What do you think?
Rate this book
Sahara Special
First-time children's book author Esme Raji Codell delivers an uplifting tale of one girl's discovery of her inner talent with the aid of a remarkable teacher.
When a self-conscious and quiet Sahara Jones gets put into Special Needs class, she gets dubbed "Sahara Special." Thankfully, her mom insists that she be put with the other kids, and Sahara winds up with Madame Poitier, or "Miss Pointy," as her teacher. Miss Pointy exposes her class to eccentric subjects like Puzzling and Mad Science, talks one-on-one to students through class journals and notes, and treats her students with respect and fairness. Slowly, Sahara begins to feel like a talented human being as Miss Pointy encourages her to tap into her writing talent, and when Sahara receives a personal gift, she feels extra-special indeed.
Quiet and gentle, with an underlying sense of power -- a reflection of the main character herself -- Codell's novel is an inspiring read that will touch readers' spirits. Audiences will be entranced by the author's almost magical storytelling, while budding writers in particular will be encouraged by Sahara's inner shine. An excellent read that will speak to kids, parents, and especially teachers.
When a self-conscious and quiet Sahara Jones gets put into Special Needs class, she gets dubbed "Sahara Special." Thankfully, her mom insists that she be put with the other kids, and Sahara winds up with Madame Poitier, or "Miss Pointy," as her teacher. Miss Pointy exposes her class to eccentric subjects like Puzzling and Mad Science, talks one-on-one to students through class journals and notes, and treats her students with respect and fairness. Slowly, Sahara begins to feel like a talented human being as Miss Pointy encourages her to tap into her writing talent, and when Sahara receives a personal gift, she feels extra-special indeed.
Quiet and gentle, with an underlying sense of power -- a reflection of the main character herself -- Codell's novel is an inspiring read that will touch readers' spirits. Audiences will be entranced by the author's almost magical storytelling, while budding writers in particular will be encouraged by Sahara's inner shine. An excellent read that will speak to kids, parents, and especially teachers.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2003
43 people are currently reading
2145 people want to read
About the author
Esmé Raji Codell
22 books148 followersEsme Raji Codell is the recipient of a prestigious James Patterson Pageturner Award for spreading the excitement of books in an effective and original way. She has been a keynote speaker for the International Reading Association and the American Library Association, a “virtual” keynote for the National Education Association’s “Stay Afloat!” online conference for first-year teachers, and a featured speaker at the National Museum for Women in the Arts. She has appeared on CBS’s The Early Show, CNN, C-SPAN, and NPR, among other media outlets across the country. The author of How to Get Your Child to Love Reading, as well as five award-winning books for children, Esmé runs the popular children’s literature website and the unique literary salon, PlanetEsme.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
January 11, 2012
Disclaimer -- I am NOT a Codell fan...I found her memoir irritating to the max. That said, Mrs. Pointy is Esme, in all her glory. Flaunting rules, being rude for effect, flamboyant beyond belief. I see this book as Codell's love letter to herself and her unconventional know-it-all attitude about education. Did I mention, I'm not a fan?
That rant aside, Miss Pointy is exactly what Sahara needs at this moment in her life...what Darrell needs too. She shakes up the typical school environment, she forces kids to think, to express themselves. She stands up for them
I'm wondering who the intended audience is...I'm not sure elementary (Sahara is repeating fifth grade) kids are the audience. I really think this is another 'teacher book.' As such, there are some good lines, and a protagonist who, indeed, changes, just as Miss Pointy says main characters do.
Favorite line: "Why do you think I read? To go everywhere." I would have loved to be best friends with Sahara. Miss Pointy? Not so much
That rant aside, Miss Pointy is exactly what Sahara needs at this moment in her life...what Darrell needs too. She shakes up the typical school environment, she forces kids to think, to express themselves. She stands up for them
I'm wondering who the intended audience is...I'm not sure elementary (Sahara is repeating fifth grade) kids are the audience. I really think this is another 'teacher book.' As such, there are some good lines, and a protagonist who, indeed, changes, just as Miss Pointy says main characters do.
Favorite line: "Why do you think I read? To go everywhere." I would have loved to be best friends with Sahara. Miss Pointy? Not so much
November 1, 2012
Esme Codell tells a pasonite story of a young girl as a writer. A young girl who is put in special needs, but who is a true writer on the inside, expresses herself as a true writer as she goes through fifth grade again. Sahara Special is a good example of fiction and realistic fiction because a lot of things that happen in the book can happen in real life. Middle School readers will realate to this because they know what the character is going through. Overall this book is a very pasonite book for all middle schoolers.
Recommended
Recommended
December 30, 2013
I loved this book. As I finished I felt I had just been hugged, or snuggled into a fluffy blanket as I stared at snow gently falling. I felt content. Maybe 3/4 of the way through there is a delightful story told by Miss Pointy that I want to retell ... it was so entrancing and heart warming... It is later now and I can still feel it holding my heart ...
July 18, 2017
I should begin by saying that this is a hesitant three stars. Two felt too harsh, but I can't say I'm overly thrilled with it, either. What is it about this book that has me in knots?
Maybe, perhaps, it's the overall attitude of Miss Pointy. Looking at the reception of her memoir, Miss Pointy is obviously Codell. While there's no denying her character manages to make huge breakthroughs and supports her students in exemplary ways, there's this stick-it-to-The-Man sentiment that's almost cloying.
