Miss Malarkey Won't Be in Today is a good example of contemporary realistic fiction because the setting of the school room is very relatable for students and teachers alike. Miss Malarkey is ill and worries about her students while she takes a sick day. Her worries are realistic and something everyone can relate with, especially when they are missing something. The characters are realistic even through Miss Malarkey's imagination gets the best of her. Its a funny story that will engage the entire audience

I liked this book for many reasons and I was able to laugh and relate to it. I liked this books language, it was comical and it would keep a child (even parent) engaged and laughing at the story. For example, the one possible substitute name was Mrs. Ungerware, which sounds like underwear and that is what the children call her. I also liked the characters in this book. The main character, Mrs. Malarkey (the teacher) was calling in sick but then she proceeded to worry about the substitutes and the children. From what I know, this is typical of many teachers. They worry when the children have a substitute that no work will get done or they will take advantage of the substitute. The main idea in this book was that teachers are determined and hardworking, even when they are sick! ( )

Summery:
In this short story, a classroom teacher catches a cold. She has to take a day off of work, and worries about her class all day long, until she finally goes up to school and they class tells her all about how they miss her, and how well behaved they were for the substitute teacher, and how everything was taken care of.

Personal Reaction:
I really liked this book, and as always I love all the color in the illustrations. The plot was really cute, and I could relate to the book, because I am quite the worry wart!

Classroom Extension:
Do a science and health section over germs and how they're spread.
Have the students color a picture of their teacher and what she'd look like if she was sick.

Summary:
This book about a teacher who isn't feeling good, so she has to stay home. She imagines all the things that can go wrong until she drives herself crazy!

Personal Reaction:
Being in the teaching biz, I liked this book because it's about a teacher who stresses over her class and their well-being.

Classroom Extentions:
1. Read to students who you know they're going to have a substitute.
2. Explain the rules for having a substitute.

Summary:
Miss was sick one morning and decided to call in to work. But as the day went she started to think of all posssible subs that would be wrong for her class. She makes a visit to the school to find that everything is ok and her students were fine.

Reaction:
I really liked this book because it showed how much she cared about her students.

Class Ex:
1.Have the students give examples of things they could do to help subtitute teachers i.e.(show them where things are if they are unsure or be on their best behavior etc.)
2.Have the children tell about a day when they stayed home sick from school.