I actually really enjoyed it and I read it when I was about 16 maybe. I thought it was a beautifully written book filled with sad realities and harsh lessons at times. I still remember many quotes from that book that had a big effect on me when the traumatic end event happened (I'll keep it secret in case anyone read it still) It was a beautifully written work.
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The Crimes and Punishments of Miss Payne
(2005, Fiction - Friendship, Written by Barry Jonsberg)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Teens try to prove tough teacher is a drug dealer.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–16
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Crimes and Punishments of Miss Payne
Parents need to know that these very sympathetic teens have very bad attitudes toward adults, authority, and school, caused (in Kiffo's case) by an abusive father and a brother dead of a drug overdose, and (in Calma's case) by a missing dad and a mom with two jobs who's pretty much absent from her life. There's plenty of swearing and bad behavior, and an ambiguous ending that may frustrate some readers.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the book's ambiguous ending. Is Miss Payne a good teacher or a drug dealer? Why do you think the author left it open? Did you like this -- or did it frustrate you? Can you think of other books or movies that end this way? What kind of endings do you like best?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
great book
this book, dispite the sexual referencs, violentce, etc. was a very well witten, entertaining book. i hate 2 read, but with this book, i actualy wanted 2 read it!
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