What especially annoyed me was when Miss Pointy staves off Peaches with a fake missing note, and manages to get Darrell out of special services. It makes it seem that these programs are harmful, condescending, and devious (which, looking back at my own time in elementary, they can be). But, from personal experience? We were fighting every week to get these kids the services they needed. We had children who needed to be tested, who obviously had learning differences that couldn't be accommodated in the classroom, who needed help. But, this book just makes it seem as though we must save the children from the system, that a good teacher can just support their student into their natural ability. Administration be damned! More power to you if find yourself agreeing with her, but again, from experience? It takes a team of people looking out for these kids to really get anywhere.
So yeah. This reads as more of a teacher's book. While kids might have fun with it and relate to Sahara, so much of this feels like the author touting her brilliance and sticking it to the system under the guise of Sahara's story.
Maybe, perhaps, it's the overall attitude of Miss Pointy. Looking at the reception of her memoir, Miss Pointy is obviously Codell. While there's no denying her character manages to make huge breakthroughs and supports her students in exemplary ways, there's this stick-it-to-The-Man sentiment that's almost cloying.
What especially annoyed me was when Miss Pointy staves off Peaches with a fake missing note, and manages to get Darrell out of special services. It makes it seem that these programs are harmful, condescending, and devious (which, looking back at my own time in elementary, they can be). But, from personal experience? We were fighting every week to get these kids the services they needed. We had children who needed to be tested, who obviously had learning differences that couldn't be accommodated in the classroom, who needed help. But, this book just makes it seem as though we must save the children from the system, that a good teacher can just support their student into their natural ability. Administration be damned! More power to you if find yourself agreeing with her, but again, from experience? It takes a team of people looking out for these kids to really get anywhere.
So yeah. This reads as more of a teacher's book. While kids might have fun with it and relate to Sahara, so much of this feels like the author touting her brilliance and sticking it to the system under the guise of Sahara's story.
March 13, 2012
Sahara is going through the fifth grade - again. Her mother elected to have her repeat the fifth grade instead of staying in special services in sixth grade, and Sahara is worried. What if her teacher doesn't like her, or thinks that she's stupid? Everything changes the day Miss Pointy walks into the room. Wild, eclectic, and tons of fun, she encourages her students to be whatever and whoever they want to be - especially Sahara. Maybe Sahara can fulfill her dream of becoming a writer, with Miss Pointy's help.
This book expands awareness for the reader because it gives a perspective unique to Sahara, a girl who was placed in special services and then held back. For students who may have been held back a grade, they can relate to some of her issues. For those who haven't, it gives them an idea of what others in their class may be facing. This was a very good read and it didn't overtly teach or moralize at all; rather it just showed Sahara's view on things and how she goes through the school year. The book tells the truth, even though some of it may be a little interesting with Miss Pointy and her crazy methods. It is a good book of quality, and everything comes together to make a good whole and a good read for the reader. Finally it shows originality in showing the school year through a girl like Sahara's eyes, how she views her home life, school life, and her friends.
I would place this book in my classroom as a read about children with disabilities and exceptionalities so my students could read something about every kind of person. Also, this is a good read for students who may not enjoy reading, since it is written in a simple style and like a journal at places.
This book expands awareness for the reader because it gives a perspective unique to Sahara, a girl who was placed in special services and then held back. For students who may have been held back a grade, they can relate to some of her issues. For those who haven't, it gives them an idea of what others in their class may be facing. This was a very good read and it didn't overtly teach or moralize at all; rather it just showed Sahara's view on things and how she goes through the school year. The book tells the truth, even though some of it may be a little interesting with Miss Pointy and her crazy methods. It is a good book of quality, and everything comes together to make a good whole and a good read for the reader. Finally it shows originality in showing the school year through a girl like Sahara's eyes, how she views her home life, school life, and her friends.
I would place this book in my classroom as a read about children with disabilities and exceptionalities so my students could read something about every kind of person. Also, this is a good read for students who may not enjoy reading, since it is written in a simple style and like a journal at places.
March 11, 2023
i liked this book. it was a little confusing at first, and i thought paris was going to be more of a friend than she was. but, i really enjoyed it and the characters are quite nice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2009
I respect Esme Raji Codell. She is a fabulous teacher and writer. Sahara Special was a sweet story about how a hardworking, creative, witty, and innovative teacher can bring the best out in her students. It reminded me of Esme's autobiographical story Diary of a Teacher's First Year, and while I thought there were parts of that autobiography that were "cocky", more power to her if she could extract the quality work from her students that she did.
In the novel, Sahara Special, Sahara was in "special" pull out classes because she refused to complete her work, but once Codell delved deeper into the reasons behind why Sahara wasn't performing to her potential, it all stemmed from the fact that Sahara's father left her mother and her when Sahara was in the 3rd grade. Sahara ended up having to repeat the fifth grade, at her mother's request, and the new teacher, Mrs. Pointy, was able to inspire Sahara to do her best work. Unbeknownst to her previous teachers and school, Sahara's favorite thing to do was read, and she told her cousin Rachel that she wanted to be a writer. Through Mrs. Pointy's innovative teaching techniques, Sahara gains the confidence needed to move forward in her life and to produce some amazing writing.
