I Remember Miss Perry

This is an excellent story about dealing with the death of someone significant in a child’s life. It touches on the permanency of death but focuses most on the importance of keeping the memories alive. It is a touching book for adults as well as children, I think.

Gentle but honest treatment about death and grieving. Stevie's new teacher is Miss Perry, a compassionate and creative teacher whose eyes disappear when she smiles. Everyday she has a fondest wish for her students: that they be quiet so she can read aloud; that they all plant daffodils around the flagpole; that they sing Happy Birthday to the principal. The children clearly enjoy having her as a teacher. One afternoon, after an unusual start to the school day when Miss Perry is absent, the principal announces to the class that Miss Perry died in a car accident. The principal, counselor and parents are on hand to help the children understand what happened and to share fond memories about their teacher.

I really like this book. I think it addresses death in a really positive and honest way. For example on one of the pages a student asks the principle if their teacher is coming back and the principle can't answer she just shakes her head because she is crying. It is honest but gentle.

Another reason I liked this book is because the plot is really good. It starts at the beginning with the main character being a new student because his family had to move. Miss Perry relates to him and makes him feel better. The first several pages are full of giving you an idea of what a good person Miss Perry is. For example on one of the pages Miss Perry says her fondest wish is for the new student to eat lunch with her to make him more comfortable. show more Then as time goes on, one day Miss Perry isn't in school and the principle is in their class. From there it goes on to the kid's parents being in the classroom when they get back from lunch and the principle explains that she was in an accident and not coming back. Then at the end of the book the counselor comes in and the students get a chance to share fond memories of Miss Perry.

The main idea of this book is coping with death. show less

Stevie has just started at a new school and is scared he will not make friends or have anyone to talk to at lunch. His teacher Miss Perry, says that it is her fondest wish that he would eat lunch with her that day. Stevie discovers that Miss Perry has a fondest wish every day and the book takes you on some silly adventures she and the class had. One day, Miss Perry does not come to school and all the Children's parents are there. A substitute teacher explains that Miss Perry died that morning in a car accident. The book takes you through the reactions of the students and the sadness and then all the kids start talking about their favorite memories of her and all her fondest wishes.one of the children says that she thinks that if Miss show more Perry had a fondest wish today, it would be that they stay happy and don't be sad that she is gone. It sends a great message to always remember the happy tomes instead of focusing on the sad parts. appropriate for ages 4-8.
(Pierce College Fort Steilacoom library) show less

Don't bring this up immediately when your child's loved one dies, but maybe a month or so before grandma is expected to pass, or a few weeks after their dog has been put to sleep. Also a good book for educators to read.

My fondest wish is that every child will have at least one teacher as wonderful as Miss Perry.

After reading this book in class to my choosen group, onr of my group members help me realize that this is a great book to read out loud to my future students because it will help my students that have delt with death or even those who have never encountered death. This opens students eyes that remberance is one of the best things that young children will always have.

A story about a young teacher who positively affects the students lives suddenly passes away in a tragic car accident. The students remember her well and talk about their feelings as well as how to cope. Gives Factual information about a crisis situation, models positive and appropriate interactions.