Dear Miss Moshki

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6 A character portrayal and a situation in Dear Miss Moshki are so glaringly offensive that they overshadow whatever positive aspects the book may offer. The story is about fifth-grade students as they prepare for the visit of a favorite author. Chris and Jeremy, undoubtedly the best creative writers in the class, but also, in Miss Moshki’s view, incorrigible behavior problems, are threatened with exclusion from the author’s visit unless they behave. Although Miss Moshki is the worst kind of teacher, spending most of her time shouting at Chris and Jeremy, it is the portrayal of a black student and Miss Moshki’s method of “helping” her that is even more offensive. Doris Jones does not speak in standard “white” English, a source of endless exasperation for Miss Moshki. But since Miss Moshki never explains what she is doing, Doris grows increasingly more puzzled as the story progresses. “You see, there she go again, repeating what I say . . .It’s real funny. She only do it with me.” It’s not “real funny” as presented in Dear Miss Moshki , however, for Dragonwagon has failed to resolve the situation. Dragonwagon’s depiction will only reinforce racial stereotypes and prejudices that so desperately need to be eliminated. This book does more harm than good. Laura McCutcheon, St. Catherine’s School, Richmond, Va.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.