Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Book Overview

In the journal she is keeping for English class, 16-year-old Tish chronicles the changes in her life when her abusive father returns home after a two-year absence. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1442443154
• ISBN13: 9781442443150
• Release Date: April 2012
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 12 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

Great book! Quick read

Very nice book, reminded me of Cathy Glass books, though things like Tish and Matt situation actually does happen. I was able to read this book in about 3 hours or less. Very quick to read. I think the book is even good for young adults and adults. I was able to just keep reading on and on until I finished the book. It was nice to read something quick for a change. The book was nicely written as well. I might actually look for more books from the author.

EXCELLENT BOOK for FOURTH GRADERS ON UP!!!

I am a former elementary teacher and school librarian. I read the book nonstop cover-to-cover about a 15 year old who inadvertently becomes the Mom and Dad who cares for herself and younger brother, Matt. Tish's Dad is physically absent from the family except for a short time, and the Mom is mentally absent all of the time! Tish records in her journal, assigned by her English teacher, Mrs. Dunphrey, what is happening during her struggles to care for her brother and herself. Then when her Mom runs off to California, she must figure out a way to pay the bills. As things get worse and worse, Tish writes more and more but eventually seeks help. The climax of the book is very satisfying and complete. This is not a YA problem novel which leaves kids and adults frustrated with the events and outcome. I am passing it on to a favorite teen with the suggestion that her single Mom read it too. I recommend this very well-written book to teachers, librarians, parents, and kids nine and up. There is no sex or violence in it. K.J. McWilliams, author of The Diary of a Slave Girl, Ruby Jo (SOUTH CAROLINA, The Journal of Darien Dexter Duff, an Emancipated Slave (LOUISIANA), and The Journal of Leroy Jeremiah Jones, a Fugitive Slave (ALABAMA).

THIS BOOK ROCKS!

I LOVE Margaret Peterson Haddix! She is one of my favorite authors. This book is one of my most favorites. I really like dramatic books, so this was a great one for me. It is very suspenseful yet heart-wrenching. If you like this author too, I will also reccomend the Shadow Children series, Running Out of Time, Turnabout, and Escape From Memory.

FANTASTIC BOOK!!!

My two daughters suggested I read this book -- they are 12 and 14! I couldn't believe they finally agreed on something. The book is wonderful. It's charming! It's true to life and very, VERY good for teens and parents to read!!!! I will be checking out more books by this author! This is the best book I've read in a very long time!

A Page-Turner

This book is really good. Haddix has got to be one of the best authors ever. This book is very realistic to a real diary.Tish faces issues that a girl her age shouldn't have to face. She takes up a responsibility that she shouldn't have until she's much, much older. But she thinks she can handle it all on her own, and she won't let any of her friends or teacher's know what's up.This is a compelling novel. It's very short, but definately worth reading. I've recommended it to all of my friends. It's a GREAT book.

Do Read This!

This is a story of how a seventeen year old girl deals with the neglect of her parents. Her dad is in and out of her life and her mother stays very depressed and eventually abandons the family. Tish takes full responsibility of caring for her little brother, Matt. Her life becomes extremely hard to handle, and she finds an emotional outlet through journal writing, a daily assignment required by her English teacher, Mrs. Dunphrey. Mrs. Dunphrey has told the students that she will not read any journal entry marked "Do not read." Tish keeps her journal faithfully, but rarely allows Mrs. Dunphrey to read it. Tish's life becomes filled with growing anxieties and she finally allows Mrs. Dunphrey to read her journal. This story reflects many problems that teenagers with abusive parents may face. It also lets readers know there are people to turn to when dealing with a situation of this nature. We recommend this book for seventh or eighth graders. Teachers could use this book in their classroom to teach or study issues such as: neglect, abuse, depression, occupations, and family structures. These issues could be integrated when teaching Language Arts, Social Studies, Writing, Health, and Math. This is a good book for teenagers to read. It relays the importance of talking to someone when your problems become too overwhelming.