I Remember Miss Perry

Submitted by Ms. Jill!
I Remember Miss Perry by Pat Brisson. Miss Perry is a wonderful teacher. When Stevie was new in school, and so nervous that he had a stomachache, Miss Perry made him feel better by telling him that her “fondest wish” was that he join her for lunch. In fact, Miss Perry has a different “fondest wish” every day – that the class quiet down quickly so that they can read aloud together; that they serenade the principal on her birthday; that they plant flowers to beautify the school. Miss Perry’s entire class adores their teacher, and looks forward each day to hearing her “fondest wish.” Then, one awful day, Miss Perry is not at school. The principal teaches their class in the morning, and after lunch the children find their parents waiting in the classroom. The principal has very sad news to share, and she wants the children to have their parents nearby when they hear it: Miss Perry has died in an accident. The principal and the school counselor help everyone to deal with their grief by talking about their favorite memories of Miss Perry, and they each share a story about a different “fondest wish.” This sensitive book about loss and grief is exceptionally well done, and just right for elementary-aged kids who have lost someone special to them. Sad without being melodramatic, I Remember Miss Perry shows readers that “it’s okay to cry when someone you like very much has died,” and that sharing memories is a good way to find comfort when mourning. See this book listed in our catalog