You're a Good Sport, Miss Malarkey - Softcover

Judy Finchler is the author of Miss Malarkey Doesn't Live in Room 10. She is an elementary school teacher and librarian from Parsippany, New Jersey.

KEVIN O'MALLEY is the co-author and illustrator of the popular Miss Malarkey series as well as the award-winning Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude and the national bestseller Gimme Cracked Corn and I Will Share. He lives in Maryland. www.booksbyomalley.com

Kindergarten-Grade 2-In this fourth entry in the popular series, the beleaguered teacher finds herself thrust into the role of school soccer coach. Neither she nor the children are particularly conversant in the game and there are some silly scenes as they get organized. Her real problem, though, is the spectators, who are a mix of disinterested, distracted, or obnoxious parents. As the season progresses and the team fails to win, the yelling from the stands becomes increasingly strident, and the children receive mixed messages from the adults around them. At one game, things get completely out of control, and Miss Malarkey finally loses it and yells: "Are you people crazy?" The game is canceled, and from that point on the children play for fun while their family members clap quietly and silently suck on lollipops. While the plot does realistically reflect the inappropriate behavior of many parents at children's sporting events, it is unfortunate that things are resolved by Miss Malarkey responding in kind rather than trying to take a more reasoned approach. There are numerous cartoon balloon asides, most of which are humorous. On the whole, this is an enjoyable read that will be welcomed by Miss Malarkey fans and could lead to productive discussions with children who find themselves in such situations.
Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
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