Teacher, Teacher

by Kate le Roux

High school Biology teacher Jack is getting a little tired of his colleagues teasing him about how perfect he and fellow teacher Amy would be for each other. She’s nice, sure, but for two people to get together mostly because they are both tall is just plain dumb. But when Jack and Amy are given a job to do together, it turns out that they have more in common than he thought. Amy knows she’s naïve, so perhaps volunteering to tutor Shakespeare and English grammar to the troubled teens of the gang-infested Cape Flats is just what she needs to grow up a bit and get the hang of this adulting thing. Besides, she could do with something to distract her from the dark-haired guy on a motorbike, who takes up more of her thoughts than she knows he should.

Join Jack and Amy through a year in the life of Thornhill High, on a journey of friendship and faith, conviction and opposition, romance, hopelessness and heart-breaking tragedy in this uniquely Capetonian story.

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2019

About the author

Kate le Roux lives in Cape Town, South Africa, where if she stands on tiptoes she can just about see Table Mountain from her kitchen window. She grew up on a diet of CS Lewis, LM Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott, and since being allowed into the Young Adult section at the local library at the age of thirteen she still hasn't really left. She spent a good number of years marking mostly horrible English essays and getting high school kids to act out bits of Shakespeare which she loved, leaving only to focus on being a mom to four crazy kids.

Reviews

[Carlienka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading for a Christian YA story, stayed for the lovely familiarity of Cape Town place names and colloquialisms, and got hooked by the storylines. A story where kindness, patience and integrity are celebrated.

[Lianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Well. I actually wanted to complain about this book. Once I started reading it I was unable to do anything else until it was finished!!

Having grown up in CT it was wonderful to “meet” characters so familiar to me. It was like a trip home. I think the challenges facing teachers were well portrayed and and I almost thought it should become compulsory reading for Christian teachers.

And I think it also conveys well the struggles facing so many students trying to get ahead in very difficult circumstances.

I think this is a great read for anyone wanting to get to know South Africa a bit better or for anyone who loves to call this place home.

[Amanda Liddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Le Roux has worked her magic again. The lively characters quickly draw us into the middle of a powerful story as it unfolds at a presigious Cape Town school. Jack and Amy are two of the teachers there, who get to know each other while runing the school CU as well as assisting with a tutoring programme in the nearby Cape Flats. Amy’s heart is otherwise occupied by the charismatic Grant at church. The gripping plot is weaved through with challenges of living in a country with a radical socio-economic divide as the characters grapple honestly with their questions. The gang violence spills over into their protected lives and, as they reach out to vulnerable teenagers on the programme, we are filled with a rising hope for this beautiful nation. These are the stories that need to be told, they help us remember who we are. This is a genre that is wide open for the incredible stories of hope in Africa.

[Heather Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying books with a South Africa influence. Although I was never a teacher I loved the insight into teaching high school students. It was interesting to walk alongside Amy and Jake and so many friends and family. I love the way Kate handled the conflict with the school governing body and did not gloss over the difference in the two schools she took us to. Thanks Kate. We personally knew the writer of the book Amy got for her birthday and have a copy of our own.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful look at the realities of teaching, and at life in Cape Town - specifically the areas the tourists don't get to see. Racial, cultural and religious differences are examined respectfully and without bias.

The pacing of this Teacher Teacher makes it a challenging read to begin with, but the emotional depths of the story make finishing it worth while.

[Louise Gibbon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I found myself gripped by Kate’s book! This novel was enjoyable to read and I found the story believable and realistic. I enjoyed journeying with the humble, authentic, faith-filled characters. The story gives good insight into teaching in South Africa, with its joys and challenges.