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Clementine #3
Clementine's Letter
Clementine can't believe her ears her beloved teacher, Mr. D'Matz, might be leaving them for the rest of the year to go on a research trip to Egypt! No other teacher has ever understood her impulsiveness, her itch to draw constantly, or her need to play "Beat the Clock" when the day feels too long. And in his place, he's left a substitute with a whole new set of rules that Clementine just can't figure out. The only solution, she decides, is to hatch a plan to get Mr. D'Matz back. If it means ruining her teacher's once-in-a-lifetime chance—well, it's worth it. Isn't it?
160 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
April 21, 2008
You just cannot go wrong with Clementine. She is sweet, thoughtful, smart, funny (mostly without meaning to be), and thoroughly entertaining in every way.
I think my favorite part of this third installment in the series (which I hope will be around for a loooong time) was the way Clementine and her substitute teacher discussed the importance of "knowing the rules before." I had never really thought about it the way Clementine describes it, but she's absolutely, 100% correct. It is important to know the rules before.
Go right now and either buy the three titles in this series or check them out from your local library. Your kids will love them. Just trust me. (Hey--I'm a librarian. If you can't trust me, who can you trust?)
I think my favorite part of this third installment in the series (which I hope will be around for a loooong time) was the way Clementine and her substitute teacher discussed the importance of "knowing the rules before." I had never really thought about it the way Clementine describes it, but she's absolutely, 100% correct. It is important to know the rules before.
Go right now and either buy the three titles in this series or check them out from your local library. Your kids will love them. Just trust me. (Hey--I'm a librarian. If you can't trust me, who can you trust?)
April 23, 2008
Clementine's back and better than ever. Just as soon as Clementine was getting the hang of third grade (she hadn't been sent to the principal's office in a week!), she learns that Mr. D'Matz is a finalist in a contest for a trip to Egypt. He'll be gone all week at the judging and if he wins, he could be going to Egypt for the rest of the year! There's no way Clementine's going to let that happen, especially after she meets her new substitute teacher. Mrs. Nagel has changed all the rules and Clementine keeps getting into trouble. When the principal asks the kids in Clementine's class to write letters to the judges telling them why Mr. D'Matz should win the contest, Clementine gets a brilliant idea. But will her idea work? Can she survive the third grade without Mr. D'Matz? And what other trouble will Clementine get into?
Another hit in the Clementine series. I'm not normally a big fan of series, but these are excellent. I loved how the bond between teacher and student is portrayed and how the conflict is eventually resolved. Clementine's got real spirit and creativity and, although her ideas sometimes result in disasters, her heart's always in the right place.
Another hit in the Clementine series. I'm not normally a big fan of series, but these are excellent. I loved how the bond between teacher and student is portrayed and how the conflict is eventually resolved. Clementine's got real spirit and creativity and, although her ideas sometimes result in disasters, her heart's always in the right place.
February 15, 2018
This 3rd episode of the Clementine series does not disappoint. Note to all parents: if your 3rd grader is asking you how to spell "menace to society" when completing a homework assignment, you might want to investigate. Just saying. Love, love, love the way we see inside Clementine's very active 8-year-old self and listen to her inner voice. She is not the sum of her actions and it is heartwarming to see the adults in her life taking time to understand why she does what she does.
May 1, 2008
Every time a new Clementine book comes out, my toes wiggle with glee. I know that between those pages, I will find moments to laugh aloud, discover myself as a small child again, recognize my children, and simply sink into a wonderful book. They never disappoint.
This third Clementine book has her bonding with her third grade teacher until he is nominated to go on a trip to Egypt. Now Clementine has to cope with a new teacher who doesn't seem to have the same rules while desperately trying to keep her old teacher from winning the award and leaving. Clementine also has to try to do something extra nice for her mother because she is writing a story with her father. It's only fair to do things equally according to her friend Margaret.
