Synopses & Reviews
Now in paperback, to tie in with the publication of Phillip Done’s new hardcover Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind from Center Street, 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny “brings the joys and terrors of elementary school back to life” (The Washington Times). Phil Done has taught elementary school for twenty years. He fixes staplers that won’t staple, zippers that won’t zip, and pokes pins in the caps of glue bottles that will not pour. He has sung “Happy Birthday” 657 times. 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny is for anyone who has ever taught children—or been to third grade. This collection of tightly written, connected essays is an “unexpected pleasure…an absolute joy” (Tucson Citizen) and a testament to the kids who uplift us—and the teachers we will never forget. With just the right mix of humor and wisdom, Done reveals the enduring promise of elementary school as a powerful antidote to the cynicism of our times.
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"Phillip Done is the voice of the veteran teacher who knows who he is working for; his love for children shines on every page." -- Esme Raji Codell, author of Educating Esme and How to Get Your Child to Love Reading
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"Phillip Done reminds us of the excitement and joy of learning." -- Hal Urban, author of Life's Greatest Lessons and Positive Words, Powerful Results
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"This magnificently written account represents the essence of one of life's most precious periods."
-- Dr. Mel Levine, author of A Mind at a Time and Ready or Not, Here Life Comes
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"Every so often, a book surfaces that has such unabashed charm you want to praise it from the rooftops. 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny is such a book. Simply put, it is an unexpected pleasure and richly deserves an A+." -- Tucson Citizen
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"...funny and thoughtful" -- San Jose Mercury News
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"Teacher's school tales are hilarious, poignant...Done is on his way to becoming to teachers what Erma Bombeck was to mothers - someone who can turn the mundane into hilarity." -- The Gazette, Colorado Springs
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"He so simply captured the thoughtfulness and creativity of teaching" -- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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"Phil Done's experiences as a third-grade teacher qualify him a humorist, essayist and will-you-be-my-new-best-friend? kinda guy...you're in for a treat." -- The Dallas Morning News
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"Mr. Done is charming and funny...(He) brings back many memories that most of us have long forgotten." -- The Washington Times
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"...touching and hilarious." -- Sunday World-Herald (Omaha)
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"Delightful...a good book for anyone who ever went to third grade." -- Lincoln Journal Star
Synopsis
Phillip Done fixes staplers that won't staple, zippers that won't zip, and pokes pins in the caps of glue bottles that will not pour. He has sung "Happy Birthday" 657 times.
A witness to the joys of discovery, Done inspires readers with the everyday adventures and milestones of his 32 third graders in this irresistible collection of bite-sized essays. From the nervous first day of school to the hectic Halloween parade to the disastrous spring musical, Done connects what happens in his classroom to the universal truths that touch us all. He reminds us of the delight of learning something for the first time and of the value of making a difference.
32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny is for anyone who has ever taught children -- or been to third grade. It is a testament to the kids who uplift us -- and the teachers we will never forget. With just the right mix of humor and wisdom, Done reveals the enduring promise of elementary school as a powerful antidote to the cynicism of our times.
About the Author
Phillip Done is the recipient of the Charles Schwab Distinguished Teacher Award. He was a Teacher of the Year in California and a nominee for the Disney Teacher of the Year Award. He teaches in Palo Alto and lives in Mountain View, California. Visit him at PhillipDone.org.
Table of Contents
Contents I Am a Teacher
The New Year
Class List
The First Day of School
Only Thirty-eight Weeks to Go
Names
Classrooms
Mrs. Wilson
Teacher School
You Can Always Expect
Teacher Moments
The Laminating Machine
Back to School Night
Tired
The Potluck
Picture Day
How Many Hats Do I Wear?
Class Pet
Officer Joe's Visit
Frog and Toad
Fall
The Pie-Eating Contest
Writing
Garage Sales
Sharing
Out for a Day
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Report Cards
Why?
Halloween
Teacher Speeches
Storytime
Ronny
The Happy Birthday Play
When to Stop Teaching
The Thanksgiving Feast
Out of Proportion
Airplane Trip
Winter
The Looks
Off with a Bang
Interview Questions
A Cultural Experience
Sugar Cookies
ER
The Christmas Concert
Sore Lips
Nicknames
Thank You!
How to Know When You Need a Vacation
The First Day of Winter Break
Jealous
Letter to Roald Dahl
I Had a Dream
Tortilla Snowflakes
Valentine's Art
Spring
Spring Is Here
Testing
April Fools!
The Wedding
Believe Them
Parents
French Lessons
The Sleepover
The Spring Musical
Licorice
Gifted
Open House
Grammar Lessons
School Supplies
How Old Is Your Mom?
Words You Cannot Say in Class
Countdown
Miss Greco
Tell Us a Story!
How Many Times Have I Said That?
Why Do I Teach?
Out to Dinner with Teachers
Customs
Saved
Where's the Hole Punch?
The Talk
New Definitions
Class Placements
Out of the Mouths of Babes
The Dinner Invitation
I Know
Have I Taught Them?
The Last Day of School