Our Teacher Is a Vampire and Other (Not) True Stories - Softcover

Amato, Mary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0823437698 ISBN 13: 9780823437696

Publisher: Holiday House, 2017

Synopsis

Mrs. Penrose has a secret, and Alexander H. Gory, Jr., thinks he knows just what it is.
 
To spread the word, Alexander passes around his notebook, in which he details his proof that their mild-mannered teacher has become a blood-sucking creature of the night. The news spreads like wildfire, and soon the whole class is speculating. Will the librarian be her next victim? Can they protect themselves with garlic necklaces?
 
But when Mrs. Penrose confiscates the notebook, she admits to the class that she does have a secret. She isn't turning into a bat, though—she's going to have a baby. To encourage her students to write, she lets them keep the notebook, which becomes a chronicle of jokes, stories, and—when Mrs. Penrose's baby comes earlier than anyone expected—their fears, frustrations, and hopes for her and her child.
 
Told in the varying voices of an elementary class, with all their unique observations, quirks, and spelling mistakes, Our Teacher Is a Vampire is a celebration of collaboration. Through their shared storytelling, Mrs. Penrose's students support one another through difficult times, improve as writers, and become fast friends. Ideal for aspiring writers, this (not) true story of classroom intrigue will keep readers turning pages, from the first wild rumor to the last, heartfelt letter.

About this title

About the Author

Mary Amato is known for her comic middle grade fiction including the Riot Brothers series and her young adult novels. She lives in Maryland.

Ethan Long has written and illustrated dozens of children's books. His accolades include a Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal. He lives in Florida.

From School Library Journal

Gr 3–5—When Alexander H. Gory discovers evidence that his teacher, Mrs. Penrose, is a vampire, he records his observations in a notebook and shares it with his classmates. His friends add their opinions, until Mrs. Penrose finds the notebook and debunks the theory with the truth: she's pregnant. The teacher allows her class to continue writing, as long as they do it only during free time and include everyone. This work is told through letters, jokes, poems, and short stories. The students express their inner feelings, particularly when they receive a no-nonsense substitute teacher. The class has a mix of relatable characters, from prankster Alexander to shy new kid Harrison to resident brain Omar. The students' personalities shine through their writing, and the different writing abilities and corrected mistakes will inspire and encourage fledgling writers. The classmates deal with modern-day troubles most students can relate to, including arguing with one another, not coping well with change, and having trouble getting motivated. Though slow-paced at times, this is an amusing read that most elementary students will enjoy. VERDICT An entertaining and inspiring novel and particularly good as a read-aloud for younger middle grade classes.—Emily Bayci, Naperville Public Library-Naper Boulevard Library, IL

About this edition

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0823437698
• ISBN 13: 9780823437696
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256
• Illustrator: Long Ethan