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Good Luck, Mrs. K.!
Mrs. Kempczinski -- "Mrs. K." to her third-grade students -- is everyone's favorite teacher. Exciting and dynamic, Mrs. K. knows sign language, celebrates Worm Day, and performs "homework dances." One day the third graders are explorers, learning about faraway places. Other days, they are poets or scientists or astronauts. Every day with Mrs. K. is different, and every day is fun.
Suddenly, though, Mrs. K. is not in school and Room 3 has a substitute teacher. The principal explains that Mrs. K. is in the hospital with cancer. The class writes letters and draws pictures for Mrs. K. One student, Ann Zesterman, tells Mrs. K. that she says "Kemp-chin-ski" for good luck when she plays basketball at recess. Another, A.J., wonders how many operations it takes to cure cancer, but no one has the answer. When will Mrs. K. come back?
Based on a true story, narrated by nine-year-old Ann and with lovely full-color paintings, this honest and forthright story addresses a subject of much importance and concern for young and old alike.
Suddenly, though, Mrs. K. is not in school and Room 3 has a substitute teacher. The principal explains that Mrs. K. is in the hospital with cancer. The class writes letters and draws pictures for Mrs. K. One student, Ann Zesterman, tells Mrs. K. that she says "Kemp-chin-ski" for good luck when she plays basketball at recess. Another, A.J., wonders how many operations it takes to cure cancer, but no one has the answer. When will Mrs. K. come back?
Based on a true story, narrated by nine-year-old Ann and with lovely full-color paintings, this honest and forthright story addresses a subject of much importance and concern for young and old alike.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1999
1 person is currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Louise Borden
34 books47 followersThere were already two Louises in my family when I was born: my mother and my grandmother, Nana, who lived with us when I was growing up. So early on, I was given the name Leezie. This is a name that my family still calls me. Years later, my niece was born and also named Louise. Then there were four of us with the same name! Louise is a fine name to have except that people often spell it incorrectly. Sometimes my mail is addressed to Louisa, or Louisie, or Lewis, or Lois. Leezie is also tough for people to spell. Names and their pronunciations have always interested me, so writing about a teacher named Mrs. Kempczinski was a natural thing for me to do.
I grew up in a house at the top of a steep street in Cincinnati, Ohio, the kind of street that is a big challenge when you are pedaling uphill on your bicycle. My two sisters and I used to ride our bikes down, down our street, and then to the local dimestore to buy candy bars or meet up with our friends. But coming home, we had to pedal up our long hill. (This was before mountain bikes!) Pedaling slowly up my street may be where I learned perseverance, something all writers need when they are working alone at their desks.
Writing picture books came much later—after studying history in college, getting married, and raising three children. Even though I didn't grow up to be a composer, I like to think that my picture books are almost songs because the sound of words and the poetry of my style are so important in the texts that I write. I work very hard at my desk, revising and revising and revising, trying to find just the right words that will be beautiful or fun to read.
I grew up in a house at the top of a steep street in Cincinnati, Ohio, the kind of street that is a big challenge when you are pedaling uphill on your bicycle. My two sisters and I used to ride our bikes down, down our street, and then to the local dimestore to buy candy bars or meet up with our friends. But coming home, we had to pedal up our long hill. (This was before mountain bikes!) Pedaling slowly up my street may be where I learned perseverance, something all writers need when they are working alone at their desks.
Writing picture books came much later—after studying history in college, getting married, and raising three children. Even though I didn't grow up to be a composer, I like to think that my picture books are almost songs because the sound of words and the poetry of my style are so important in the texts that I write. I work very hard at my desk, revising and revising and revising, trying to find just the right words that will be beautiful or fun to read.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 30, 2011
In first grade, my oldest daughter's teacher grew ill and died during the school year. I wish a book like this one had been available at the time. What a touching book about dealing with a teacher's illness and absence.
June 14, 2018
Yet another teacher appreciation book. This one is particularly special because the students love their teacher, but she gets sick and can't come into work so instead they teach the lessons she taught them to their new substitute. They also write letters to their teacher in the hospital. Amazing book!
August 11, 2018
You pronounce is KEMP-CHIN-SKI she tells them on their first day of 3rd grade. Mrs. K. Tell them that they will all be teachers in her classroom, teaches them sign language, wears worm earrings and does homework completion dances which make her taller. But then, one day, they have a substitute and soon they find out that Mrs. K has cancer.
July 8, 2018
Touching story about an awesome third grade teacher and her inspired students.
August 28, 2019
Beautiful illustrations. I almost cried reading this one, dedicated to the memory of Ann Kempczinski. She was a wonderful teacher.
January 18, 2024
There aren't many books about cancer for children. This is one is hopeful .
July 15, 2021
Realistic Fiction
2-5
I want to be Mrs. K. Seriously, that's the kind of teacher I want to be.
