Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey

I read this book when I was in Junior High, it was one of those stories that I remembered vaguely but I knew I had liked at the time. It’s very short and in the format of journals assigned by Tish’s English teacher, Mrs. Dunphrey.

Tish has been forced to grow up much faster than the normal fifteen year old. Some might say she’s even more grown up than her mother who forgets she has children and only pines for the love of her life. The love of her life is less than perfect, in fact, he’s a terrible man who beat his family and then left them for two years. Tish takes care of her younger brother Matt, feeding and clothing both of them with the little money she makes at her part-time, minimum wage job.

This story is sad, a brief look at a broken home. One that I was happy I decided to reread in the end. If nothing else, it made me thankful that my parents were always there for me growing up, even if we didn’t always see eye to eye. If you have people who love and care for you cherish it because not everybody is so lucky.

Reader reviewed by Allie

This book is like my fav! I loved it! I love Haddix, she is the best author ever and all her books are great! This one was espically good because it was ACTION PACKED!!!!!! I liked the diary form, it was different and more fun to read. and I have no bad things about it!!!!!

Reader reviewed by Chioma

Another one of my favorite books by Magaret Haddix. This book takes us through the life of a girl named Tish Bonner who has a lot of troubles going on in her life. Tish's english teacher gives everyone a journal in which they are supposed to write in at least four time a week. At first Tish immediately dissmisses the assignment. But then she starts to write in it as if it were a diary. But at the end of each page she writes Dont Read This. So her teacher doesnt read the entries marked like that.
Tish has to deal with a lot of family problems. Tish's father is never around. He comes and goes for months at times. And because of it her mother is a wreck. Then all of a sudden Tish's mother leaves for California to find their father leaving nothing but a note. Now Tish has to survive on her own paying bills, and being the care taker of her little brother.
This is a very interesting book and will really make you see how fortunate you really are.

Reader reviewed by Monica

This book was excellent. Many people have a picture made in their mind that everyone's life is like the "American Dream". However, that's not the case. Tish, is struggling between work, supporting herself and her younger brother, and dealing with her irresponsible mother and her abusive dad. Mrs. Dunphrey, Tish's english teacher assigns each student to write 4 journal entries a week. Though at first, Tish found it pointless as the story progresses she finds that writing about her problems is a great way to deal with them.

While reading this book, i caught myself appreciating my family and friends. You realize how precious life really is when you see how bad some people have it. It's sad to say that this is reality, and things like these happen everyday. I love how it is in a diary format. Also, i enjoyed knowing how Tish overcomes her situation.

Reader reviewed by Christine

The book, 'Don't you dare read this mrs.dunphrey' by margaret p. haddix, is about a girl named Tish Bonner. For her english class, her teacher has assigned the class to make 4 journals throughtout the week. At first, Tish was annoyed with the thought, but as things started happening at home, Tish needed something to distract her. Tish's home life jsut keeps getting worse, and with the confidentiality level of the journals, she is able to express herself, without anyone finding out. Until it gets to the point that soemthing must be done.
This book was very eye-opening, and insightful. It was well written, and intruiged me to read more of Margaret Haddix's books.

Reader reviewed by Elizabeth

This book was cool because if you read it you see how life really is and if you compare it to your life you'll see how good you have it compared to some of the kids around the world. Child neglect is only a small part of this book and is not enough to challenge it

Reader reviewed by Nicole

This book has to deal with child abuse. Tish has to keep a journal and write entries in it every week for 1 of her classes. She starts writing things in the journal that if someone read it, it could get her parents in serious trouble ~ not that they care about her or her brother Matt. Tish struggles to keep her and her brother up on their feet finacially when her mom leaves but she has a highly difficult time. Can she do it? Read and find out

Reader reviewed by xbitemynailsx

I read this one about 3 years ago. It is a very short read. I have it on my bookshelf,actually. It is about a young girl in school, and her English teacher makes the class write in their journals. The girl is worried to write anything personal because she doesnt want the teacher reading it. the book it pretty much written through her journal entries. Definately a good book for younger teen readers, knowing that its shorter and all, but still a great read for older teens as well!

Reader reviewed by lookwhaticando

I really liked reading this book because it was in diary form and I love that. What was really sad and mad me wanna cry was how she was abused. She had to take care of her brother all by herself and couldn't enjoy being a teenager. She had to work to support her and her brother. I don't think anybody should have to go through that :(