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

February 29, 2016
The title of this entertaining novel belies the truths it reveals as Amato (the Good Crooks series) blends fiction written by an elementary-school class, comments and banter they share in a blank book, and real-life issues they confront. Misinterpreting Mrs. Penrose's reference to a secret she's keeping, Alexander is certain that his teacher is a vampire, and he solicits his classmates' help in writing a story about her. After Mrs. Penrose reveals that she's actually pregnant, she suggests that her students collaborate on another story. As the kids use the blank book to share ideas, a spirited and sometimes contentious conversation unfolds, revealing several big, distinct personalities, including fastidious Omar, wisecracking Nick, and silent newcomer Harrison, who finds his voice on the page (various fonts represent the different children chiming in). After the dangerously premature birth of Mrs. Penrose's son, the kids swap competitiveness for cooperation and create a story for Mrs. Penrose's baby. Readers will appreciate how the characters' writing improves as they discover the rewards of collaboration and acceptance, as well as the healing power of the written word. Ages 8-12.

March 15, 2016
Alexander suspects Mrs. Penrose is a vampire; that mystery is the spark that ignites an exciting year. Alexander shares his suspicion (after snooping in Mrs. Penrose's journal) with his multicultural group of friends and invites them to work with him on an investigation, writing it all in the blank book he got for his birthday. When Mrs. Penrose discovers the secret class project, she reveals the meaning of the cryptic lines in her journal: she's pregnant. Instead of being angry, though, she encourages the students to use the book in their free time to practice writing. When money-hungry Carly learns of a story-writing contest for second through fifth grades, the kids plan a collaborative entry. Letters to a favorite author bring encouraging responses. Then Mrs. Penrose goes on leave, and she's replaced with Mr. Pinkerton, a regimented substitute teacher. Can the writers of Delite Elementary keep their collaborative project alive, or will Mr. Pinkerton quash their creative spark? Using different typefaces and distinctive voices to allow the characters to tell their own stories (and sneakily teach such writing concepts as story construction and figurative language), Amato has crafted an enjoyable and often humorous metanovel. Both the characters and their writing come across as entirely genuine. (Art not seen.) Great fun, especially for budding writers; they'll find kindred spirits within. (Fiction. 9-12)

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April 1, 2016

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

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2017
When Alexander shares a secret notebook with his classmates that claims their teacher is a vampire, the notebook becomes a crowd-sourced chronicle of everyone's curiosity and concern, recorded alongside typical elementary-school kerfuffles. The silly premise turns heartfelt when the class learns the truth behind their teacher's behavior. Though the frequent shifts in perspective can be dizzying, the narrative voices are impressively distinct.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)