This is one that should be shared with teachers dealing with problem students and for inspiration to keep plugging along, helping one student at a time!
In the novel, Sahara Special, Sahara was in "special" pull out classes because she refused to complete her work, but once Codell delved deeper into the reasons behind why Sahara wasn't performing to her potential, it all stemmed from the fact that Sahara's father left her mother and her when Sahara was in the 3rd grade. Sahara ended up having to repeat the fifth grade, at her mother's request, and the new teacher, Mrs. Pointy, was able to inspire Sahara to do her best work. Unbeknownst to her previous teachers and school, Sahara's favorite thing to do was read, and she told her cousin Rachel that she wanted to be a writer. Through Mrs. Pointy's innovative teaching techniques, Sahara gains the confidence needed to move forward in her life and to produce some amazing writing.
This is one that should be shared with teachers dealing with problem students and for inspiration to keep plugging along, helping one student at a time!
Read
May 22, 2016I want to be happy about how it deals with the social repercussions of being labeled "special needs" and the complexities of the Venn diagram that is "smart" and "good at school," but also this book is basically "Freedom Writers" for kids and I don't need that in my life.
January 10, 2025
How do we choose the stories that stick with us? Do their plots and random quotes follow us like shadows? Or do the thoughts we think and the emotions we feel while reading them remain etched on our hearts like stickers on a classroom journal, even when years pass and we’re decades older, eons wiser? Do we resonate with its characters, like the protagonist — a shy student, an aspiring writer, like myself the first time I read Sahara Special; the teacher — funny, assertive, ever understanding of what her students needed, as though she had an undeniable superpower?
I’m not sure why I loved this book as much as I did as a child, but its words, strung together by author Esmé Raji Codell like beads and jewels on a beloved necklace, have stuck with me, transcending space, knowledge, and time. When I finished the story, I was transported to my grandparents’ couch in Nashville, one of the places where I read the books I still hold near. One of the places where I discovered a love for reading and writing like the book’s eponymous Sahara. Years later, I’m almost surprised that I’ve ended up exactly where I needed to be. It’s as though reading and loving this book was a wish sent out into the universe, a manifestation, what-have-you — I was imagining what may arrive in the future. My younger self painted a picture of what my future might look like.
Maybe our paths are predetermined at birth or while we’re floating around in our mothers’ swollen bellies, waiting patiently to start our lives. We see where we’re meant to go next through whispers and slight tugs at the heart while we’re children and as we grow older. I’d like to think it’s up to us to choose them. It’s up to us to hear our future, to notice how it assembles itself over time.
“I saw my own reflection, turned upside down. Something in me tilted, and I knew. ‘No, wait, I see something,’ I announced to Rachel. ‘I’m going to be a writer.’ The words came out all by themselves,” (Codell 16). / “I have been writing for as long as I can remember. ... As all children have outlandish dreams of who they would like to be in life, I remember that my first choice was to be a writer,” (Turner, high school dramatic writing assignment).
3/50 - 2025 Goodreads Reading Challenge
2/24 - BookRiot Read Harder Challenge (Reread a childhood favorite book)
I’m not sure why I loved this book as much as I did as a child, but its words, strung together by author Esmé Raji Codell like beads and jewels on a beloved necklace, have stuck with me, transcending space, knowledge, and time. When I finished the story, I was transported to my grandparents’ couch in Nashville, one of the places where I read the books I still hold near. One of the places where I discovered a love for reading and writing like the book’s eponymous Sahara. Years later, I’m almost surprised that I’ve ended up exactly where I needed to be. It’s as though reading and loving this book was a wish sent out into the universe, a manifestation, what-have-you — I was imagining what may arrive in the future. My younger self painted a picture of what my future might look like.
Maybe our paths are predetermined at birth or while we’re floating around in our mothers’ swollen bellies, waiting patiently to start our lives. We see where we’re meant to go next through whispers and slight tugs at the heart while we’re children and as we grow older. I’d like to think it’s up to us to choose them. It’s up to us to hear our future, to notice how it assembles itself over time.
“I saw my own reflection, turned upside down. Something in me tilted, and I knew. ‘No, wait, I see something,’ I announced to Rachel. ‘I’m going to be a writer.’ The words came out all by themselves,” (Codell 16). / “I have been writing for as long as I can remember. ... As all children have outlandish dreams of who they would like to be in life, I remember that my first choice was to be a writer,” (Turner, high school dramatic writing assignment).
3/50 - 2025 Goodreads Reading Challenge
2/24 - BookRiot Read Harder Challenge (Reread a childhood favorite book)
July 6, 2019
Super cute and super short-exactly what I needed to read. You can tell that the author has written teacher aimed books before, because I was reading this I was actively thinking how to incorporate little things into my own classroom.
Sarah is a special girl, one who has been deeply affected by her father leaving her when she was in third grade. Her mother struggles to raise her, but only because she handles the father’s leaving differently. Since her father has left, Sahara has been withdrawn from school and has started to need special help. Now, as a teacher I am very familiar with these accommodations and I think it’s a shame there is such a stigma on getting extra help for students. The mother pulls Sahara out immediately and would rather have her daughter fail a grade than continue to be pulled out. Thank goodness for “Miss Pointy” as the students call her. What a beautiful character, she embodies everything a teacher should be. I loved that the students take off their “struggles” before coming to class and taking note of the neighborhood, I’m sure they have many. Darrell was also such a great character that really evolved in the story. With just a little love, attention, and support kids are capable of so much!
