Mr. Moffat, a poetry-loving substitute teacher, makes a huge difference in the lives of his sixth grade students. After Mrs. Silverberg slips on a snail and breaks her leg (which may or may not be troublemakers Andy's fault), Mr. Moffat takes charge of her class while she recovers. Mr. Moffat gives each of the students a notebook (probably purchased with his own money) and encourages them to write in it every day. Their writings will be confidential - for his eyes only. He writes a poem on the board each day and encourages his charges to immerse themselves in the world of poetry. As is true for a majority of students today, the students in Mr. Moffat's class suffer abuse, divorces parents, limited incomes, friendship foibles, etc. Mr. Moffat is there for them as they deal with life, love, and literature.
This is a heartfelt approach to middle school problems. It would be an excellent read aloud - especially a prelude to a poetry unit.
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