Customer Reviews

Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood

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Thirteen years ago, I shouted "I got Mr. Done!" as I read my name off a list posted on the walls of my elementary school. Every weekend of fifth grade I would go over to my best friend's house and regale her family with the most recent stories he had told us, which she asks me to recount to this day. "Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind" reminded me of how enchanting a good story can be, whether you're ten or twenty-two (which is as far as my life memory goes- but as another reviewer demonstrates, these enchanting stories do not end at twenty-two, either).

This book made me wish I was a teacher, to get to witness those moments of discovery and absurdity in hundreds of children's lives, year after year. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be, but Phil Done's vivid writing allows me to live vicariously through his experiences. I also wish I could go back and be in his class again, and I only hope that my children's teachers understand teaching and children as deeply as Phillip Done.

Reading the book on the subway in New York City, I laughed out loud and cried multiple times. Even when I knew when the next joke is on its way, the punchline was always funnier than I expected because, as he shows time and time again, you can never anticipate what a child is going to say.

If you have ever wanted to be a teacher, have children, want to remember what it's like to be eight years old, or just want some masterful storytelling, read this book!

I just finished Phil Done's latest book and it didn't disappoint. As a 37 year veteran of a third grade classroom, I can verify that Phil understands third graders and other teachers like no other author I have ever read. From field trips to teaching how to fill out a bubble test form (and how perfectly right on he was in that chapter!), his observations could have been mine. It's as if he was standing in my classroom and not his. I laughed, I cried and I had to share "good parts" with my husband. This is a sign of a good book.
Mr. Done's students are so lucky to have him as a teacher, and we are so lucky that he is able to share his life with us through his writing. This is a perfect gift for a teacher, and I'm giving it as a gift to a student teacher. You should do the same.

As a mother of 3 ( my middle child is entering 3rd grade this year) and former teacher I smiled and laughed throughout the book, saying to myself, "that is so true!" Done's impressive skills at turning many daily events into teachable moments, amazes me!

My husband, who's read both books as well, read Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind ahead of me mentioned the "Angel" chapter was sad. My husband isn't much of an emotional person, so I had to skip ahead to find out what he meant. Amid all the light-hearted chapters, this one gave a heavy dose of reality. I was touched on how eloquently Mr. Done wrote on a very heartbreaking event that occurred with one of his students, I really felt a connection with the author more than ever.

Having read Mr. Done's first book, 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons from Teaching, I had said that if I were to read one author's books for the rest of my life, Phillip Done's books would be them!

I'm so glad I got the chance to read this. Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind will make you laugh out loud, reminiscent of elementary school days. You may even get a bit emotional. Phillip Done does an outstanding job writing about what it has been like teaching third grade over the years.

One of the things that I loved about this book (I guess you could call it a memoir) is that each chapter titled is a month of the year. He breaks down all these different school-related things into the appropriate chapters. He talks about back-to-school sales, teaching the kids cursive, 100th day, Christmas party and Valentines party, and so many other awesome stuff. This book was just so sweet.

There were a lot of times that I found myself laughing. Kids are just so adorable. Whenever Mr. Done had the kids write some sort of story, they always made spelling mistakes and he describes trying not to laugh at some of the words they write instead of what they meant. Or how he talks about how some of the girls in his class tell him what boys they like. One of the stories they he tells is how during Christmas one year, he went to a different country and him and some other adults gave the kids there (they were in some sort of orphanage) presents, and they were smiling and cheering but yet they hadn't even opened the boxes. The kids had never been given a gift in their lives. It touched my heart and I'll admit, I got a bit emotional.

I'm not sure exactly what I liked to do once I graduate HS, but I have been thinking about teaching elementary (3rd grade and below) and after Phillip Done's tales of teaching, it has truly inspired me to be a teacher even more. I would hugely recommend that people interest in teaching or just wants a nice, funny memoir, read this! It's filled with lots of amazing stories.

For anyone who is now or has ever been an elementary school teacher (or even an elementary school student), this book and its companion volume (32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny) would make an excellent gift. And you certainly can't beat the current Amazon hardcover price. I am giving both books to my niece, who is halfway through her first year as a third grade teacher, and I know she'll love them. Phillip Done writes with a great deal of humor and love about his years of experience in the classroom. In some ways, he makes me wish that I had chosen teaching as my career path. I promise that you will laugh out loud as you read the anecdotes contained in this book, but I am also certain that some of what he shares will tug at your heartstrings (e.g., his story about Henry's Christmas gift.) A very enjoyable read!

If you liked 32 3rd Graders and One Class Bunny you will LOVE this one! The storytelling chapters continue with one that will surely bring you to the edge of tears and more than a few that will make you laugh out loud.

I love this book. It's a funny, quick read. There is a tear-jerker as well, beware! If you've ever taught, know someone who teaches, or even have children that are in school, this is a great book that humorously shows what real life in the classroom is like. Highly recommend.

I bought this book for my daughter at her request. She is a first grade teacher and absolutely loves the book. She can't get done telling me how helpful it has been.

I was fortunate enough to win this book when I entered a giveaway. It's a delightful read for anyone but especially for teachers or for those who wish to become teachers of "little ones." The author is an experienced third grade teacher, and the book caused me to smile many times as I read through it. It's a quick read but one that can easily be set aside and picked up at a later date.The only fault I have is that some parts sound like those email lists that have moved around the internet. However, the great majority is a reflection of one year in a teacher's life. I liked it.

I read a lot of humor books and this one was one of the best. It's probably because I have three kids of my own and two step children. We've been through 3rd grade 5 times and I could really relate to these stories.

Reading this gave me a new appreciation for what elementary teachers do day to day. I have been recommending this book to friends and family. I haven't read the first book but I'm intending to.

So, definitely a must read!