Sahara Special

Starred review from March 17, 2003
In her first book for children, the author of Educating Esmé: Diary of a Teacher's First Year
shows a keen understanding of classroom dynamics, a finely tuned ear for preadolescent voices and a lively, original wit. Her feisty narrator, Sahara Jones, does none of her schoolwork even though she loves to read and writes in secret—she's been traumatized by her father's abandonment. Her classmates call her Sahara Special because she has to work with the special-needs teacher out in the hall along with the disruptive Darrell Sikes. When Sahara's mother objects to the arrangement, Sahara is held back to repeat the fifth grade; Sahara is thrilled to transfer from the land of "special dumb" to the realm of "normal dumb." Her new fifth-grade teacher, Madame Poitier, better known as Miss Pointy, is dedicated but irreverent, and not easily categorized ("She was pale, but I couldn't tell for sure if she was white or Asian or Puerto Rican, or maybe light-skinned black," observes the narrator. Miss Pointy wins her students' trust and manages to instill in them hope and confidence; while the outcome can be predicted, Miss Pointy's methods (and Sahara's responses) are full of surprises. Presenting memorable characters in spirited scenes, this novel will surely be empowering for reluctant learners—and thought-provoking and gratifying for everyone. Ages 8-12.

September 8, 2003
Rashad brings humor, poignancy and a dash of sass to her interpretation of Codell's debut novel about a talented but drifting student who finally has her eyes opened by an unorthodox teacher. Sahara Jones lands herself a spot in the Special Needs group at school when she proves uncooperative, and a teacher confiscates a stack of letters Sahara has penned to her absentee father. Being dubbed "Sahara Special" by other students makes things even worse ("Don't think they meant special like a princess or a movie star or something sparkly like that," she cautions). Sahara eventually gains a reprieve from Special Ed, but she must repeat the fifth grade, beginning a new school year with a chip on her shoulder and plenty of insecurity. Enter Madame Poitier (aka Miss Pointy) the supportive teacher who is all cool confidence and who helps Sahara to ease her hurt and find her footing as a writer and storyteller. Though Rashad occasionally over-reaches for a childlike tone, her portrayal of the funny and welcoming Miss Pointy helps the actress go to the head of the class. Ages 8-12.