Apart from that, here is a book that is an easier read, still with great illustrations but not a picture book, that addresses a very real and scary topic: when a teacher becomes very sick and cannot continue teaching. Mrs. K is beloved by her students and is suddenly absent one week, and then the next. And the next. The first-person student narrator describes how the the principal spells 'cancer' on the board and how the whole class makes cards and tries to do their best for Mrs. K even though she's gone.
"How many operations does it take to cure cancer?" asks a student after the principal tells them that Mrs K will be having a second operation.
This particular story ends on a positive note, with a special celebration the day after school is out and all of the kids bringing their rollerblades and roller skates and Mrs Kay showing up as a surprise. She tells them she hopes to be back in the fall.
Because Mrs. K's long term prognosis is not stated, the book lends itself to conversations about the different endings that are possible, including if she does NOT get better, and how the students would feel and act in each case.
These conversations and this book would provide an environment in which a child may feel safe enough to share his or her own experiences with cancer or other serious illnesses.
Text set ideas: health, emotional awareness, life events, school world
AR level 3.5
2-5
I want to be Mrs. K. Seriously, that's the kind of teacher I want to be.
Apart from that, here is a book that is an easier read, still with great illustrations but not a picture book, that addresses a very real and scary topic: when a teacher becomes very sick and cannot continue teaching. Mrs. K is beloved by her students and is suddenly absent one week, and then the next. And the next. The first-person student narrator describes how the the principal spells 'cancer' on the board and how the whole class makes cards and tries to do their best for Mrs. K even though she's gone.
"How many operations does it take to cure cancer?" asks a student after the principal tells them that Mrs K will be having a second operation.
This particular story ends on a positive note, with a special celebration the day after school is out and all of the kids bringing their rollerblades and roller skates and Mrs Kay showing up as a surprise. She tells them she hopes to be back in the fall.
Because Mrs. K's long term prognosis is not stated, the book lends itself to conversations about the different endings that are possible, including if she does NOT get better, and how the students would feel and act in each case.
These conversations and this book would provide an environment in which a child may feel safe enough to share his or her own experiences with cancer or other serious illnesses.
Text set ideas: health, emotional awareness, life events, school world
AR level 3.5
October 10, 2012
Grade/interest level: Upper Elementary (3rd -5th grade)
Reading level: Guided Reading Level N
Genre: Contemporary realistic fiction
Main Characters: Mrs. K. Ann, fellow students in room 3
Setting: At an elementary school in room number 3 a third grade classroom
POV: Through one of the third grade students, Ann
Summary: Good Luck, Mrs. K.! By Louise Borden and illustrated by Adam Gustavon is a very touching and heartwarming realistic fiction story about a rather inspirational teacher Mrs. K. Mrs. K’s real name is Mrs. Kempczinski, but some of her students had trouble saying her name, so she told them that they could just call her Mrs. K. The whole story is told through the point of view of Ann, a student in Mrs. K.’s classroom. The students are very excited to be in Mrs. K.’s class. They begin to learn new things every day such as sign language, poems, states and their capitals, etc. The best part of Mrs. K.’s class is that she calls them her teachers. The students teach her about what they know. Every day they have a different role, one day they are scientists, the next day poets, and the next day detectives. The students truly enjoy their time in her classroom until one day they have a substitute teacher. The substitute teacher remained in their class for nearly a month. The principal came and talked to the class and let everyone know that Mrs. K. was diagnosed with cancer. The students quickly rallied around Mrs. K. in the hopes that she would return in the fall. She did return in the fall to teach the next third grade class. This book was also awarded the Christopher Award for. displaying a positive message in children's literature.
Class Uses/Themes: I would use this book in a classroom as a read aloud for a character study unit. This book has vivid descriptions of Mrs. K. and her personality. I would use this book as well as a character concept map to teach students about characters in stories, and all that they entail like how they are described physically and through their actions in the story. I would model the character concept map for my students and then let them complete a map on their own using their independent reading books.
Reading level: Guided Reading Level N
Genre: Contemporary realistic fiction
Main Characters: Mrs. K. Ann, fellow students in room 3
Setting: At an elementary school in room number 3 a third grade classroom
POV: Through one of the third grade students, Ann
Summary: Good Luck, Mrs. K.! By Louise Borden and illustrated by Adam Gustavon is a very touching and heartwarming realistic fiction story about a rather inspirational teacher Mrs. K. Mrs. K’s real name is Mrs. Kempczinski, but some of her students had trouble saying her name, so she told them that they could just call her Mrs. K. The whole story is told through the point of view of Ann, a student in Mrs. K.’s classroom. The students are very excited to be in Mrs. K.’s class. They begin to learn new things every day such as sign language, poems, states and their capitals, etc. The best part of Mrs. K.’s class is that she calls them her teachers. The students teach her about what they know. Every day they have a different role, one day they are scientists, the next day poets, and the next day detectives. The students truly enjoy their time in her classroom until one day they have a substitute teacher. The substitute teacher remained in their class for nearly a month. The principal came and talked to the class and let everyone know that Mrs. K. was diagnosed with cancer. The students quickly rallied around Mrs. K. in the hopes that she would return in the fall. She did return in the fall to teach the next third grade class. This book was also awarded the Christopher Award for. displaying a positive message in children's literature.
