Remembering Mrs. Rossi

     This book was very touching, and at times emotional, to read. I found this story to be one of growth and strength; sometimes things the characters didn't realize they'd had within themselves. I was engaged throughout the duration of reading this book and felt as if I could relate to it through my own, outside connections. Losing someone you love can be a definite struggle, but inspiring stories of getting yourself back up again afterwards, are great to have around.
      I would love to use this story in my future classrooms. I think it is appropriate, but realistic. Even the minor aspect of the teacher's students making a memory book about her after she passes, is a great point to talk about it as a book discussion. I feel this will open pathways for the class to ask questions, express concerns, share stories, and communicate with one another back and forth between the novel and their own personal connections. I think this book would achieve a teacher's goal in creating unity through a single classroom assigned reading.

Remembering Mrs. Rossi
by: Amy Hest
illustrated by: Heather Maione
Published in 2007