Sarah is a special girl, one who has been deeply affected by her father leaving her when she was in third grade. Her mother struggles to raise her, but only because she handles the father’s leaving differently. Since her father has left, Sahara has been withdrawn from school and has started to need special help. Now, as a teacher I am very familiar with these accommodations and I think it’s a shame there is such a stigma on getting extra help for students. The mother pulls Sahara out immediately and would rather have her daughter fail a grade than continue to be pulled out. Thank goodness for “Miss Pointy” as the students call her. What a beautiful character, she embodies everything a teacher should be. I loved that the students take off their “struggles” before coming to class and taking note of the neighborhood, I’m sure they have many. Darrell was also such a great character that really evolved in the story. With just a little love, attention, and support kids are capable of so much!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2021
i can understand now how miss pointy might rub some readers the wrong way but i'm a sucker for eccentric, no-nonsense, oddball romantics and this would've been even more so the case the first time i read this in elementary school. having just re-read sahara special for the first time in many, many years, i feel i can now truly appreciate just how formative sahara's story was for me growing up. i have so much love in my heart for her... sahara jones 4eva!!! <3
January 29, 2025
My favorite quote..."As I mentioned to your mother, we do not swear in class. You will write bitch ten times so you learn to spell it correctly and then I will never see it or hear it from you again. School language, please."
I wrote this down in 2005 when I read the book because it tickles my funny bone so much!
I wrote this down in 2005 when I read the book because it tickles my funny bone so much!
February 9, 2019
This book is very special to me. I read this with my student, just the two of us. She excelled so much after reading it, and I saw her grow as a student. She loved it and I did too.
It’s been a minute since a book made me cry. This one did. It was beautiful, and so special to me. I will always remember reading this with Makena.
It’s been a minute since a book made me cry. This one did. It was beautiful, and so special to me. I will always remember reading this with Makena.
January 2, 2020
I love this book and wish I could be more of a Miss Pointy type of teacher. It will be interesting to hear my students' reactions when we discuss it at book club in a couple of weeks. Will they get hung up on the language (as one did already) or will they read the whole story?
June 24, 2023
Good Book. Very inspiring and little sad! Sahara is unique and I love how she is a writer! I also love her teacher! And darrell! what a great character.
April 15, 2025
Sahara Special is a heartfelt, touching book about a young girl who learns to use her voice with the help of her supportive, quirky teacher, Miss Pointy. As a future teacher, the book made me happy because it helped me realize how impactful teachers are in their students’ lives, and how important it is to support our students and their ambitions. I enjoyed the humor blended with the honest story of a young girl who finds herself with the help of her teacher and classmates. I would highly recommend any future teachers to read this book to gain the perspective of many potential students and to understand the impact we can have on lives!
March 30, 2025
Sahara Special by Esmé Raji Codell is a great book for third to fifth graders that demonstrates the troubles of being an elementary school student. This book explores the difficulties of feeling lonely and managing difficult relationships through the experiences of main character, Sahara. Along with that, this book illustrates how impactful one teacher can be on a students life. This book begins by Sahara getting her personal letters taken away from her and then Sahara being placed in special education. This destroys her view on school. She begins to shut down in the classroom, she gets made fun of in the hallways, and her relationship with her mother worsens. This all changes when she is held back and gets a new teacher who inspires her to change her mindset on school. Displaying themes of bravery and relationship building, Sahara Special is a great book for teachers to include in their classroom or for parents to recommend to their children.
November 8, 2018
As a Special Education teacher, I cannot recommend this book for middle grade readers (4-6 grades) partly because of some of the language and certain references:
"The only reason a girl your age should wear makeup is if she's a rock star or a hooker, and the minute you start showing promise in either of those areas we'll hop on down to Target and stock you up with everything you need.."
But, partly because the sassy, "spirited" teacher in this book is a fantasy that not all kids would benefit from - especially students in a learning support program. This book takes jabs at special education that are not constructive. For example, the author described one of the learning support staff members as being patient and organized, but hinted at some sort of superficial, robot-like demeanor. Also, in reality, a general education teacher cannot ignore an Individualized Education Program, and Madame Poitier's interaction with the Special Ed teacher was condescending and a poor example to her students.
Finally, I resent the implication that students can be "cured" of their special needs if they just have the right no-nonsense, quirky teacher that lets them write in journals all day. There are many, many reasons for a student to require learning support, and what most students really need is positive collaboration between the classroom teacher, the special education teacher, and their parents.
"The only reason a girl your age should wear makeup is if she's a rock star or a hooker, and the minute you start showing promise in either of those areas we'll hop on down to Target and stock you up with everything you need.."
But, partly because the sassy, "spirited" teacher in this book is a fantasy that not all kids would benefit from - especially students in a learning support program. This book takes jabs at special education that are not constructive. For example, the author described one of the learning support staff members as being patient and organized, but hinted at some sort of superficial, robot-like demeanor. Also, in reality, a general education teacher cannot ignore an Individualized Education Program, and Madame Poitier's interaction with the Special Ed teacher was condescending and a poor example to her students.
