Clementine's Letter

Of the first three Clementine books, I think this one is my least favorite, but there were still elements of the story I adored. I love Clementine’s perspective on life; I love the way her parents, neighbors, and teachers at school try to build her up and encourage her; I love the way she goes about trying to make her parents’ day; and spending extra time hunting up new names for her brother? Hilarious!

I’m not sure what wasn’t quite so gripping about this story as the other ones—perhaps just that there wasn’t quite so much crazy action on the pages.

The one thing I did find fascinating was seeing how Clementine struggled with change; I found that part of the story quite interesting to follow, as I remember hearing somewhere show more that Clementine may be on the autistic spectrum.

Overall, another good book in the series—recommended! show less

Clementine demonstrates real charm in this book; underneath the ADHD messiness and sometimes selfishness beats the heart of a really lovely little girl!

In this one, Clementine's teacher is in competition to go on an archaelogical dig in Egypt which means he'd have to leave his class for the year. Clementine is outraged at the thought that he could leave them, so she writes a mean letter to the judges of the competition, telling them why he would be unsuitable.

Over the course of the week, Clementine navigates problems with her new substitute, an attempt to make money and buy her mother a present, and angry neighbors. She learns some lessons about selfishness and thinking before you act.

Clementine is a really refreshing character - not show more overly sweet or cutesy, but still with a charming honesty about her. The only issue with the book might be that the adults are almost too understanding and forgiving of some of her more outre behavior - not too realistic, maybe. show less

Clementine just about has this 3rd grade thing down when she is hit with the news that Mr. D'Matz may be going away. She just couldn't have that! What about her routines, the classroom rules, would the new substitute understand these? The new teacher has the class write a letter to the judges, explaining why Mr. D'Matz should be chosen - Clementine didn't write a very kind letter. The next week goes by slowly for Clementine with Mrs. Nagel. Life at home makes up for the dragging week with being interesting and offering new perspectives and time to thing about Mr. D'Matz's trip.

I love this book, as a person with ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome, I relate to Clementine immensely solely based upon my school experiences. We shared similar ones! show more Figuring out the rules is difficult, in many things, how to write a review for example, I'm still not convinced I'm doing it right. However, also like Clementine, I have had my share of incredible teachers - incredibly amazing and incredibly dim, we just couldn't get the rules down. This book is a must in the classroom, as it lets other kids know that it is normal to have these experiences with teachers and that problems can always be solved if you look for the issue before the solution. show less

In the third installment of the Clementine series, Sara Pennypacker's plucky heroine continues to delight.

Clementine is finally getting the hang of third grade -- thanks to Mr. D'Matz, her understanding teacher. When Principal Rice announces that Mr. D'Matz may be leaving for the rest of the year to participate in an archaeological dig, Clementine doesn't think that this sounds like a good idea at all!

Throughout the book, Clementine tries to do the right thing, but she finds that she often gets in trouble because she doesn't think through the consequences of her actions. So, when she gets a great idea for a way to keep Mr. D'Matz from leaving her class for the rest of the year, she dives right in, barely suspecting that she will regret show more her impulsive decision later.

Clementine's antics will delight old fans as well as those who have just discovered the series. Marla Frazee's whimsical illustrations add to Pennypacker's expert characterization, making Clementine one of the most unforgettable heroines in children's literature. Highly recommended! show less

Clementine's back and better than ever. Just as soon as Clementine was getting the hang of third grade (she hadn't been sent to the principal's office in a week!), she learns that Mr. D'Matz is a finalist in a contest for a trip to Egypt. He'll be gone all week at the judging and if he wins, he could be going to Egypt for the rest of the year! There's no way Clementine's going to let that happen, especially after she meets her new substitute teacher. Mrs. Nagel has changed all the rules and Clementine keeps getting into trouble. When the principal asks the kids in Clementine's class to write letters to the judges telling them why Mr. D'Matz should win the contest, Clementine gets a brilliant idea. But will her idea work? Can she survive show more the third grade without Mr. D'Matz? And what other trouble will Clementine get into?

Another hit in the Clementine series. I'm not normally a big fan of series, but these are excellent. I loved how the bond between teacher and student is portrayed and how the conflict is eventually resolved. Clementine's got real spirit and creativity and, although her ideas sometimes result in disasters, her heart's always in the right place. show less

In the third Clementine book, Clementine finds out her third grade teacher may be leaving to go on an archaeological dig in Egypt - just when she has finally got the hang of third grade! The substitute teacher her class has for the week is not like her old teacher at all. When the class is asked to write letters on behalf of their teacher, Clementine tries to sabotage him so he will have to stay with them, like he promised. Once again, Clementine is completely relatable and the grown-ups in her life - parents, teachers, principal, friends' parents - are kind and involved. The running joke of Clementine's younger brother's name continues.

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Re-read January 2020

Clementine is back! One of the most memorable characters in children's literature in recent years has returned for the third time, and it is our good fortune. This time Clementine is dismayed to find out that her beloved teacher may win a trip to Egypt to do research - for the whole year. Mr. D'Matz is the first teacher who understands her, and now he might be leaving. And what's worse is that the new substitute is strict and has all different rules that Clementine doesn't understand. Clementine's 3rd grade class has a chance to write letters about their teacher that could affect the outcome of the Great Adventures for Teachers program. Should she spoil it all for Mr. D'Matz?

I know this doesn't sound funny, and it certainly isn't as far show more as Clementine is concerned, but Sara Pennypacker writes with such warmth, humor and compassion that the reader can't help but smile. Clementine is one-of-a-kind. You'll love her. show less