher throughout a school year. This was what I was reminded of while reading 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny. This book, however is about a real teacher, Phillip Done, and his experiences throughout a school year with a class of third graders.
It is a very touching book, funny at times, and while it does get a bit maudlin at times, it is very enjoyable. If you like kids, you will find it a fun read. The book is separated into one or two page vignettes, so it can be read without worrying about remembering what has gone on before.
If you were around in the early 60's like me, you might remember the books or the TV show featuring Art Linkletter "Kids Say the Darndest Things". A lot of the book is like this. I couldn't help but thinking of these kids growing up and being embarassed by their actions as recorded in Mr. Done's book.
The book is kind of a diary, covering Mr. Done's interaction with the children and with his co-workers, and his own experiences remembering his own days as a third-grader. You will find yourself laughing out loud many times, and maybe even crying over the maudlin bits.
Just a quick endnote: I read the book through most of it thinking the author's name was pronounced "dun", but late in the book I was given the impression that maybe it was supposed to be pronounced to rhyme with "bone". Not an important issue, but I thought it humorous that I may have been mistaken.