Finally, I resent the implication that students can be "cured" of their special needs if they just have the right no-nonsense, quirky teacher that lets them write in journals all day. There are many, many reasons for a student to require learning support, and what most students really need is positive collaboration between the classroom teacher, the special education teacher, and their parents.
November 9, 2012
Well the protagonist in this book is Sahara. This book mostly takes place at Sahara's school. The antagonist is not a person but it is Sahara's beleif. Sahara beleives that she need special ed class mostly because her mother thinks that she need it to hide the fact that Sahara is just a lazy girl.Like on page one, Sahara's mother argues with her teachers to be in a special ed class "Sahara does need this class, it will be the only way that she would pass" Sahara's teachers beleive in Sahara so they did not want to but her in a special class. Sahara meets a boy name Darrell that is in her class and he has the same problems as her. As the year go by, Sahara has a new teacher and her teacher work her to death. As Sahara realizes how good of writer she is, she begans changing through out and start doing her work. In this situation it will be man vs.self because Sahara has to fight with herself until she sees who she really is between being smart or "dumb". Since Sahara became friends with Darrel, she wanted Darrel to change also and in his situation it will be man vs.man because he doesnt want to do the work and he try to avoid Sahara when she try to help him but he ends up doing it because him and Sahara like eachother.
August 22, 2010
OHHHH! If only every child could be blessed with a Miss Pointy at least once in their lifetime! This is the story of a diverse Chicago 5th grade class and their witty, caring, but unconventional teacher, Madame Poitier. She generously & passionately shares her love of stories, but more importantly, she helps each child discover his/her unique talents. These children's lives are not ideal: broken families, non-English speaking parents, learning difficulties, and behavioral/emotional issues. What I liked best about the book was how the teacher created a positive classroom environment in which each was able to take root and grow.
November 21, 2020
I am (very obviously, as a 16 year old girl) not the target audience for this book. However, I read it anyway. It was the first book I’ve read in maybe months. And I liked it.
I probably stole this book from an elementary school teacher of mine when I was in 3rd or 4th grade, probably, because I was a kleptomaniac and liked how it looked. However, I never read it.
Reading it now, it was fun, and it weirdly resonated with me. I am not the target age, perhaps, but I might be the target type of person.
I probably stole this book from an elementary school teacher of mine when I was in 3rd or 4th grade, probably, because I was a kleptomaniac and liked how it looked. However, I never read it.
Reading it now, it was fun, and it weirdly resonated with me. I am not the target age, perhaps, but I might be the target type of person.
March 13, 2015
I was not really impressed with this as a children's book. The book could probably be easily adapted to a YA or adult genre, but as a children or tween book there was just too much swearing and disrespect to be redeemed by the feel-good parts and ending.
November 12, 2024
I wouldn't rate it like this if I'd first read it now, but as it is, it gets a nostalgia boost. Also, being as I'm not the target audience, giving a poor review to a book intended for 10-year-olds seems particularly miserly
Read
July 17, 2011I love this book as a read-a-loud for my 4th and 5th graders along with Vive Paris.
January 13, 2017
We read this one aloud, my girls and me. Loved it! This author is really good at explaining a kid's world. We want to be in Ms. Pointy's class!
February 26, 2019
15 November 2002 SAHARA SPECIAL by Esmé Raji Codell, Hyperion, July 2003
"Someday, people will be glad I kept track. Someday, people will see I am a writer. And because I am writing a true story of my life I have to talk about school, since I am still a kid and it is a very big part of my Heart-Wrenching Life Story and Amazing Adventures. I am sorry to report that school is heavy on the Heart-Wrenching but so far has been running low-to-empty on Amazing Adventures."
Several of my favorite YA's from recent years--SPEAK, YOU DON'T KNOW ME, and the upcoming A NORTHERN LIGHT immediately come to mind--tell stories of young characters whose transformation is instigated by an insightful teacher who thinks and operates "outside the box." While written for a slightly younger audience, Esmé Raji Codell's first children's novel, SAHARA SPECIAL, which is set in Chicago, stands alongside the others in this regard:
"In she walked. Our new teacher!
"I blinked, and blinked again. Her hair was copper like a lucky penny, but when the light hit it a certain way, it seemed almost green, a deep green, like she colored it with a dye made from tree leaves. It was held back with sparkling dragonfly barrettes, but there was no help for it. It was wild hair. She was pale, but I couldn't tell for sure if she was white or Asian or Puerto Rican, or maybe light-skinned black. When someone is wearing lipstick as purple as an eggplant, it's hard to tell. She wore lime eye shadow and heavy black liquid eyeliner, making her expression catlike. She wore a yellow dress that looked like it was made of tissue paper, kind of old-fashioned and grandmotherly, but hanging slightly over her shoulder. Her bra strap was showing. It was also purple. She looked less like a teacher and more like one of those burnt-out punk-rocker teenagers who hang out in front of the Dunkin' Donuts on Belmont, near the L stop. Only grown."
Sahara is in need of a new start as she begins to repeat last year's grade. She and Darrell Sikes spent much of the previous school year working in the hallway, getting "Individualized Attention" (the source of her nickname, Sahara Special)--
"---and let me tell you, working in the hallway with a teacher is like being the street person of the school. People pass you by, and they act like they don't see you, but three steps away they've got a whole story in their heads about why you're out there instead of in the nice cozy classroom where you belong. Stupid? Unlucky? Unloved? If I could have put out a cup, I would have made some change."