Once again I was charmed not only by the effervescent Clementine who walks her own walk and sees the world through her own special lens, but by her parents who love her simply for being herself. Other adults are equally well drawn and complete as are the children around Clementine. Add to that Frazee's line art which constantly shows the field of chaos around Clementine as she moves through life, and you have such a believable and vibrant book that it is hard to put down. In fact, I recommend having all three at hand, because you are going to want to start the entire series once again just to spend some more time with them.
Highly recommended as a readaloud, or for parents of children who don't conform to what the world seems to expect, or for children themselves who have a good sense of humor and love to laugh. Hey, it's great for everyone. Enjoy!
This third Clementine book has her bonding with her third grade teacher until he is nominated to go on a trip to Egypt. Now Clementine has to cope with a new teacher who doesn't seem to have the same rules while desperately trying to keep her old teacher from winning the award and leaving. Clementine also has to try to do something extra nice for her mother because she is writing a story with her father. It's only fair to do things equally according to her friend Margaret.
Once again I was charmed not only by the effervescent Clementine who walks her own walk and sees the world through her own special lens, but by her parents who love her simply for being herself. Other adults are equally well drawn and complete as are the children around Clementine. Add to that Frazee's line art which constantly shows the field of chaos around Clementine as she moves through life, and you have such a believable and vibrant book that it is hard to put down. In fact, I recommend having all three at hand, because you are going to want to start the entire series once again just to spend some more time with them.
Highly recommended as a readaloud, or for parents of children who don't conform to what the world seems to expect, or for children themselves who have a good sense of humor and love to laugh. Hey, it's great for everyone. Enjoy!
July 3, 2019
Clementine dearly loves her third grade teacher, Mr. D'Matz, and is deeply disappointed to find out that he will potentially be leaving for the rest of the school year to go on an archeological dig, all expenses paid by the Adventures for Teachers Program. In order to go, though, he has to compete with other teachers who have also been nominated for this honor. He needs the children in his class to write letters of recommendation for him. Clementine doesn't want him to leave so she writes a letter that will hopefully have the opposite effect of winning. Will Clementine have to learn to love the substitute teacher she doesn't get along with or will she get her dear Mr. D'Matz back?
Personal Thoughts:
Clementine is a character who struggles a lot with paying attention, impulse control, and an inability to think about future consequences of her actions. I think that she is a very realistic character (probably struggles with ADHD), but I feel like all of the extremely creative ways that she misbehaves would not be good for the targeted audience. Copycats, I fear, would discover many new behaviors that their parents would not approve of. If she was a character in an older kids' book, teen book, or adult book, I wouldn't have a problem with it, but don't think it's a great idea for a young children's book.
Potentially Objectionable Content:
Language - Stupid; Clementine calls her younger brother various vegetable names (we never learn his real name); the teacher's last name is D'Matz and it is pointed out in detail how his name sounds like two swear words combined
Romance - Clementine repeatedly thinks about what she would like in a future boyfriend and keeps saying that a certain boy won't be her boyfriend
Disrespect of authorities - Clementine has many disrespectful thoughts about her substitute teacher; she stomps down the hall in anger in one scene
Violence - Clementine coerces other children to lend her money with glares; a graphic and gross description of mummification in one scene
Other - Clementine writes on arm repeatedly and this is portrayed in a positive light and compared to a tattoo; an adult writes on her arm; Clementine sells items that were not hers to sell (portrayed in semi-negative light and restitution is made); a child has a broken family (mother and father are divorced and mother has a boyfriend)
Personal Thoughts:
Clementine is a character who struggles a lot with paying attention, impulse control, and an inability to think about future consequences of her actions. I think that she is a very realistic character (probably struggles with ADHD), but I feel like all of the extremely creative ways that she misbehaves would not be good for the targeted audience. Copycats, I fear, would discover many new behaviors that their parents would not approve of. If she was a character in an older kids' book, teen book, or adult book, I wouldn't have a problem with it, but don't think it's a great idea for a young children's book.
Potentially Objectionable Content:
Language - Stupid; Clementine calls her younger brother various vegetable names (we never learn his real name); the teacher's last name is D'Matz and it is pointed out in detail how his name sounds like two swear words combined
Romance - Clementine repeatedly thinks about what she would like in a future boyfriend and keeps saying that a certain boy won't be her boyfriend
Disrespect of authorities - Clementine has many disrespectful thoughts about her substitute teacher; she stomps down the hall in anger in one scene
Violence - Clementine coerces other children to lend her money with glares; a graphic and gross description of mummification in one scene
Other - Clementine writes on arm repeatedly and this is portrayed in a positive light and compared to a tattoo; an adult writes on her arm; Clementine sells items that were not hers to sell (portrayed in semi-negative light and restitution is made); a child has a broken family (mother and father are divorced and mother has a boyfriend)
July 30, 2014
this is a good book !
good enough to read A-L-O-T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
good enough to read A-L-O-T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 5, 2025
3.5 stars
Of the first three Clementine books, I think this one is my least favorite, but there were still elements of the story I adored. I love Clementine’s perspective on life; I love the way her parents, neighbors, and teachers at school try to build her up and encourage her; I love the way she goes about trying to make her parents’ day; and spending extra time hunting up new names for her brother? Hilarious!
I’m not sure what wasn’t quite so gripping about this story as the other ones—perhaps just that there wasn’t quite so much crazy action on the pages.
The one thing I did find fascinating was seeing how Clementine struggled with change; I found that part of the story quite interesting to follow, as I remember hearing somewhere that Clementine may be on the autistic spectrum.
Overall, another good book in the series—recommended!
Of the first three Clementine books, I think this one is my least favorite, but there were still elements of the story I adored. I love Clementine’s perspective on life; I love the way her parents, neighbors, and teachers at school try to build her up and encourage her; I love the way she goes about trying to make her parents’ day; and spending extra time hunting up new names for her brother? Hilarious!
I’m not sure what wasn’t quite so gripping about this story as the other ones—perhaps just that there wasn’t quite so much crazy action on the pages.
The one thing I did find fascinating was seeing how Clementine struggled with change; I found that part of the story quite interesting to follow, as I remember hearing somewhere that Clementine may be on the autistic spectrum.
Overall, another good book in the series—recommended!
January 22, 2020
My 7 year old niece comes into my room one day and gives me this book. At her school, a teacher gave it to her and told her to give it to someone you think will enjoy it. She knows I enjoy reading so she decides it will be me. I had put off reading it for nearly a year and now I promised I would read it this week. It's the third book in a series about a dastardly, yet well meaning third grader named Clementine. Her teacher is about to leave the school for an archaeological project if he wins a competition against other teachers. She doesn't get along with her new teacher. It's a simple story, I'm far above the age group this book is for. But I found myself chuckling at the humor, intrigued by the plot, and choked up by the ending. That's good children's literature. When adults can appreciate it and see the moral value of it for kids. Thanks Olivia.
July 17, 2025
4,5 ⭐
è una fortuna che io abbia incrociato (per caso) Clementine: una felle protagoniste più entusiasmanti della letteratura per l'infanzia e per ragazzi, così istintiva ed empatica come dovremmo essere tutti, adulti e non.
è una fortuna che io abbia incrociato (per caso) Clementine: una felle protagoniste più entusiasmanti della letteratura per l'infanzia e per ragazzi, così istintiva ed empatica come dovremmo essere tutti, adulti e non.
August 23, 2020
This series is great for young readers in grades 2-4. They are very interesting with lots of humor and Clementine is such a great relatable character.
August 7, 2021
4.5*
I don't know how Sara Pennypacker does it, but she manages to make me smile and cry with every single book in this series.
I don't know how Sara Pennypacker does it, but she manages to make me smile and cry with every single book in this series.
January 6, 2012
Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker is the third book in the series. It won the Christopher Award in 2008. It was also the first book in the series I read, as part of my notable books and materials for children 5 to 8 project.
Clementine is having a rough week. Her beloved third grade teacher, Mr D'Matz has been nominated for a year long trip to an archeological dig in Egypt. To make things worse Clementine just can't seem to do anything right for the substitute. At home she wants to get her mother a special box to keep her art supplies but her money making scheme has upset nearly ever single person in the apartment her father manages.
Frazee's line drawings capture Clementine's every emotions as things go from bad to worse, helping to make her a sympathetic and likable character.
The book highlights the importance of routine, ground rules, good communication and the adjustment period needed for anyone starting a new job or for students to get used to a new teacher.
Clementine is having a rough week. Her beloved third grade teacher, Mr D'Matz has been nominated for a year long trip to an archeological dig in Egypt. To make things worse Clementine just can't seem to do anything right for the substitute. At home she wants to get her mother a special box to keep her art supplies but her money making scheme has upset nearly ever single person in the apartment her father manages.
Frazee's line drawings capture Clementine's every emotions as things go from bad to worse, helping to make her a sympathetic and likable character.
The book highlights the importance of routine, ground rules, good communication and the adjustment period needed for anyone starting a new job or for students to get used to a new teacher.
June 1, 2008
I fell in love this week. The object of my affection is an irrepressible young redhead called Clementine. My own little redhead has been acquainted with Clementine for some time, but I have only just the pleasure of meeting her. Clementine reminds me so much of my own children. She is clever, funny, thoughtful, caring, sensitive and like most children, much smarter than we adults think! I smiled from ear to ear throughout this book and even found myself growing a wee bit misty at the close with the very apt mother bird analogy. Thank you, thank you Ms. Pennypacker for a treasure of a read!
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August 11, 2011Another great story! The plots are fun, the main character is adorable, and the illustrations are delightful. This is my 3rd Clementine book, and I REALLLY want to find out the real of name of her little brother!
While I'm sure children woud enjoy this book, I also think this book would benefit teachers, reminding them that sometimes an off-beat or unusual child might be a treasure not just a trial. It can inspire you as a teacher to reach out to all those in your classroom and be understanding of their viewpoints. (P.S. There's a brief discussion of how her teacher's name sounds similiar to a couple curse words.)
While I'm sure children woud enjoy this book, I also think this book would benefit teachers, reminding them that sometimes an off-beat or unusual child might be a treasure not just a trial. It can inspire you as a teacher to reach out to all those in your classroom and be understanding of their viewpoints. (P.S. There's a brief discussion of how her teacher's name sounds similiar to a couple curse words.)
July 19, 2015
These books make my seven year old daughter continuously hug me when we are reading them together. She is so delighted and heart warmed by them and so am I. This installment is not my very favorite but it's still absolutely wonderful. Heresy maybe but I may be fonder of clementine than Ramona. There are just some weird gendered things in the Quimby books that I always find so off putting! Adults are also somewhat draconian and certainly harder on Ramona than they are on clementine, whereas the relationships between adults and kids in this latter series is part of what makes it so fantastic.
June 17, 2017
150 pages. Another cut story in this fun series. I like how Clementine interacts with her parents and family. Her parents help her consider situations she is dealing with. There is lots of humor and realistic school and friends situations that kids can relate to easily. Highly recommended for Gr.3-5. Girls may like it better than boys.
November 6, 2008
I love, love, love Clementine. I waited until I could get my hands on the book instead of listening to the audio because Frazee's illustrations are just so delightful. Clementine makes me laugh out loud.
May 19, 2011
Clementine misses her teacher. She can't figure out the new rules of the substitute, so she keeps getting into trouble. Finally, she realizes that the way to fix the problem is to figure out what the problem is first and then work backwards.
August 21, 2012
Finished the second one, what-- like half an hour later? Such an easy read, but then again it is for elementary school kids. ANYWAY. Clementine's story continues. I liked the previous one better, but not by much.
August 29, 2015
Not quite as cute as the second one, but still an adorable book. I am really enjoying reading these aloud to my daughters and will be sad when we get to the end of the series.
November 23, 2020
I do not like this book. I would not recommend it because it is boring. Nothing really happens in Clementine.
Charlotte
Age 6
Charlotte
Age 6
June 13, 2017
1. In Clementine’s Letter we get to meet Clementine, a third grader, her friends and family. Clementine likes her teacher. He understands this impulsive and inquisitive little girl who has a tendency to get into trouble. Just when everything is going well, Clementine’s world goes topsy-turvy. Mr. D’Matz is one of three finalists in a competition to go on a dig to Egypt. Each class is asked to submit letters explaining why their teacher should be selected. Realizing what this means Clementine impulsively decides on a plan to sabotage her teacher’s chances. She writes an unflattering letter not realizing the consequences of her actions. In the meantime, Clementine has difficulty adjusting to the substitute teacher. Then on the day of the announcement of the winning teacher, Clementine comes face-to-face with her actions. Mr. D’Matz calls her to read her letter. Remorseful, she can’t read it as it is so she adlibs. When the winner is announced it is not Mr. D’Matz. He and Clementine have a conversation about feelings.
Ms. Pennypacker truly captures the spirt of a third grader in Clementine. She artfully describes the coping difficulty of children with attention problems. Teaching strategies like the importance of routines and good communication help both teachers and students deal with impulsive and inattentive tendencies, are carefully interwoven in this story I particularly enjoyed Clementine’s internal monologues as they give us a better understanding of this young girl.
Ms. Pennypacker truly captures the spirt of a third grader in Clementine. She artfully describes the coping difficulty of children with attention problems. Teaching strategies like the importance of routines and good communication help both teachers and students deal with impulsive and inattentive tendencies, are carefully interwoven in this story I particularly enjoyed Clementine’s internal monologues as they give us a better understanding of this young girl.
July 7, 2021
Clementine is the sweetest child to always find trouble that their ever was. I'm not sure how any other literary little girl became more popular than her.
In this book, Clementine's teacher might be leaving for a trip to Egypt. This makes her very upset and she doesn't know how to express her sadness. So she writes a terrible letter hoping the judges will turn him down.
But also in this story, Clementine tries to help her Dad start a novel, and buys her mom an art organizer. She gets in a lot of trouble along the way. Most of it is because of Adults and their dishonesty and weird rules.
I simply love these stories. I love that Clementine hates her name ( I hate my name too girl) and she resorts to calling her baby brother various vegetable names to feel better about her fruit name. I love that Margaret is so fussy and Clementine always knows how to distract her. I love that Mitchell is such a fun big brother and Clementine constantly tells us he's not her boyfriend.
I really love all the art that brings these stories to life. They make the whole story just a little sweeter.
In this book, Clementine's teacher might be leaving for a trip to Egypt. This makes her very upset and she doesn't know how to express her sadness. So she writes a terrible letter hoping the judges will turn him down.
But also in this story, Clementine tries to help her Dad start a novel, and buys her mom an art organizer. She gets in a lot of trouble along the way. Most of it is because of Adults and their dishonesty and weird rules.
I simply love these stories. I love that Clementine hates her name ( I hate my name too girl) and she resorts to calling her baby brother various vegetable names to feel better about her fruit name. I love that Margaret is so fussy and Clementine always knows how to distract her. I love that Mitchell is such a fun big brother and Clementine constantly tells us he's not her boyfriend.
I really love all the art that brings these stories to life. They make the whole story just a little sweeter.
January 4, 2023
doamne, o ador pe fetița asta mică!! îmi amintește cumva de mine, mi-a fost dor să citesc despre năzbâtiile ei. e o carte foarte bună pentru copii fiindcă vorbește despre dinamici diferite de familie, introduce subtil noțiunea de OCD într-un mod drăguț (Clementina mereu avea grijă ca lui Margaret să-i fie bine oriunde s-ar fi dus), independență și asumarea greșelilor, responsabilitate, generozitate, empatie și, cel mai important, impactul unui profesor bun sau mai puțin bun. pe când domnul D’Matz e un model al profesorului “perfect”, doamna Nagel e, la început, adevăratul lui antagonist. am recunoscut-o în multe profesoare cu care m-am mai ciondănit și eu la rândul meu, dar ce o face specială e că la final i-a păsat destul încât să afle ce o deranja pe Clementina și să învețe din greșelile didactice făcute. foarte drăguț <3
February 14, 2018
This one in the series finally got me to a five star rating. Clementine learns that if you truly care about someone, you'll want to do kind things for them, even if doing that thing means you might end up sad. Clementine's class has been tasked with writing letters to a panel of judges who will decide which teacher gets to go on an Adventures for Teachers trip. Clementine loves her teacher and is heartbroken to think that if he wins the contest he'll be gone for the rest of the school year. At first she uses her letter to sabotage her teacher's chances so that he'll be there to finish third grade with her. But in the end, she realizes that she should worry more about doing something nice for her teacher than about how she'll feel if her teacher leaves.
All of the books in this series have been great, but this one worked especially well for me. I recommend them all.
Series Review | TpT Store | Pinterest
All of the books in this series have been great, but this one worked especially well for me. I recommend them all.
Series Review | TpT Store | Pinterest
June 14, 2025
I love the fact that Sara Pennypacker does not disappoint. She manages to keep Clementine immature, but highly likeable. In this one, Clementine is sad that her teacher is supposed to go on a trip to Egypt to do some archeology, a thing he is very passionate about. She is asked to write a letter addressed to the jury deciding which teacher gets the prize and she write a nasty one. However, when she is asked to read it out loud, she realizes that she was being selfish and changes it into a high praise for the teacher. Nonetheless, the teacher does not get the prize and everyone is satisfied, including the teacher who realizes that it matters more to him to keep his promise to his pupils than to go explore ancient civilizations.
November 27, 2018
This is another super cute story about Clementine. And she's ready to conquer the third grade! Especially with her Teacher at the helm of their class. But then comes the news that he's a finalist in a contest where he might get to go on an archaeological dig in Egypt. But Clementine doesn't want her Teacher to leave them!
This is where Clementine's letter comes into the story. I really enjoyed Clementine's journey in this book. And I liked how the letter is used at the end of the story. She reminds me so much of Ramona Quimby, although I do think I like Ramona just a tiny bit better. Not exactly sure why.
[3.5 stars]
This is where Clementine's letter comes into the story. I really enjoyed Clementine's journey in this book. And I liked how the letter is used at the end of the story. She reminds me so much of Ramona Quimby, although I do think I like Ramona just a tiny bit better. Not exactly sure why.
[3.5 stars]
January 6, 2018
Clementine can't believe her ears her beloved teacher, Mr. D'Matz, might be leaving them for the rest of the year to go on a research trip to Egypt! No other teacher has ever understood her impulsiveness, her itch to draw constantly, or her need to play "Beat the Clock" when the day feels too long. And in his place, he's left a substitute with a whole new set of rules that Clementine just can't figure out. The only solution, she decides, is to hatch a plan to get Mr. D'Matz back. If it means ruining her teacher's once-in-a-lifetime chance -- well, it's worth it. Isn't it?
October 29, 2021
Clementine was doing well in grade three, thanks to her teacher, Mr. D'Matz. When he is nominated for a chance to win an opportunity to go on an archaeological dig in Egypt - and be gone for the rest of the school year - Clementine was devastated. The substitute teacher didn't know the class rules, and Clementine was in trouble a lot. Every student wrote a letter about their teacher, and Clementine knew she could get the judges to not choose him when they read her letter. But things didn't go quite as Clementine hoped. Great chapter book for middle grade and up.
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October 18, 2023Clementine decides to write a letter to her teacher, Mr. D'Matz, expressing her heartfelt concerns, emphasizing themes of empathy, communication, and the importance of expressing one's feelings. In the classroom, "Clementine's Letter" can be used to teach students about effective communication and the power of expressing their thoughts and emotions. It can serve as a starting point for discussions on empathy and understanding the perspectives of others. Students can also engage in letter-writing activities, where they express their own feelings or concerns to someone they care about.
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