Ms. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson is a junior fiction book about three sixth grade boys and their favorite teacher Ms. Bixby. This book is a great read for both boys and girls. It's written from all three boys perspectives, and they each share why this teacher is so special to them. When Ms. Bixby is diagnosed with cancer and has to leave school before the year is over, the boys come up with an elaborate plan to bring all of her "last day" wishes come true.
Sex: None.
Violence/Gore/Death/Frightening Scenes: The boys get in a fight with a grown man and one of them is punched in the face. The boys sometimes physically fight with one another. One of the characters has lost his mom and his dad is wheelchair bound. The main premise behind the book is that the teacher Ms. Bixby has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
Language: There are no actual curse words, but the boys have a list of words they've invented. Some of them are basically their version of curse words.
Alcohol/Drug Abuse: The boys try to find the perfect bottle of wine to take to their teacher in the hospital. They approach a stranger to get him to buy it for them. Several different types of wine and Jack Daniels are discussed. The boys don't drink it, though.
Final Note: I'll admit it, I LOVED this book. I love that it was an emotional story that showed how important teachers are and that it revolved around male characters. That is an uncommon combination that is severely needed in junior fiction. Another contender for the Newbery this year!
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