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Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey
by Margaret Pederson Haddix
Year Published: 980
Amazon.com Review
When her English teacher, Mrs. Dunphrey, announces that she will require everyone to keep a journal, Tish Bonner sighs and fidgets. She's one of those girls with big hair who sits in the back of the classroom, giggling and passing notes to friends instead of paying attention. Frankly, school is a waste of time for Tish. She would rather be working to help support herself and her younger brother. (Goodness knows her mother never lifts a finger to help them.) Mrs. Dunphrey says that she won't read any student's entry marked "DO NOT READ." Should Tish believe her? Much to Tish's surprise, journal writing becomes a welcome--yet frightening--outlet for the increasing stress she feels about life at home. Should she write about everything she's feeling? Will Mrs. Dunphrey really respect her privacy? This novel offers teens a realistic view of a young woman's life spinning out of control. Tish has real heart, and the way she faces her problems will inspire readers.