Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Summary:

As a class assignment, Tish Bonner describes her life through a diary to which she allows her teacher limited access. On the top of each page, she writes “Don’t You Dare Read This” (or something similar) so that her teacher doesn’t read her personal thoughts. However, the reader will learn her personal thoughts about her relationships with friends, school life and home life. Her father has not been a consistent presence in her life, and her mother is unstable. After a brief stay at home by her father, he leaves and her mother follows him out west. Tish is left alone with her younger brother with little food and money. Tish realizes that she can’t take care of herself and her brother, and through the diary reaches out for help.

Review:

Tweens will enjoy Tish’s frank outlook and honesty in her journal writing. Tweens may be able to relate to the rocky relationships that Tish experiences and her attitude towards school. However, themes of child abandonment and sexual harassment may cause some parents concern about the availability of this book. Regardless, the book ends with a positive message of approaching a teacher for assistance.

Awards:

ALA Best Books For Young Adults ,

ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers,

IRA Children's Book Award

Links:

Learn more about the author on her web site: http://www.haddixbooks.com/

Check out her publisher’s page: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Margaret-Peterson-Haddix/20539155

This book has been challenged! Find out why at http://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/books/dontyoudare.asp