I had the fantastic opportunity to preview and review Phillip Done’s second book, Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood recently and his second book, like his first, is a literary gem! Mr. Done takes all the ins and outs of being an elementary teacher, and turns them into charming and heartwarming chapters. The book is due out September 4th.
As a mother of 3 ( my middle child is entering 3rd grade this year) and former teacher I smiled and laughed throughout the book, saying to myself, “that is so true!” Done’s impressive skills at turning many daily events into teachable moments, amazes me!
Mr. Done shares with his audience the funny, the simple, the touching, and the tough times as a teacher of a classroom-full of 8 and 9 year olds. Like the time when Henry was acting funny at lunchtime, not eating during the week before Christmas break. Done recounts how later that day he received a binder-paper wrapped gift from Henry, $2.75, the price of a school lunch.
Done’s chapter on Tidys and Messys distinguishes between those teacher’s desks and how neatly they’re kept. He fabulously turns the messy desk into a teachable metaphor-moment on Columbus’ voyage. Clever! The Kindness Jar chapter also touched me, and gives me hope that even my kids can be as heartfelt as Brian saving money to treat a stranger!
My husband, who’s read both books as well, read Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind ahead of me mentioned the “Angel” chapter was sad. My husband isn’t much of an emotional person, so I had to skip ahead to find out what he meant. Amid all the light-hearted chapters, this one gave a heavy dose of reality. I was touched on how eloquently Mr. Done wrote on a very heartbreaking event that occurred with one of his students, I really felt a connection with the author more than ever.
Having read Mr. Done’s first book, 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons from Teaching, I had said that if I were to read one author’s books for the rest of my life, Phillip Done’s books would be them!
A twenty-year veteran of the classroom, elementary school teacher Phillip Done takes readers through a lively and hilarious year in the classroom. Starting with the relative calm before the storm of buying school supplies and posting class lists, he shares the distinct personalities of grades K-4, what he learned from two professional trick or treating 8-year-old boys, the art of learning cursive and letter-writing, how kindergartners try to trap leprechauns, and what every child should experience before he or she grows up.
These charming, sweet, and funny tales of Mr. Done’s trials and triumphs as an award-winning schoolteacher will touch readers’ hearts and remind them of the true joys of childhood. We all have that one special, favorite grade school teacher whom we fondly remember throughout our adult lives – and every teacher also has students whom they will never forget. This is the perfect book for teachers, parents, and anyone else who is looking for a lighthearted, nostalgic read.
Looking for a great read for yourself, or get it as a teacher-gift, buy Phillip Done’s book, Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood ($15.63 at Amazon).
