
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to recognize that adults are flawed or when they are struggling with the weight of their own words. It is an ideal choice for a middle-grade reader who feels a strong sense of justice or is navigating the social complexities of a new school environment. The story follows Cara Landry, a girl processing her parents' divorce, who starts a classroom newspaper that inadvertently revitalizes her burnt-out teacher but also sparks a legal and ethical battle over free speech. At its heart, the book explores the balance between truth and kindness. It provides a nuanced look at the First Amendment through a lens that children can understand, while also modeling how empathy can bridge the gap between a student and a teacher. It is developmentally perfect for ages 8 to 12, offering a realistic look at how one person's initiative can change a community's culture for the better.
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Sign in to write a reviewExplores the tension between telling the truth and being kind.
The book deals with divorce in a realistic and secular way. Cara's pain is presented as a catalyst for her blunt honesty. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in reality, showing that while situations are complex, truth and integrity lead to growth.
A 10-year-old who is a 'truth-teller' and sometimes struggles with how their honesty affects others. Also perfect for a child who feels their voice isn't being heard by the adults in their life.
Read the chapter containing Cara's editorial about her parents' divorce. It is sensitive and well-handled but may require a follow-up conversation if the child is currently experiencing a family split. A parent might see their child being overly critical of an authority figure or feeling disillusioned by a teacher's lack of engagement.
Younger readers (3rd grade) will focus on the 'kids vs. principal' aspect and the fun of making a newspaper. Older readers (5th-6th grade) will grasp the constitutional arguments and the emotional complexity of Mr. Larson's burnout.
Unlike many school stories that paint teachers as villains or saints, this book presents a teacher as a flawed human being capable of redemption, sparked by a student's intervention.
Cara Landry is the new girl in Mr. Larson's fifth-grade class, where the teacher has checked out and let the students do whatever they want. Cara starts 'The Landry News,' a truthful newspaper that includes an editorial about Mr. Larson's lack of teaching. Instead of getting angry, Mr. Larson is inspired to teach again. However, when an article about divorce is published, the principal uses it as an excuse to try and fire Mr. Larson, leading to a school board hearing about the First Amendment.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.