Miami Jackson Sees It Through

Miami Jackson #3

by Patricia C. McKissack, Fredrick L. McKissack

MIAMI’S CLASS HAS a brand-new teacher, no-nonsense Miss Amerita Spraggins. She’s a real tough lady. She insists on assigned seats. She hands out detentions like coupons. She even refuses to call kids by their nicknames. Miami can’t take a whole year with crazy Miss Spraggins. He has to get out of her class!

Genres: Childrens

96 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2002

About the author

Patricia C. McKissack was the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of The Dark-Thirty and Porch Lies an ALA Notable Book. She collaborated with Jerry Pinkney on Goin' Someplace Special (Coretta Scott King Award winner) and Mirandy and Brother Wind (Coretta Scott King Award winner and Caldecott Honor Book).

Reviews

[Sonia Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the last book in the Miami Jackson series, McKissack centers the narrative on adjusting to change. Miami and his classmates learn to adjust to their new fourth grade teacher, Miss Amerita Spraggins. Readers gradually learn of Miss. Spraggins' personal challenges in adjusting to a new job and moving to a new community. Throughout the story, McKissack intermingles Miami's shenanigans with his nemesis Destinee and fun times with his friends and family. As the youngest sibling, Miami is not easily influenced by his older sister, but relies on his quick wit and independent sensibility to tease and challenge her sense of 'authority'.

A central message that I think McKissack conveys through the narrative is that children and adults alike misjudge others and make mistakes. By owning up to their shortcomings, it strengthens their character.

[Andreia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the children weren't perfect but also weren't over the top obnoxious.