Jake Drake, Teacher's Pet by Andrew Clements, 2001 Aladdin BooksJake is just a normal fourth grade boy: he enjoys school and hanging out with his friends, but Jake becomes concerned when his teacher is paying special attention to one of Jake's classmates. He spends the entire day worried the other boy is becoming teacher's pet and it reminds him of a week at the end of third grade when he unintentionally became every teacher's pet.
Jake goes on to narrate his week, how no matter how hard he tried everything he did seemed to please the teachers. Even the loss of rock-paper-scissors and cleaning up after lunch got the applause of the principal. Jake's classmates began to turn against him, but after some gutsy conversation with the principal Jake's problems were resolved.
Any child who has been the ridicule of classmates for their status as teacher's pet can relate to Jake in this misadventure. It is through remembering to be himself that Jake becomes just another student again; reminding young readers to be themselves, despite what other students may think.
The Jake Drake series is focused toward middle elementary students with illustrations and large print for learning readers.
No comments:
Post a Comment