Miss Fox's Class Gets It Wrong

Gr 2–3—The rumor mill runs strong in Miss Fox's class when a student spots the teacher being led into the police station by Officer Blue Fox. As the pair are spotted more and more often in different locations throughout town, the children become convinced that Miss Fox is a fugitive from the law about to make her escape to Hawaii. The truth, as most adults will surmise by the second page, is that Miss Fox and Officer Blue Fox are getting married and planning a honeymoon in the islands. When the youngsters finally confront their teacher, rumors are put to rest and celebration ensues. All of the students attend the wedding, during which the new Mrs. Fox imparts these words of wisdom: "Use your imagination for your schoolwork-not for rumors and gossip. Make sure you have all the facts straight before you start telling stories about others." Fans of this series will enjoy this adventure, although the text is a bit long. Still, it will serve as a good discussion starter. For a version of this lesson for younger children, suggest Holly Keller's Help! A Story of Friendship (HarperCollins, 2007).—Jasmine Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA