Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Aladdin Paperbacks
Pages
138
Description
A fifth-grader starts a newspaper with an editorial that prompts her burnt-out classroom teacher to really begin teaching again, but he is later threatened with disciplinary action as a result.
Description
The bad news is that Cara Landry is the new kid at Denton Elementary School. The worse news is that her teacher, Mr. Larson, would rather read the paper and drink coffee than teach his students anything. So Cara decides to give Mr. Larson something else to read -- her own newspaper, The Landry News.
Before she knows it, the whole fifth-grade class is in on the project. But then the principal finds a copy of The Landry News, with unexpected results. Tomorrow's headline: Will Cara's newspaper cost Mr. Larson his job?
Before she knows it, the whole fifth-grade class is in on the project. But then the principal finds a copy of The Landry News, with unexpected results. Tomorrow's headline: Will Cara's newspaper cost Mr. Larson his job?
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1999
Physical description
138 p.; 7.6 inches
ISBN
0689828683 / 9780689828683
Similar in this library
Lexile
950L
User reviews
LibraryThing member lalfonso
Can one person affect change? In The Landry News, Cara Landry, a fifth grade student does. Cara starts a new school and notices that rather than teach, her teacher, Mr. Larson, sits behind a newspaper. Cara decides to expose the problem by publishing The Landry News. She exposes the fact that her
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teacher doesn’t teach. As a result of her editorial, Mr. Larson decides that if he wants to change his job he needs to make changes. He was a good teacher once and Cara helps him rediscover his passion for teaching. This is a charming story that would fit in any elementary social studies class. It will lead to discussions of the first amendment, freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Show Less
LibraryThing member Runa
I have really fond memories attached to this (and other Andrew Clements) books. I first read this one in a 4th grade book club, and absolutely fell in love with Clements' ability to create realistic characters just dealing with school situations, something kids will definitely be able to relate to,
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since school is pretty much where they spend most of their lives. There's humor everywhere making your way through this book. It also introduces, through simple characters and their interactions and activities in the classroom, a much bigger, more sophisticated and complicated concept: censorship in print publications. Not only does the story toy with the day-to-day goings on of a classroom environment, it touches on issues like divorce and classroom politics. One of the things that I really like, as someone who is on track to become a teacher, is the demystification of a teacher's life, telling the students, hey, you know what? Your teacher's not this huge scary power figure at the front of the classroom, he/she's a human being, just like you. It's very cool to see the evolution and growth of one girl's creativity alongside the evolution and growth of her teacher. It's incredibly obvious that Andrew Clements taught, and I'm going to say that's what gave this novel its realism and appeal to such a wide audience. Show Less
LibraryThing member elainevbernal
Cara Landry is a fifth grader who just launched "The Landry News" in her language arts class by posting a highly critical editorial of her teacher, Mr. Larson - who after being burned out after decades of teaching and personal issues, simply reads his daily newspaper and lets the children do what
The newspaper becomes a hit among students, until the principal, Dr. Barnes, gets hold of an issue featuring a student's own account of what he experienced when his parents divorced. Citing the article as highly inappropriate, Dr. Barnes uses the publication as an excuse to get Mr. Larson terminated as he had been attempting to do so for years. What unfolds is the greatest teaching moment Mr. Landry's language arts class has ever had.
Although the book may not seem to reflect the reality of most elementary school children - with budget cuts and impacted curricula, what elementary school has the resources to publicize a school newspaper these days? However, with divorce rates being reported as low as 60% and as high as 75% just in California, "The Landry News" effectively illuminates divorce's mental and emotional impact on children, and the unique, range of ways children cope - from anger, to sadness, and acceptance.
The Landry News is an essential read for ages 9-12, and teaches a great lesson on coping in the face of personal challenges. The book can also be used as a valuable tool in teaching First Amendment rights.
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they wish, and is notorious for not assigning homework for the entire year. Cara is also known for her scathing critical writing - having been jaded by her parents' divorce in the last year. In any case, Cara's article is a wake up call to Mr. Larson, who becomes motivated to challenge his class to publish a real school newspaper. The newspaper becomes a hit among students, until the principal, Dr. Barnes, gets hold of an issue featuring a student's own account of what he experienced when his parents divorced. Citing the article as highly inappropriate, Dr. Barnes uses the publication as an excuse to get Mr. Larson terminated as he had been attempting to do so for years. What unfolds is the greatest teaching moment Mr. Landry's language arts class has ever had.
Although the book may not seem to reflect the reality of most elementary school children - with budget cuts and impacted curricula, what elementary school has the resources to publicize a school newspaper these days? However, with divorce rates being reported as low as 60% and as high as 75% just in California, "The Landry News" effectively illuminates divorce's mental and emotional impact on children, and the unique, range of ways children cope - from anger, to sadness, and acceptance.
The Landry News is an essential read for ages 9-12, and teaches a great lesson on coping in the face of personal challenges. The book can also be used as a valuable tool in teaching First Amendment rights.
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LibraryThing member Jazz2107
Cara Laundry was the new girl at Denton Elementary. She had troubles at her previous school. Cara was in Mr. Larson's class but he was a particularly lazy teacher. Mr. Larson thought that children learn best by having an open classroom where children teach themselves. Cara was not impressed and
(Please read to find out more)
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decided to something about the situation. Would this decision cost Mr. Larson his job? (Please read to find out more)
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LibraryThing member weeksie50
A fifth-grader starts a newspaper with an editorial that prompts her burnt-out classroom teacher to really begin teaching again, but he is later threatened with disciplinary action as a result.
This book could be used when discussing freedom of speech and also on reporting correct information.
This book could be used when discussing freedom of speech and also on reporting correct information.
LibraryThing member Cottonwood.School
A fifth grader starts a newspaper with an editorial that prompts her burnt-out teacher to really begin teaching again, but he is later threatened with disciplinary action as a result.
LibraryThing member jepeters333
A 5th grader writes editorials in her own newspaper and gets in trouble.
LibraryThing member tjtist11
This is a funny tale of student to teacher influence. Cara Landry reaches a breakthrough in healing from her parents divorce. Along the way she opens up to her fellow students and gives them a voice as their school newspaper is the subject of freedom of speech struggles. Cara and Mr. Larson inspire
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each other thanks to the power of truth and mercy together. Mr. Larson and the Bill of Rights win a victory and I cheered for them both. The victory comes through gentleness, vision, and mercy. Show Less
LibraryThing member jgbyers
This is a funny story about the student teacher relationship. Cara Landry reaches a breakthrough in healing from her parents divorce. Along the way she opens up to her fellow students and gives them a voice as their school newspaper is the subject of freedom of speech struggles. Cara and Mr. Larson
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inspire each other thanks to the power of truth and mercy together. Mr. Larson and the Bill of Rights win a victory and I cheered for them both. The victory comes through gentleness, vision, and mercy Show Less
LibraryThing member porch_reader
Cara Landry is a fifth-grader whose parents have just gotten divorced. In a new school, she spends her time writing a newspaper, The Landry News. In the first edition, she is very critical of her teacher, Mr. Larson. But as the story unfolds, Mr. Larson nurtures Cara's talents and teaches her a lot
Although this book started out a little slow, it picks up pace as conflicts flare between Mr. Larson and the school principal. Along the way, we learn a lot about the first amendment and effective journalism. Both Cara and Mr. Larson are very human characters - likable, but with plenty of flaws. And my son was fascinated by Cara's newspaper project. I even found a copy of a handwritten "newspaper" in his backpack. A book that inspires kids to write is definitely a worthwhile read!
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about fair and positive newspaper reporting. Although this book started out a little slow, it picks up pace as conflicts flare between Mr. Larson and the school principal. Along the way, we learn a lot about the first amendment and effective journalism. Both Cara and Mr. Larson are very human characters - likable, but with plenty of flaws. And my son was fascinated by Cara's newspaper project. I even found a copy of a handwritten "newspaper" in his backpack. A book that inspires kids to write is definitely a worthwhile read!
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LibraryThing member JRlibrary
Read many years ago but forgot to add until now!
LibraryThing member lcherylc
Fifth grader Cara Landry, the editor of "Landry News", the school newspaper, writes an editorial article on her lackluster teacher which threatens to end his teaching career. More problems arise when the school principal gets involved and wants to shut down "Landry News."
I'd highly recommend this
I'd highly recommend this
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book to 4th and 5th graders. This touches on complicated subjects like divorce and First Amendment Rights and makes them palatable for students. Show Less
LibraryThing member Marcellajohnson
Summary: A fifth grader, Cara, has recently moved and is now attending Denton Elementary School. Upon arriving at school and getting familiar with her new surroundings, she realizes that her teacher, Mr. Larson, is not the typical teacher. He rarely assigns homework, allows the students to do as
Personal Reaction: I enjoyed this book. I liked the way that Cara was concerned about her teacher, as well as the class and decided to take a stand to help everyone involv ed. This is an example how even though someone may not have intentions of hurting anyone, someone else can look at it differently and use it against either that individual or someone else....... in this case, someone else, Mr. Larwon. Even though this story is fiction, it is a good example of freedom of the press. We all have a right to it, we just need to use it for the right reason.......to Help not to Harm.
Extensions:
1) I would use this as an opportunity to encourage the students to respect self, others, and the persoanl property and resources of the school or a place of empoloyment. I will open up discussions allowing the students to share ways that we show respect.
2) I would incorporate this book into a lesson about the 1st Amendment, Freedom of the Press (Speech)
3) This would be a good opportunity to have discussions on divorce with the students and bring a professional in that can help answer some of the students questions or concerns.
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they please, and reads the daily newspaper. Cara decides to get creative and begans to write a school newspaper. In doing so, her hopes is to get Mr. Larson's attention. No only did she get Mr. Larson's attention, but she got the attention of the school principal, Dr. Barnes, as well. More students began to get involved in the writing of the paper and things began to fall back on Mr. Larson. Since Dr. Barnes has been waiting for the right opportunity to get Mr. Larson terminated, he saw this as the chance of a life time. Happy ending...........Personal Reaction: I enjoyed this book. I liked the way that Cara was concerned about her teacher, as well as the class and decided to take a stand to help everyone involv ed. This is an example how even though someone may not have intentions of hurting anyone, someone else can look at it differently and use it against either that individual or someone else....... in this case, someone else, Mr. Larwon. Even though this story is fiction, it is a good example of freedom of the press. We all have a right to it, we just need to use it for the right reason.......to Help not to Harm.
Extensions:
1) I would use this as an opportunity to encourage the students to respect self, others, and the persoanl property and resources of the school or a place of empoloyment. I will open up discussions allowing the students to share ways that we show respect.
2) I would incorporate this book into a lesson about the 1st Amendment, Freedom of the Press (Speech)
3) This would be a good opportunity to have discussions on divorce with the students and bring a professional in that can help answer some of the students questions or concerns.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
When the Cara's class newspaper publishes a boy's essay about his parents' divorce, the principal Mr. Barnes feels he has finally found the one thing to oust teacher Mr. Larson. But Mr. Larson fights back and Cara and her classmates learn the importance of truth and mercy in journalism and the
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First Amendment. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
Another wonderful school story from Clements. I just love how the grownups are real people, too. No cardboard characters, no cliched interactions, no forced drama, just brave kids taking a common school experience to the next level because they're smart enough, and passionate enough, to follow
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through. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mia_Catapang
catchy and entertaining, I love it.:)
LibraryThing member mg09
A girl named Cara is going to a new school, Denton Elementary school, she is really excited! When she goes to her classroom all the teacher is doing is sitting there drinking his cofee while reading the newspaper. Cara is getting sick of it! Is cara going to just sit there and watch the teacher sit
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there and read, or will she do something about it? Show Less
LibraryThing member theWallflower
It was on a list of summer reading for my fourth-grade daughter. Plus, I used to write an “underground” newspaper, so I couldn’t pass this up.
But it reads like it was meant to be used for curriculum. It reeks of “written to be taught”, not because the author had something to say or a good
The inciting incident is also too implausible — I cannot believe that at teacher would sit at his desk for eight hours a day, reading the paper, while the kids futz in the classroom semi-supervised and not being taught. From 7AM to 3PM. Teachers have been fired for less, tenure or not.
It’s so instructive I expected there to be a study guide in the back. Just skip this one.
But it reads like it was meant to be used for curriculum. It reeks of “written to be taught”, not because the author had something to say or a good
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story in mind. I deduce this because it’s padded badly. The beginning doesn’t match the ending–it switches themes partway through. After about a third of the way, it stops being about the student-published newspaper and becomes about the “evil principal” trying to “get” the teacher. And then the news story he hides behind is reprinted word for word in the book. And it has nothing to do with either idea. Its content is about a kid’s divorce. It has nothing to do with the themes of the main plot. I don’t know what its meant for. I think it’s trying to cover different themes at once so there’s plenty for the class to discuss.The inciting incident is also too implausible — I cannot believe that at teacher would sit at his desk for eight hours a day, reading the paper, while the kids futz in the classroom semi-supervised and not being taught. From 7AM to 3PM. Teachers have been fired for less, tenure or not.
It’s so instructive I expected there to be a study guide in the back. Just skip this one.
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Awards
Nebraska Golden Sower Award (Nominee — 2002)
Texas Bluebonnet Award (Nominee — 2002)
Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Award (Nominee — 2001)
Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2003)
Massachusetts Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2002)
Sequoyah Book Award (Nominee — Children's — 2002)
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (Nominee — 2001)
Great Stone Face Book Award (Nominee — 2001)
Sasquatch Book Award (Nominee — 2002)
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (Honor Book — 2002)
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Junior — 2002)
William Allen White Children's Book Award (Nominee — Grades 3-5 — 2001-2002)
Nutmeg Book Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2002)
Sunshine State Young Reader's Award (Nominee — 2002)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2001)
Golden Archer Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2002)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee — Grades 4-6 — 2001)
NCTE Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K—Grade 6 (13th Edition: 1999-2001)
Read Aloud Indiana Book Award (Middle School — 1999)
Call number
J3E.Clem