But things do change for Sahara, Darrell, and their classmates when the school hires a new teacher from "Somewhere Else." Her name--
"--'is Madame Poitier, Miss PWAH-tee-YAY. It rhymes with touché, a French word that means, "you got me." ' "
And to the benefit of Sahara and Darrell, "Miss Pointy," as she is frequently called, doesn't believe in reading what previous teachers have said about you. What Miss Pointy does have a thing for is the power of story. Readers will join Sahara in learning a thing or three about understanding and writing stories.
Similarly, teachers and other grownups might well join young readers in learning their own thing or three from Miss Pointy's teaching methods. One of my favorites is her trouble basket:
"Miss Pointy tries to get us to leave our problems at home. She stands at the doorway every morning, smiling like she's auditioning to be a movie star, but she blocks the door and nobody gets in until they use the trouble basket. We pretend to put our troubles into the big green basket she holds out before we enter. Our troubles are invisible to the eye, but they are heavy. She practically breaks her back, holding all those troubles for us, but she says we can't carry them into the classroom ourselves or we won't be able to work. She offers the troubles back to us at the end of the day, since they don't belong to her. Nobody's taken them back."
This is one that I can't wait to read aloud--fifth to seventh grade seems the prime audience--so that I can share with them the story of this troubled-yet-talented girl whose entire class is transformed by a very cool teacher.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
"Someday, people will be glad I kept track. Someday, people will see I am a writer. And because I am writing a true story of my life I have to talk about school, since I am still a kid and it is a very big part of my Heart-Wrenching Life Story and Amazing Adventures. I am sorry to report that school is heavy on the Heart-Wrenching but so far has been running low-to-empty on Amazing Adventures."
Several of my favorite YA's from recent years--SPEAK, YOU DON'T KNOW ME, and the upcoming A NORTHERN LIGHT immediately come to mind--tell stories of young characters whose transformation is instigated by an insightful teacher who thinks and operates "outside the box." While written for a slightly younger audience, Esmé Raji Codell's first children's novel, SAHARA SPECIAL, which is set in Chicago, stands alongside the others in this regard:
"In she walked. Our new teacher!
"I blinked, and blinked again. Her hair was copper like a lucky penny, but when the light hit it a certain way, it seemed almost green, a deep green, like she colored it with a dye made from tree leaves. It was held back with sparkling dragonfly barrettes, but there was no help for it. It was wild hair. She was pale, but I couldn't tell for sure if she was white or Asian or Puerto Rican, or maybe light-skinned black. When someone is wearing lipstick as purple as an eggplant, it's hard to tell. She wore lime eye shadow and heavy black liquid eyeliner, making her expression catlike. She wore a yellow dress that looked like it was made of tissue paper, kind of old-fashioned and grandmotherly, but hanging slightly over her shoulder. Her bra strap was showing. It was also purple. She looked less like a teacher and more like one of those burnt-out punk-rocker teenagers who hang out in front of the Dunkin' Donuts on Belmont, near the L stop. Only grown."
Sahara is in need of a new start as she begins to repeat last year's grade. She and Darrell Sikes spent much of the previous school year working in the hallway, getting "Individualized Attention" (the source of her nickname, Sahara Special)--
"---and let me tell you, working in the hallway with a teacher is like being the street person of the school. People pass you by, and they act like they don't see you, but three steps away they've got a whole story in their heads about why you're out there instead of in the nice cozy classroom where you belong. Stupid? Unlucky? Unloved? If I could have put out a cup, I would have made some change."
But things do change for Sahara, Darrell, and their classmates when the school hires a new teacher from "Somewhere Else." Her name--
"--'is Madame Poitier, Miss PWAH-tee-YAY. It rhymes with touché, a French word that means, "you got me." ' "
And to the benefit of Sahara and Darrell, "Miss Pointy," as she is frequently called, doesn't believe in reading what previous teachers have said about you. What Miss Pointy does have a thing for is the power of story. Readers will join Sahara in learning a thing or three about understanding and writing stories.
Similarly, teachers and other grownups might well join young readers in learning their own thing or three from Miss Pointy's teaching methods. One of my favorites is her trouble basket:
"Miss Pointy tries to get us to leave our problems at home. She stands at the doorway every morning, smiling like she's auditioning to be a movie star, but she blocks the door and nobody gets in until they use the trouble basket. We pretend to put our troubles into the big green basket she holds out before we enter. Our troubles are invisible to the eye, but they are heavy. She practically breaks her back, holding all those troubles for us, but she says we can't carry them into the classroom ourselves or we won't be able to work. She offers the troubles back to us at the end of the day, since they don't belong to her. Nobody's taken them back."
This is one that I can't wait to read aloud--fifth to seventh grade seems the prime audience--so that I can share with them the story of this troubled-yet-talented girl whose entire class is transformed by a very cool teacher.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
January 25, 2022
Research shows that children who are read to excel. Teaching in an Abbott district brings students tot he classroom who have not read good literature. The Read Aloud time is the special time in our jam-packed schedule. It is the highlight for both students and me daily.
We are nearing the completion of a book so I am looking ahead to our next book. My best friend when I was a boy used to move around a lot. I recall him saying that his mother never liked to stay in one place too long as she became bored. There's a bit of me in that comment too. I am constantly looking for new things to read as I become bored reading the same stories year after year.
To that end I searched our class library for something different. I picked up Sahara Special by Esmé Raji Codell. Codell is known for her book nonfiction book Educating Esmé, which chronicles her first year as a classroom teacher. With that in mind, I brought the book home to read this weekend.
Sahara is a fifth grade girl whose father left her family. That has had devastating effects upon Sahara. Since then Sahara thinks Why? frequently and writes pretend letters to her father. That writing replaces her school work. One day her folder of pretend letters falls. The teacher gathers them and they end up Sahara's permanent folder as further evidence. Yes, Sahara magically ends up in Special Ed. That further stresses the young girl. The school takes her work. She fails fifth grade.
The following year Sahara is blessed with Miss Pointy as her teacher. Yes, the quirky teacher who bucks the system is Sahara's inspiration. It's a story line we have read and seen over and over. Heck, Dead Poets Society, which was filmed at my prep school, is this story from 20 years ago.
But a good story is a good story. Codell captures the insecurities of a student who is just looking for some answers as to who she is. Sahara is a girl who is a writer, but hides her pieces in the library so they do not end up in her cum folder.
Yes, the trite ending where Miss Pointy gives Sahara her dream was telegraphed from a distance. Even so, it is a good read. Unfortunately, it is not a read I will share with my students. The reality language of the book ensures that I, a middle-aged man, will not be reading about hookers, bras, and asses to my charges who are eight to 10 years of age. They can read about those subjects on their own. It looks like I'll be re-visiting Frindle, a fine book but one that I read frequently. In the words of Miss Pointy, it will be B-O-R-I-N-G for the teacher.
We are nearing the completion of a book so I am looking ahead to our next book. My best friend when I was a boy used to move around a lot. I recall him saying that his mother never liked to stay in one place too long as she became bored. There's a bit of me in that comment too. I am constantly looking for new things to read as I become bored reading the same stories year after year.
To that end I searched our class library for something different. I picked up Sahara Special by Esmé Raji Codell. Codell is known for her book nonfiction book Educating Esmé, which chronicles her first year as a classroom teacher. With that in mind, I brought the book home to read this weekend.
Sahara is a fifth grade girl whose father left her family. That has had devastating effects upon Sahara. Since then Sahara thinks Why? frequently and writes pretend letters to her father. That writing replaces her school work. One day her folder of pretend letters falls. The teacher gathers them and they end up Sahara's permanent folder as further evidence. Yes, Sahara magically ends up in Special Ed. That further stresses the young girl. The school takes her work. She fails fifth grade.
The following year Sahara is blessed with Miss Pointy as her teacher. Yes, the quirky teacher who bucks the system is Sahara's inspiration. It's a story line we have read and seen over and over. Heck, Dead Poets Society, which was filmed at my prep school, is this story from 20 years ago.
But a good story is a good story. Codell captures the insecurities of a student who is just looking for some answers as to who she is. Sahara is a girl who is a writer, but hides her pieces in the library so they do not end up in her cum folder.
Yes, the trite ending where Miss Pointy gives Sahara her dream was telegraphed from a distance. Even so, it is a good read. Unfortunately, it is not a read I will share with my students. The reality language of the book ensures that I, a middle-aged man, will not be reading about hookers, bras, and asses to my charges who are eight to 10 years of age. They can read about those subjects on their own. It looks like I'll be re-visiting Frindle, a fine book but one that I read frequently. In the words of Miss Pointy, it will be B-O-R-I-N-G for the teacher.
October 29, 2018
At first I wasn't sure about this book. Miss Pointy (Madame Poitier), the new teacher, perplexed me as much as she did the children. She was too perplexing in her mannerisms, teaching style, and choice of subjects to teach. For a moment, I wanted to stop reading but I kept going. But there had to be more to her than what I was seeing. Also, Sahara was such an interesting character that I had to know what the book had in store for her.
Sahara Jones is potential waiting to burst. She speaks and thinks so eloquently and descriptive - "The sand had ripples all through it, like it was remembering water. A sun dipped down at the edge of the horizon. It shook in the waves of heat like a great orange fist." Such beautiful words! She also has a wonderful sense of humor, especially in the way she sees the world - "She looked at me like I was homework." I think the school mistook her grief for someone in need of special education. But I love how the name "Sahara Special," so mockingly given to her, becomes the catalyst for change and growth, enabling her to start seeing the best of herself.
Now Miss Pointy, she is a surprising anomaly. Sometimes I liked her and sometimes I didn't. She kind of grows on you. Everything she does is rooted in a lesson of sorts - just not your average reading, writing, and arithmetic. There were times she spoke such words of wisdom - "A poem is a small economy of words. Each word is worth its weight in gold." Goodness, if that isn't true about poetry! And she does have a wicked sense of humor - "'How old are you?' asked Sakiah. 'In human years, or teacher years?' Miss Pointy answered..." Miss Pointy is, you have to admit, exactly what these kids needed. I'm not so sure 10-year-old me would be a fan.
