The Best Teacher in Second Grade

by Katharine Kenah, Abby Carter (Illustrations)

Luna has the best teacher in second grade—but her classmates think she is the new kid from outer space! Mr. Hopper loves the midnight sky almost as much as Luna does, but the rest of the class isn’t on the same page. They won’t listen to her ideas for the Family Night program—until something goes unexpectedly wrong! With a nudge from Mr. Hopper, Luna shares her plan which just might save the show. From the team who wrote and illustrated The Best Seat in Second Grade , and The Best Chef in Second Grade , this is a heartfelt story that shows the difference a good teacher can make in a student’s life. This Level Two I Can Read is geared toward kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, 2nd Grade, School, Chapter Books

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Steve Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a follow-up to The Best Seat in Second Grade. It's a good series for a second grade teacher. I love the connections - grade level, male teacher, class pet, and relatable characters. This is a series I put out on display at the beginning of my year, and will share one during the first few days too!

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna loves space, and she thinks Mr. Hopper is the best teacher because he loves it too.When Mr. Hopper asks for ideas for family night, Luna's hand is up right away to share her idea for a "midnight circus" with a space theme. The class isn't crazy about space, but they take the circus idea and run with it, planning all kinds of ordinary circus events and dismissing Luna's space plans. As the class works on their circus, Luna sadly retires much of her beloved space gear, gathering up the items she has in her bedroom and packing them away. But when the students learn at the last minute that another class has also planned a circus, Luna's original plan saves the day.

Each of the three books in this series demonstrates the importance of both class unity and individual pride. The children in these books make mistakes and have fears that are common to the average second grader, but they sort out their problems and each book ends on a positive note. The illustrations of the class are warm and inviting, filled with varying faces, whose actions and reactions help to set the mood in each story. These stories are very gentle, and they deal with real-life school situations that any child could face. I also really like the way each book exposes the reader to new vocabulary on a particular subject - hamsters, or space, or cooking - while embedding the lessons in a greater story. The short chapters divide the book into nice, manageable passages, and also prepare the reader for the chapter books he or she will soon read.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luna and her teacher, Mr. Hopper, both love the night sky, but Luna is upset when her idea for Family Night is ignored and the class plans a special circus event instead.When the students discover that another 2nd grade class is also planning a circus for Family Night, Mr. Hooper encourages Luna to come to the rescue with plans for a wonderful “Midnight Circus.” Young readers will like this title for its pleasing cartoon watercolors, easy vocabulary, and entertaining storyline, making it a solid addition for libraries wishing to build the beginning chapter book section.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a level 2 that in my opinion should have been level 3. More complex words and sentences. But was a very nice different type of story. A little girl has had to move in the middle of the school year and was afraid of making new friends. But she immediately enjoys her teacher that she finds has the same intrest in the moon, sky,stars etc. She has a suggestion for Family Night and at first everyone thinks is dumb but she saves the day and everyone enjoys learning about the constellations etc.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a fun easy read. I got it for my soon to be 2nd grader, and he enjoyed it. I think it would be good for beginner readers as well as a quick read for the more advance to give them some more reading skills.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning Reader. A story about Luna and he idea to present a midnight circus using the moon, stars, and planets to the parents on family night.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Family Night. I liked the show they did. It was amazing and cool. I like the night. I like the story too. I loved the story. It was so cool.

[Duke2026 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked when they were dancing so if you like dancing alot and there familes come there going to call it the midnight dance.
Aidan

[Rebecca Millerjohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful school story of a class working together to create a play. Solid higher level early reader.

[Karen]

Appropriately named Luna loves the midnight sky and outer space as much as Mr. Hopper her second grade teacher. This leads to an idea from Luna to have a midnight family circus for Familt Night.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being the new girl is hard. Luna finds a way to fit in and save the day when their school night program is the same as another class's.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exceptionally creative early reader is mostly about an unusual student, Luna. Learn about her relationship with her second grade teacher Mr. Hopper.

When Luna recommends that the class put on a MIDNIGHT Circus for their show, what happened at first?

No one was listening.
Her good idea had come and gone,
just like a shooting star.

But more happens as this story unfolds. And it's soooooo good.

FIVE STARS

[Cindy Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 6 year old is writing this review

I give it 4 stars because I don’t really like the sky but I like that she likes her teacher. If I had to choose which one of the planets I love it would be Jupiter or Saturn.

[Bryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated by a second grade reader, level 2. She learned how to use inflection with the announcer, Miguel.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s the night before second grade, so this was our book choice. It’s not bad - Luna loves space and her idea ends up inspiring the parent night show.

[Shannon Bradbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story about a little girl named Luna who loves space just as much as her teacher does. The class makes fun of her for her love of space. The teacher, Mr. Hopper comes up with an idea to help the children to learn about space. I love that the teacher sees Luna’s love for science but understands that the class doesn’t like science. So he uses creativity to inspire his class. A great read. It always encourages me to see good teachers.