Customer Reviews

Teacher, Teacher

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The author, Jack Sheffield, was a headteacher of two schools in North Yorkshire in the late seventies and eighties. At that time he recorded his everyday adventures in a logbook. Now, almost thirty years later, mister Sheffield has made a novel out of his recordings from back then.

The book consists of twentytwo chapters that each depict a typical school happening. For example, we read about the parents' evening, dress up parties, local farmers challenges, snow hazards, camping, and so on. There are numerous characters that we get introduced too, including all the teachers, a number of pupils, their parents, and even local villagers.

While the cover of the book says this story is "a hilarious account of a year in the life of a village school", most of all I found this to be an endearing retelling of an old fashioned era. The stories are all so innocent, so sugary sweet, and each and every time all ends well. It is clear that Mr Sheffield looks back at his time as headteacher with fond memories. The result is that this book is most suited as bedtime stories for children, not as a comedy for adults.

That being said, the book has a charming feel, and is sure to bring a smile to your face at some points. And for those who liked this book, two sequels have appeared.

Absolutely awesome book of an academic school year from school master's point of view. Once I started reading, I couldn't put this book down. Lively entertainment, wonderful characters from a master writer Jack Sheffield.

Mr. Sheffield tells the timeless story of teaching, in his case in l977, in a Yorkshire primary school. From my own experience in Middle America during the same era, there is no reason to doubt a word. All the right words come to mind--heartwarming, refreshing, encouraging. Just a pleasure on every page.

For anyone interested in people and small town life, this book is a joy to read. Jack Sheffield has captured something universal in his tales of his experiences as a newly appointed head of school in a village in Yorkshire in the late 1970's. His characters ring true, and the love of his trade is just as convincing. You will laugh and cry, and then wait in eager anticipation for its successor, Mr Teacher, which is due in bookshops in January 2008!

Jack Sheffield writes with wit and insight in this nostalgic reminder of the 1970s.
'Heartbeat for Teachers' Fay Yeomans, BBC Radio
'Howzat for a great Yorkshire novel' Dickie Bird
'A wonderful gallery of Yorkshire characters' Yorkshire Evening Press
'refreshing.... with hilarious detail' Yorkshire Post