I love that the book jacket is pictured like a spiral notebook. It's so cute and I think really fits someone like Sahara.
I found Esmé Raji Codell to be an expressive and talented writer who has a way of making you see the world differently in astonishing ways. This was an okay book despite it all but I do think middle grade readers will highly enjoy it.
Sahara Jones is potential waiting to burst. She speaks and thinks so eloquently and descriptive - "The sand had ripples all through it, like it was remembering water. A sun dipped down at the edge of the horizon. It shook in the waves of heat like a great orange fist." Such beautiful words! She also has a wonderful sense of humor, especially in the way she sees the world - "She looked at me like I was homework." I think the school mistook her grief for someone in need of special education. But I love how the name "Sahara Special," so mockingly given to her, becomes the catalyst for change and growth, enabling her to start seeing the best of herself.
Now Miss Pointy, she is a surprising anomaly. Sometimes I liked her and sometimes I didn't. She kind of grows on you. Everything she does is rooted in a lesson of sorts - just not your average reading, writing, and arithmetic. There were times she spoke such words of wisdom - "A poem is a small economy of words. Each word is worth its weight in gold." Goodness, if that isn't true about poetry! And she does have a wicked sense of humor - "'How old are you?' asked Sakiah. 'In human years, or teacher years?' Miss Pointy answered..." Miss Pointy is, you have to admit, exactly what these kids needed. I'm not so sure 10-year-old me would be a fan.
I love that the book jacket is pictured like a spiral notebook. It's so cute and I think really fits someone like Sahara.
I found Esmé Raji Codell to be an expressive and talented writer who has a way of making you see the world differently in astonishing ways. This was an okay book despite it all but I do think middle grade readers will highly enjoy it.
February 3, 2021
Sahara Special is another book I read for Battle of the Books. This is what I like about the Battle of the Books challenge, there are so many books on the list I have never heard of and they are fantastic.
Sahara is in fifth grade, AGAIN, and her mother insists that Sahara does not need special ed. Sahara’s new teacher, Miss Pointy has an unusual teaching style. She tells lots of stories and gives her students a lot of encouragement and support. With Miss Pointy’s help and time Sahara is able to find the courage to share her true self.
I love how Miss Pointy has a crazy teaching style. Any teacher who encourages her students to write in journals and responds back to them gets a 👍 from me! Below is my favorite interaction from the book:
“Teachers are paid to love children.”
“Teachers aren’t paid much, so they don’t love much,”
“Loving children is what teachers do for extra credit. It’s not the main assignment.”
“Extra Credit is done of your own free will. WORK and LOVE given out of free will is always more joyous, better-quality stuff.”
This is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star story for me and it will always have a special place in my heart. ❤️❤️
Sahara is in fifth grade, AGAIN, and her mother insists that Sahara does not need special ed. Sahara’s new teacher, Miss Pointy has an unusual teaching style. She tells lots of stories and gives her students a lot of encouragement and support. With Miss Pointy’s help and time Sahara is able to find the courage to share her true self.
I love how Miss Pointy has a crazy teaching style. Any teacher who encourages her students to write in journals and responds back to them gets a 👍 from me! Below is my favorite interaction from the book:
“Teachers are paid to love children.”
“Teachers aren’t paid much, so they don’t love much,”
“Loving children is what teachers do for extra credit. It’s not the main assignment.”
“Extra Credit is done of your own free will. WORK and LOVE given out of free will is always more joyous, better-quality stuff.”
This is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star story for me and it will always have a special place in my heart. ❤️❤️
November 8, 2017
Realistic Fiction
Awards: IRA Children’s and Young Adult’s Book Award for Intermediate–Fiction
Appropriate Grade Level: 3-5
Summary: Sahara Special tells the story of a young girl named Sahara who has to repeat the fifth grade. Previously in a special ed. program, Sahara has a chance at a fresh start in a general ed. classroom. Sahara has virtually no work to show for herself on her file, and she has no intention to add to it in the upcoming school year. When Sahara meets her new fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Pointy, things slowly begin to change for her.
Review: I just discovered this story recently, and it has become one of my favorites. It is very easy to relate to Sahara, and it might even help a future teacher with some ideas for their class. Sahara Special is a brilliant story, and one that children will fall in love with; a must-read for me.
In-Class Uses:
-Could be used as a gateway to talk about students in special ed and/or those with disabilities
-Practice with chapter books
-Opportunity to relate self to text (written assignments, drawings etc.)
Awards: IRA Children’s and Young Adult’s Book Award for Intermediate–Fiction
Appropriate Grade Level: 3-5
Summary: Sahara Special tells the story of a young girl named Sahara who has to repeat the fifth grade. Previously in a special ed. program, Sahara has a chance at a fresh start in a general ed. classroom. Sahara has virtually no work to show for herself on her file, and she has no intention to add to it in the upcoming school year. When Sahara meets her new fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Pointy, things slowly begin to change for her.
Review: I just discovered this story recently, and it has become one of my favorites. It is very easy to relate to Sahara, and it might even help a future teacher with some ideas for their class. Sahara Special is a brilliant story, and one that children will fall in love with; a must-read for me.
In-Class Uses:
-Could be used as a gateway to talk about students in special ed and/or those with disabilities
-Practice with chapter books
-Opportunity to relate self to text (written assignments, drawings etc.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews