Ms. Bixby's Last Day

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2016

Review

Every child deserves to be seen, and sometimes that rare teacher comes along and looks past the noise of adolescence and sees a child for who he is, not what he should be or could be, but who he is. This is the story of three boys desperate to be seen, but it's more than that, too. It's a quest and it's redemption and it is powerful and beautiful. Told in alternating chapters of the three protagonists, Topher, Steve, and Brand, three sixth-grade boys who learn that their teacher, Ms. Bixby, is ill. They hatch a plan to give her the perfect last day, but when she leaves earlier than expected, their plan is blown. Or is it? The three boys decide to act against grain, do the unexpected, and bring the perfect last day to her. The story is engaging and heartfelt. Anderson hits all of the right notes here, just enough intrigue, great action, a depth of situations, and characters with wonderful voices. The teacher is a lovely example of a teacher who gets it. Middle grade readers and adults, especially those who work with children in any capacity, will cheer for the earnest boys and the teacher who really sees them. This is a book that lingers. Highly recommend. Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent