Module 1: Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind

Book Cover Image
Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind
Written by,
Judy Finchler & Kevin O'Malley
Illustrated by,
Kevin O'Malley


Book Summary
Miss Malarky is determined to find the perfect book for each student in her class. Though it may be tough, with some of them only interested in particular subjects like video games. The students are challenged to read a large amount of books in order for their principal to wear a purple wig as well as sleep on the roof of the school building. The book is told from the point of view from one of the students who refuses to read because he is faced without a book to peek his interest. He and his friends all seem to be struggling, until up to the very end the boy realizes all of his friends really have been reading, but too shy to admit it. 


APA Reference
Finchler, J., & O'Malley K. (2006). Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind. New York, NY: Walker      Publishing Company, Inc.


My Impressions
Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind is a definite read for teachers or librarians who have students are NOT eager to read. This is a great example for teachers and students looking for a variety of ideas for reading topics. I will definitely be reading this book to my students. Miss Malarkey always finds a way to help her students.


Professional Review

Ace teacher Miss Malarkey returns in a picture book narrated by a reluctant reader. Although comfortable within his small group of video-game-playing buddies, a boy wants to contribute to the schoolwide goal of reading 1,000 books in hope of seeing Principal Wiggins “dye his hair purple and sleep on the roof of the school.” Trying one of Miss Malarkey’s suggested books after another, he rejects them all—until she finds the perfect one to match his eclectic interests. Expressive cartoon-style illustrations, brightened with markers and colored pencils, create a series of lively scenes in which speech balloons record conversations and comments not found in the text. With an unstated moral, this is one volume that librarians won’t soon forget. Short lists of recommended books, including a bibliography of adult books that recommend children’s books, are appended.

— Carolyn Phelan
Phelan, C. (2006). Booklist.



Library Uses
Perhaps your school is in need of a reading challenge. Your school's principal could be next to wear the purple wig and spend the night on the schools rooftop. Maybe your school librarian could read this book to the students of the school and come up with your own personal school challenge.