Module 1 * Intro to Children's Literature * Jan. 13-19

Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind
by
Judy Finchler & Kevin O'Malley

Bibliography:
Finchler J., & O'Malley, K. (2006).  Miss malarkey leaves no reader 
      behind.  New York, NY:Walker Publishing Co.

Summary:
Miss Malarkey is determined for her class to meet the challenge given by the principal and the Everybody Reads in America program.  If the school reads 1,000 books, the principal will dye his hair purple and sleep on the school's roof!  Even more important to Miss Malarkey is her promise to find each student in her class a book they will love.  In her class of non-readers, that is a daunting task she manages with relative ease- except for the narrator who hates to read.  In an inspiring, happy ending Miss Malarkey learns enough about ALL the students in her class to match them with the perfect book that distracts them from video games, sports and even the pool!

My Take:
     This book shows kids that they are not alone in their reluctance to read and their search for the best book in the world.  It also shows them that it is possible for even the most reluctant, video-game-loving one of them to love reading when an adult takes the time to get to know them well enough to match them with a book that speaks to their heart.
     I love that the authors make the characters REAL kids with real kid interests that many readers will identify with.  They also show very clearly and, I think, correctly what reluctant readers are thinking when asked to read or when other kids walk by with a bag full of books.  Kids will definitely identify with what the narrator is thinking!  His incredulity as his video game friends "fall" into reading one by one is hilarious, and the colorful, realistic illustrations add a lot to the story.  I love the list of book recommendations at the end of the book based on the topics that Miss Malarky found the narrator liked throughout the year.  That is an excellent touch that could inspire a reader to find another book!

Reviews: 

“During the first week of school, principal Wiggins promises that if the students read 1,000 books by June 12, he will dye his hair purple and sleep on the roof.  Miss Malarkey tells her class that they will be doing the Everybody Reads in America program and promises that all of the students will find books they love before the end of the school year.  She picks some for each of them, engaging even reluctant readers.  One boy remains unable to find a book he likes until June 10, when Miss Malarkey chooses one that has aliens, race cars, funny jokes, chewing gum, hot sauce, and cannonballs.  It becomes number 1,001 read by the students and the story ends with everyone wishing Principal Wiggins (whose hair is now purple) a good night on the roof.  This title will resonate with those who choose math, video games, and sports over books.  O’Malley’s illustrations, done in markers and colored pencils, enhance the text with expressive pictures of the students and their teacher as they explore (or choose not to explore) the joys of reading.  The illustrations lend humor and credibility to the reluctance of some of the students.  A must-have for all libraries."

Sheridan, R. (2006). Miss malarkey leaves no reader behind. School Library Journal, 52(8), 81.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Ace teacher Miss Malarkey returns in a picture book narrated by a reluctant reader. Although comfortable within his small group of video-game-playing buddies, a boy wants to contribute to the schoolwide goal of reading 1,000 books in hope of seeing Principal Wiggins "dye his hair purple and sleep on the roof of the school." Trying one of Miss Malarkey s suggested books after another, he rejects them all-until she finds the perfect one to match his eclectic interests. Expressive cartoon-style illustrations, brightened with markers and colored pencils, create a series of lively scenes in which speech balloons record conversations and comments not found in the text. With an unstated moral, this is one volume that librarians won't soon forget. Short lists of recommended books, including a bibliography of adult books that recommend children's books, are appended. "

Phelan, C. (2006). Miss malarkey leaves no reader behind. The Booklist, 102(21), 65.

Use in a School Library:
     I think this book would be great as a read-aloud at the beginning of the year for Elementary-aged kids.  Kids often have difficulty for various reasons finding a book they like when it is library book check out time.  It is good for kids to "see" themselves in a book and to know that (fictional) kids just like them were able to find a book to fall in love with.  This would be good during the beginning of the year review lessons on how to use the school library.