
A parent might reach for this book when their child is labeled a 'problem student' or feels like they don't fit in at school. This story is for any child who feels their true self is a secret that no one understands. Fifth-grader Sahara Jones is smart and a gifted writer, but after the death of her father, she pretends she can't read or write. She's labeled 'special ed' and is on the verge of being held back. But then she gets a new, eccentric teacher, Miss Pointy, who sees the 'special' in Sahara and refuses to give up on her. This heartwarming and humorous book explores themes of self-confidence, grief, and the profound impact a caring teacher can have. It’s an inspiring read for children struggling to find their voice and a great reminder for adults about the power of seeing a child's potential.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with the death of a parent (Sahara's father) as the root of her trauma and selective mutism. This is handled from the child's perspective, focusing on her memories and feelings of grief. The approach is secular. The resolution is hopeful, as Sahara learns to process her grief and express herself, but the sadness of the loss is not erased. The book also addresses being mislabeled with a learning disability.
A child aged 9 to 11 who feels unseen, underestimated, or mislabeled at school. It's especially potent for a quiet, creative child whose inner world is much richer than what they present externally. It will also deeply resonate with children who have experienced loss and are struggling to express their feelings, or any child who dreams of having that one special teacher who just 'gets' them.
Parents should be aware that the backstory of Sahara's father's death is a central theme. While not graphic, it is an emotional topic. It might be helpful to be prepared to discuss how grief can affect people in different ways, leading some to become quiet or withdrawn like Sahara. The book can be read cold, but this context is useful for a follow-up conversation. A parent receives a note from school about their child's lack of participation or 'behavior issues.' The child might be withdrawing, refusing to do work, or saying things like 'school is boring' or 'my teacher doesn't like me' as a cover for deeper feelings of insecurity or sadness.
A younger reader (8-9) will likely focus on the funny school story: the quirky teacher, the classroom dynamics, and the friendship plot. They'll see it as a story about a shy girl finding her voice. An older reader (10-12) will connect more deeply with the underlying themes of processing grief, the injustice of being misunderstood by adults, and the complexity of Sahara's internal conflict and courage.
While many school stories exist, this one's power lies in the intimate first-person narrative, including Sahara's secret journal entries, which gives an unparalleled look into the mind of a selectively mute child. The central relationship is not with peers but with an inspiring, creatively drawn teacher. Miss Pointy is a truly memorable character, making this a standout in the 'great teacher' genre.
Sahara Jones is a bright fifth-grader who, dealing with trauma from her father's death, has effectively opted out of school. She doesn't speak or do work and is labeled 'special ed,' though she secretly writes constantly in a private journal. Her new, unconventional teacher, Miss Pointy, uses creative and persistent methods to break through Sahara's shell. The story, told from Sahara's perspective with excerpts from her journal, follows her journey of healing, reconnecting with a friend, and ultimately finding the courage to share her writing talent with her class.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.