Good Luck Mrs K [Hardcover]

Louise Borden (Author), Adam Gustavson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up

Mrs. Kempczinski -- "Mrs. K." to her third-grade students -- is everyone's favorite teacher. Exciting and dynamic, Mrs. K. knows sign language, celebrates Worm Day, and performs "homework dances." One day the third graders are explorers, learning about faraway places. Other days, they are poets or scientists or astronauts. Every day with Mrs. K. is different, and every day is fun.

Suddenly, though, Mrs. K. is not in school and Room 3 has a substitute teacher. The principal explains that Mrs. K. is in the hospital with cancer. The class writes letters and draws pictures for Mrs. K. One student, Ann Zesterman, tells Mrs. K. that she says "Kemp-chin-ski" for good luck when she plays basketball at recess. Another, A.J., wonders how many operations it takes to cure cancer, but no one has the answer. When will Mrs. K. come back?

Based on a true story, narrated by nine-year-old Ann and with lovely full-color paintings, this honest and forthright story addresses a subject of much importance and concern for young and old alike.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Readers be warned, this is lump-in-the-throat material. Borden (Albie the Lifeguard; The Little Ships) tackles a difficult subject not often found in picture books, in a sensitive story about a third-grade class whose teacher is suddenly stricken with cancer. Mrs. Kempczinski's ("Say it like this... Kemp-chin-ski!") students love everything about her, from the plastic worm earrings and candy worms she brings in on Worm Day to the special dances she does when all the homework comes in on time. When "Mrs. K." is hospitalized for cancer treatment, the students rally to her support, sending letters and keeping her updated on what they are learning with her substitute. The day after school ends for the summer, the principal reconvenes the class for a surpriseAMrs. K. is there for a visit. "Her cheeks weren't as chubby as before, but I could still hear all that fun in Mrs. K.'s voice," notes the third-grade narrator, and together Mrs. K.'s students skate through the empty halls, chanting their beloved teacher's name and wishing her luck. Borden's understated prose rings true, and the inherent poignancy in her text is underscored by first-time illustrator Gustavson's expressive watercolors. He does a superb job with the faces in particular, the characters' emotions are carefully nuanced, and his slightly somber palette of grays and earth tones sets the mood without dampening the affection in the story. A thoughtful and original effort on all accounts. Ages 6-10. (May)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-A third-grade girl and her class are enchanted by Mrs. Kempczinski, a self-confident teacher who calls her students explorers and detectives and takes them around the world through books. She punctuates a science unit on worms by wearing plastic worm earrings and providing a candy-worm snack. However, the treat that receives the most applause is the homework dance Mrs. K performs when all of the children turn in their work on time. The students spend a delightful half year with her before the principal explains that she has cancer and is in the hospital. Borden portrays a difficult situation in direct, yet loving, language. Students facing similar circumstances will be comforted by the eventual recovery of the beloved teacher, and those unfamiliar with such a trauma will be touched by a truly endearing story. Gustavson's watercolor illustrations exude all of the warmth and vibrancy of Borden's words. The illustration showing the homework dance is classic. This unique and eloquent story should be a part of every collection.
Jackie Hechtkopf, University of Maryland, College Park
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry; 1st edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689821476
• ISBN-13: 978-0689821479
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,411,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born (Oct 30,1949) and raised in Cincinnati, I have lived in Ohio my entire life except for two years in Massachusetts right after I was married. Growing up in an old house on a steep street, I attended a small elementary school called Lotspeich. There, all the marvelous shelves of books in the library shaped me into a lifelong reader. So it is a thrill for me to know that some of my books are being read by children in other libraries all over the country.

Before I became a full-time writer and speaker, I taught preschoolers and first graders and was even a part-owner of a bookstore in Cincinnati.

Today, it is hard for me to separate my writing from the way I live my life. My own family, personal experiences, and friendships, as well as a love of history and travel, have rich and lasting connections to the books I write. The first impulse to write a book is always triggered by something that has touched me indelibly.

In addition to my writing, my work in schools allows me to travel the incredible variety of landscape in Ohio, and meet the heart of its people. I have spoken in over 400 schools across the country, but mostly in Ohio. Because of this, I now have lifelong friends in communities from mighty Cleveland to small-town Greenville.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars better when it's shared, October 7, 1999

By 

Elaine Fultz "askmewhattoread" (Centerville, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Good Luck Mrs K (Hardcover)

When I first read this book (silently to myself), I thought it was okay. The very first time I shared it with a class (4th grade), the book came to life. What a powerful story of learning and living. A student reported to me today that she repeated "KEMP-CHIN-SKI" on the soccer field and her team scored soon after. Oh, the great, far-reaching power of a wonderful, affecting book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly inspirational story to be loved by children & adults, July 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Good Luck Mrs K (Hardcover)

Mrs. K encapsules what we envision our favorite teacher to have been like. She motivates learning by incorporating amusing tactics, such as dancing, to teach subjects on a different level. Her courage through her illness leaves her students always remembering the stronger side of Mrs. K and everything she taught them in Room 3, even making them teachers to one another. Children & adults alike will love Good Luck, Mrs. K!!

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book., March 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Good Luck Mrs K (Hardcover)

Mrs. K is a wonderful teacher -- caring, warm, and energetic. She inspires her students by treating them as individuals and by making her classroom very interactive. Her students become "teachers" themselves when Mrs. K is in the hospital. Although Mrs. K's illness is discussed, it is not frightening for children. I hope all teachers will take time to read this book and share it with their classes.