The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman

Big Kid Reaction: This is a quick read. The mystery is not so predictable that you can see the twist coming too early. Kevin, Tenny, and the rock concert keep this from being a “girl book,” which the cover seems to suggest. Bethesda’s relationship with her dad is a a nice change from the frequent mother-daughter tandems that fill books for kids this age. I loved that it showed a healthy relationship between a dad and his teenage daughter.

Pros: Boys and girls alike will relate to Bethesda, Kevin, and Tenny and their views on life and school. This is a fast-paced mystery that will keep dormant readers turning the page.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.

Bethesda is an exellent student who loves school so when her history teacher assigns a project where students are to solve a mystery in their everyday life, she can't imagine the effect her research will have. You see, no one seems to know much about Ms. Finklleman, the music teacher, and with some well-documented research, Bethesda reveals that their mousy teacher was one Little Miss Mystery, lead singer of the punk band The Red Herrings. This news sends a shockwave throughout the school and when the principal finds out, she demands the 7th grade music class perform a rock concert for an upcoming competition. But why is Ms. Finkleman secretly letting punk-rocker-wannabe, failing student Tenny do all the planning? Wouldn't a famous show more ex-punk rocker know a lot about music? A fun read about school, music, friendship and mistaken identity. show less

I'm enjoying the idea, but there's an annoying little thing that keeps bugging me: the author keeps using first and last names together of the students, after they've been introduced, and some of those names are tricky. It really seems to slow down the reading aloud. Which is one reason why I advise anyone writing for MG or younger to read their texts aloud before publication. It makes a difference.

***

We were liking it just okay, and couldn't manage to finish it even when it was more than a week overdue at the library. Even though this one didn't rock us, I'd be willing to try the author again with the next book.

A case of mistaken identity. A rock concert. Unexpected friendship. This book has it all, with plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor. By the author of Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.

I'm enjoying the idea, but there's an annoying little thing that keeps bugging me: the author keeps using first and last names together of the students, after they've been introduced, and some of those names are tricky. It really seems to slow down the reading aloud. Which is one reason why I advise anyone writing for MG or younger to read their texts aloud before publication. It makes a difference.

***

We were liking it just okay, and couldn't manage to finish it even when it was more than a week overdue at the library. Even though this one didn't rock us, I'd be willing to try the author again with the next book.

Bethesda outs her 7th grade music teacher's secret past as punk rock star, Miss Mystery, and to atone for the consequences of meddling, she agrees to tutor fellow student, Tenny, who is orchestrating the music class' rock performance for the Choral Corral. Mystery, music, middle school!

Very exciting book has you guessing untill the end. No matter how hard you try you don't know the secret life of Ms/ Finkelman untill the end of the book. Two thumbs up!