THE LANDRY NEWS

Andrew Clements tells a story of students making a difference. Fifteen years ago, fifth-grade teacher Mr. Larson was named "Teacher of the Year" three years running, but that was a l-o-o-ong time ago. These days he's a burned-out shell of his former self. When new student Cara Landry writes an editorial in her own newspaper about the “lack of teaching” in Room 145, she angers Mr. Larson—but also shakes him out of his lethargy. Zoe Kazan's delivery is more burned-out teacher than enthusiastic student. Her pacing is off-kilter at times, putting pauses in unusual places that confuse meaning. Nonetheless, this is an entertaining story of a class that rekindles a teacher's commitment. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]