Miss Nelson is Missing!

Written by Harry G Allard Jr · Illustrated by James Marshall

Part of the Miss Nelson series

A class of misbehaved students must navigate a new, strict teacher while trying to find their missing beloved teacher.

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 110,242 ratings

32 pages· 607 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud· 340L

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Bookroo's summary

In Room 207, chaos reigns until Miss Nelson vanishes, replaced by the stern Miss Viola Swamp. The unruly students, once dismissive of their kind teacher, now face a strict substitute who turns their world upside down. As they navigate this new regime, they begin to appreciate what they've lost. Will Miss Nelson return, and what lessons will the students learn in her absence? This humorous tale of mischief and realization is a delightful reminder of the value of kindness and respect.

From the publisher

The kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs stuck to the ceiling. Paper planes whizzing through the air. They were the worst-behaved class in the whole school. So begins this quirky classic, first published in 1977 and still relevant today as a lighthearted reminder to show our appreciation to those we value. The students don’t proffer a shred of respect for their good-natured teacher Miss Nelson, but when the witchy substitute Miss Viola Swamp appears on the scene, they start to regret their own wicked ways. James Marshall’s scritchy, cartoonish full-color ink and wash illustrations are hilarious. A back-to-school perennial!

At a glance

Format
Pages: 32
Words: 607
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 340L

Themes & topics

Books about teachers Books about school Books about social themes Books about values and virtues Books about substitute teachers

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.3

out of 7

5.8

“This is a delightfully fun book about one very clever teacher who uses a little bit of subterfuge to help her classroom of misbehaving students appreciate how lucky they actually are and learn to behave a lot better. The contrast between Miss Nelson and her "evil" substitute counterpart is humorous (particularly as the reader may suspect the truth long before the big reveal!)”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

4.8

“Okay, so full disclosure: I had this weird and massive childhood anxiety surrounding substitute teachers and it made this book very difficult for me. In spite of my personal issues, however, I think it's a clever and silly book. It's fun, and it serves a purpose.”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

The author