Just Read

SUMMARY:
Sahara is in grade 5…again. Last year she failed, because she didn't do any work and was always writing letters to her dad, begging him to come home. The school opened a file on her and put her into the Special Education class, earning her the nickname, “Sahara Special.”

Sahara's mom is angry with her, and her dad took off when she was very young. She attends an inner city school and has a new teacher, Ms. Pointy, who really cares about these kids and has her own very unique way of helping them want the best for themselves. Sahara has a tense relationship with her mom and very few friends. Ms. Pointy's lessons, in the form of fables, allow Sahara and another young troubled student to think about how they could change their futures, starting today.

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...

enjoys books about family drama, friendships, and teen relationships
is in a special education class
can relate to inner city life
is a reluctant reader
likes an easy, interesting read
can understand trouble at school and at home
has an interest in a teaching or writing career
likes inspiring stories
can relate to being the outcast
is a lost soul

WHAT ELSE?
Much of the story is told in a metaphorical way through the fables Ms. Pointy shares with her students. My struggling readers had no trouble with this book in Lit. Circles and actually found an opportunity to shine, as they explained the stories and their possible meanings to stronger students. I found this surprising, as I had grouped them with stronger students to help them understand these parts during discussions. Instead, it worked in reverse. Clearly this is a great book for reluctant readers and weaker students!

This book is the winner of the International Reading Association Children's Book Award, and was chosen Number 1 on the Book Sense 76 list for Spring/ Summer 2003. It is also a Kirkus Reviews Editor's Choice.