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Finchler, J. (2006). Miss Malarkey leaves no reader behind. NY: Walker Publishing Company.

Book Summary

Finchler's book depicts every librarian's task: finding the right book, in the right hands, at the right time. A young boy and his friends prefer video games to reading. During a reading contest, Miss Malarkey works to find books her students will like. As his friends fall in love with books, the boy is still adamant that he does not enjoy reading. Miss Malarkey offers fantasy, biographies, jokes, etc...with no luck, until on the last day of school, she finds a book for the boy. He spends all night reading the book and claims it is the best book ever. 

My Impressions

The young boy in this story reminds me of my son and a thousand other boys I have taught. It is difficult to find a book for boys who hate reading. My son always said, "It takes too long." From my research, I know many boys feel the same way. Like Miss Malarkey, I know that a teacher/librarian cannot give up on students. There is a book for every reader. It is our task to find it and ignite the love of reading in our students. If a student reads it, or a librarian shares it with a class, I think the student may stop and think about the possibility that there really is a book she might like.

Professional Review

Sheridan, Rebecca. (2006). Miss Malarkey leaves no reader behind. School Library Journal, 52(8), p81.

K-Gr 2-During the first week of school, Principal Wiggins promises that if the students read 1000 books by June 12, he will dye his hair purple and sleep on the roof. Miss Malarkey tells her class that they will be doing the Everybody Reads in America program and promises that all of the students will find books they love before the end of the school year. She picks some for each of them, engaging even reluctant readers. One boy remains unable to find a book he likes until June 10, when Miss Malarkey chooses one that has aliens, race cars, funny jokes, chewing gum, hot sauce and cannonballs. I becomes number 1001 read by the students and the story ends with everyone wishing Principal Wiggins (whose hair is now purple) a good night on the roof. This title will resonate with those who choose math, video games, and sports over books. O'Malley's illustrations, done in markers and colored pencils, enhance the text with expressive pictures of the students and their teacher as they explore (or choose not to explore) the joys of reading. The illustrations lend humor and credibility to the reluctance of some of the students. A must-have for all libraries.

Library Uses

1. At the beginning of school, make a bulletin board with the covers of books appropriate for the age group. In the middle place the cover of Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind. Students will interested in the book and hopefully will want to find a book just for them.

2. With the principal, plan a reading competition for your school. Begin with a reading of Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind. Brainstorm with teachers on ways to attract readers. Introduce books from the library that will bring reluctant readers into the library.