32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny:
Life Lessons from Teaching

I’m not posting regularly at 5 Minutes for Books anymore, but today I’m guest posting to tell you about a book I absolutely cannot put down. This was originally posted at my review blog — Reviewsings.com.

I don’t usually accept books to review. I just can’t stand feeling pressured to finish a book for a deadline. And I hardly ever make time to read anymore, so book reviews are few and far between.

But when Phillip Done contacted me (way back before Christmas; see paragraph 1, sentence 3) to review his book 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny, he didn’t have to ask twice. You see, in a former life, I was a third grade teacher. I knew when I heard about this book that I had to read it. I knew that if I’d seen it on a shelf in the bookstore that I’d have bought it up in a heartbeat.

When it came in the mail, I hate to tell you, but it sat. Because my life before the holidays was like a fast moving train. And then I forgot to pack it for my trip to Virginia. Because I had a few other things to pack. Like presents. At least I didn’t forget those.

So finally life has slowed down enough that I’ve been able to sit down with this book, and let me tell you. I have alternately laughed and cried the whole way through. And I’m not exaggerating. I was literally laughing out loud one minute (you MUST read about the laminating machine debacle!) and wiping away a sentimental tear the next minute.

Written with humor and grace and an authentic love for his students, Done describes in a series of short essays (like blog posts, really) what it’s like to be a 3rd grade teacher. Get this book for every teacher you know, and while you’re at it, pick up a copy for yourself. You do not have to be a teacher to enjoy it. If you have kids, or if you’ve ever been a 3rd grade student, you will find something to relate to in this account of a teacher’s life inside (and outside) the classroom.

Cross posted at Reviewsings.com.