Not Quite Burned Out But Crispy Around The Edges: Inspiration, Laughter, and Encouragement for Teachers

by Sharon M. Draper

This book is designed for any teacher who has survived the first week of the first year of teaching. This collection of inspirational stories and essays is designed to remind teachers why they decided to teach in the first place, and to encourage them to stay in often difficult situations where they are needed. Provides a boast for teachers beleaguered by crowded classes, low pay, and crumbling infrastructure.

Genres: Teaching, Nonfiction, Reference, Education

117 pages, Library Binding

First published July 2, 2001

About the author

Sharon M. Draper is a professional educator as well as an accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award, and is a New York Times bestselling author. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharon Draper is first rate! For any educators out there who have had better days or are feeling overwhelmed, this is a great reminder of why we do what we do every day. Each chapter is a separate, autobiographical story from Draper's teaching experiences. Her insight and honesty will inspire you to keep giving it your all.

[Lauren Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED IT! Just very dated. I’d love for her to put out an updated edition. This was the perfect read as I prepare to start my 8th year of teaching. She’s my favorite author of all time. I’ll definitely come back and reread this when I’m getting crispy around the edges!

[Melissa Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet but dated. Strong stories with a weak way of tying everything together. Enjoyed it but wouldn’t read it again. 🍎

[Jan Kolb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these true heartfelt stories.

[Kayley Martin]

Wonderful read for teachers past their first few years of teaching.

[Ramona]

I stumbled across this book while searching for YA novels to add to my classroom collection (yes, the district ran out of money). My students and I like Sharon Draper's writing and the title caught my attention.

Every spring, during March and April, I begin to feel as if I must post my resume on Moster.com for anything other than teaching. Cleaning out sewers begins to look attractive. This year, my thoughts of escape have been particulary vivid. When I saw Ms. Draper's title, I realized that I am not completely burned out, just "crispy around the edges." I thought that this book might help me focus on a few thoughts to get me through the next five weeks of school (before summer school begins). Finally, the word "laughter" in the subtitle cinched it for me. I need laughter.

I'll let you know if the book lives up to its title.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, boy. Did I ever need this book NOW. Draper has always been a hero, because she can take my hard kids who think there's nothing for them to read, and she turns them into readers. I didn't know she was also the National TOY!

She's written this from her classroom, and from the lecture circuit. She knows what she's looking at when she's in front of students, and she knows her colleagues well. Her stories made me laugh and cry. Her poetry tributes of her students forced me to put the book down or humiliate myself by sobbing.

Her essay about special education teachers and students was so moving. She shared the fact that her first-born, her daughter, has cerebral palsy...she talks about special kids from her heart.

She truly understands to demands and the rewards of teaching. She made me feel proud of my profession and my colleagues.

Glad I found this one.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Draper has cleverly told the memorable and unforgettable tales of teachers, close to the point of burnout. I am not close to my burnout year, but I feel like this book was exactly what I needed to read at this time of the school year. It made me laugh in some parts, while cry tears of joy and sympathy in others. I definitely could relate to most of the teachers in some small or large way.

I would recommend this book to ANY teacher, from a 1st year to a veteran, who just needs a quick read of motivation.

[Andrew Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who is a teacher must read this short book. Wonderful, inspiring stories of teachers and students that will make you laugh and cry. The book is setup in short stories about real teaching experiences of the author and other teachers. It made me remember why I became a teacher - to make a difference!

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find a lot of encouragement in this book. I was pretty disappointed in it, both with it's small size for the price and the content. We know the sad aspects of education; teachers need to remember the light and laughter amid hard times. While there was some of this in the book, it was not enough to warrant the title.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a book that was assigned for our summer reading. Usually, I don't look forward to the readings, but this book was a great read for the summer before heading back to the classroom. It made me laugh out loud and cry at the same time. I would recommend this to any teacher.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me the moral boost that I needed! After teaching for 19 years, I sometimes think that what I do doesn't make a difference. Draper helped me see the silver lining again!

[Carola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book, inspirational and boosts my energy for my second year of teaching!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this series of essays by Sharon Draper to my teacher friends. Draper doesn't provide easy pat answers to fix education. She does offer relatable stories of encouragement to teachers.

[Mills College Library]

371.102 D766 2001

[Tabitha Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

funny