The Crimes and Punishments of Miss Payne (by Barry Jonsberg)
common sense media says
Teens try to prove tough teacher is a drug dealer.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book is about teens who try to prove their teacher is a drug dealer -- and they are not afraid to stalk her to do it. 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.
Educational value:
This is a book that teens will enjoy reading -- and the open-ended conclusion could lead to some spirited discussions.
Positive role models:
Calma is a smart, creative, funny girl, but even she gets sucked into making some poor choices. Still the teens here are sympathetic, and their friendship authentic.
Violence:
A woman punches a dog, a car and motorcycle accident, Calma has violent fantasies involving guns, mentions of abuse, death of a major character.
Sex:
Calma sees up a boy's shorts, her mother asks if she is having sex, she is accused of having a lesbian crush on a teacher, she mentions her large breasts several times, a reference to masturbation.
Language:
A fair amount, including "f---k" and "s--t."
Consumerism:
Several products mentioned.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Teens and adults smoke and drink; a teacher may or may not be dealing heroin.
More on The Crimes and Punishments of Miss Payne
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Most useful reviews by all members
Chicketi
adult
adult
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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MCR583
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
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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