Class Uses/Themes: I would use this book in a classroom as a read aloud for a character study unit. This book has vivid descriptions of Mrs. K. and her personality. I would use this book as well as a character concept map to teach students about characters in stories, and all that they entail like how they are described physically and through their actions in the story. I would model the character concept map for my students and then let them complete a map on their own using their independent reading books.
February 21, 2013
This was a great realistic fiction picture book. It could be good to read for all different kinds of grade levels. The subject of cancer is introduced here, with Mr.s K having it. The students love being in her class, but she has to leave to go to the hospital because she is sick. It does not get into too many details, but it does introduce the topic. More importantly it shows the reader that this does happen, but the goodness that was there with the teacher before and everything she brought to the class can still survive. This was a bit of a sad story, but had a happy ending. It was a very enjoyable book to read. As mentioned before, grade levels up to fourth can appreciate reading this book.
December 2, 2008
All the students in the third grade are affected when their beloved teacher, Mrs. Kempczinski, is suddenly hospitalized with cancer.
Reading Practice, Vocabulary Practice
Book Level: 3.5
Interest Level: Lower Grades (LG K-3)
Fiction/Nonfiction: Fiction
Topic - Subtopic: Community Life-School; Diseases/Disorders-Cancer; People-Friends; People-Teachers; Recommended Reading-Junior Library Guild Selection; Recommended Reading-California Recommended Lit., English, 3-5;
Reading Practice, Vocabulary Practice
Book Level: 3.5
Interest Level: Lower Grades (LG K-3)
Fiction/Nonfiction: Fiction
Topic - Subtopic: Community Life-School; Diseases/Disorders-Cancer; People-Friends; People-Teachers; Recommended Reading-Junior Library Guild Selection; Recommended Reading-California Recommended Lit., English, 3-5;
September 6, 2011
This is an incredibly sweet story about an inspiring teacher and the way her students rally to support her when she falls ill. We really enjoyed reading this story together. It was listed as a fictional book, but it appears that it is at least based on a real teacher. The tale reminds me of the stories that Patricia Polacco writes about her school days and it brought me to the brink of tears as I read it aloud to our girls.
October 17, 2008
Genre: Picture books, realistic
Reading Level: Early transitional
Topics & Themes: Teacher with cancer. 3rd grade.
Curricular Use: Shared: choral reading of Kemp-chin-ski
Literary Elements: Repetition of Kemp-chin-ski, the correct pronunciation, not the correct spelling. Letter from teacher. Summary of 3rd grade year for book for Mrs K. 1st person child's viewpoint of school and confusion and worry about cancer.
Text & Pictures: Interaction of text and pictures.
Reading Level: Early transitional
Topics & Themes: Teacher with cancer. 3rd grade.
Curricular Use: Shared: choral reading of Kemp-chin-ski
Literary Elements: Repetition of Kemp-chin-ski, the correct pronunciation, not the correct spelling. Letter from teacher. Summary of 3rd grade year for book for Mrs K. 1st person child's viewpoint of school and confusion and worry about cancer.
Text & Pictures: Interaction of text and pictures.
September 19, 2014
A gentle and lovely story that touches on the subject of cancer, when that disease is making the life of someone you love difficult. Mrs. K. loves her 3rd grade class and they love her, but when she is out of the room for an extended period of time, they hear from the principal some devastating news...their beloved teacher is sick.
Good Luck, Mrs. K ends on a hopeful note as she visits the class on the last day of school, as she tells the kids that she will be back in the fall.
Good Luck, Mrs. K ends on a hopeful note as she visits the class on the last day of school, as she tells the kids that she will be back in the fall.
October 12, 2016
Good Luck Mrs.K!
This is a book about a third grade teacher, everyone's favorite, called Ms.Kempczinski or Ms. K for everyone and she knows about almost anything and this boy is trying to say her name right.
I didn't like that is just so boring, and it's the same topic all the way to the end.
I think that I recommend this for little kids.
It made me feel like when I was trying to pronounce American names right.
It looks like Good luck Mr.Brown
This is a book about a third grade teacher, everyone's favorite, called Ms.Kempczinski or Ms. K for everyone and she knows about almost anything and this boy is trying to say her name right.
I didn't like that is just so boring, and it's the same topic all the way to the end.
I think that I recommend this for little kids.
It made me feel like when I was trying to pronounce American names right.
It looks like Good luck Mr.Brown
January 23, 2009
A delightful picture book that that deals with a teacher's illness in a lovely way.
July 26, 2010
It's been a while since I've read this book. Seems like I didnt like it when I read it. Can't remember what the book was about though. Guess it didn't make an impression on me.
December 24, 2011
The memories of a good teacher, making a difference, and touching the hearts of students.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews