Compared to nice Ms. Simpson, Mr. Garrett, Ellie's substitute teacher, seems mean and unfair, until his handling of several class crises changes Ellie's feelings towards him

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Grade 4-6-- Ellie does not like the retired teacher who takes over her fifth-grade class for the last few weeks of school. At first, she thinks Mr. Garrett is too strict and not nice, even though she admits he is fair and can handle the toughest students. One day when Ellie is cleaning the blackboard as punishment for failing to turn in her homework, she writes "Ellie Brader Hates Mr. G." in chalk. Unfortunately, Mr. Garrett sees the message, which Ellie immediately regrets. During the course of the story, she realizes that he is a special person, and comes to respect and like him. There's nothing new or out of the ordinary about this middle-grade school story or its characters, but it is funny and has a lot of child appeal. Those who enjoy books by Jamie Gilson, Suzy Kline, and Betsy Byars will also gain pleasure from Ellie's trials and triumphs. --Laura Culberg, Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ellie is certain that no teacher can satisfactorily replace her beloved Ms. Simpson; still, as the last eight weeks of fifth grade pass, she comes to appreciate Mr. Garrett, who has been called out of retirement to substitute. At first, Mr. Garrett seems cold and strict; but as he helps the class come to terms with the death of their class pet, sensitively handles a boy's pants-wetting during a standardized test, and gives the class new responsibilities commensurate with their ``almost sixth grade'' status, the children's feelings change from dislike to respect, and finally to love. Characterization in this first novel is deft; similarities between Ellie's older brother's teasing, which she considers immature, and her own cruel joke of giving a cat-food sandwich to the class glutton are evident to the reader, though Ellie herself is unaware of the parallel. (And it's easy to imagine both children growing into the sort of wit that's displayed by their father.) Each student is distinct and consistent; the action is believable and satisfying. A strong debut. (Fiction. 9-12) -- Copyright �1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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