A review by readingwithtemperance
Teacher of the Year by M.A. Wardell

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book for a multitude of reasons. I'm queer, I've worked in education (hi fellow paras!), and I have an alcoholic parent. This book was pretty personal for me to say the least.

Teacher of the year showed me how much I miss working with children. My heart absolutely soared watching Marvin teach. I loved hearing all of the off the wall things the kiddos said and watching them learn. Marvie truly goes above and beyond for his classroom. 

The relationship between Marvin and his mother is one I know well. Constantly dreading phone calls, never wanting to be around them, the resentment eating uo your heart and mind, the residual anxiety concerning alcohol. Especially with not wanting to drink yourself. This aspect of the story definitely gave me a new perspective though. Which I'm so grateful for. 

I loved his relationship with Olan. They're so sweet together and balance eachother well.
It brought me so much joy to see their happy ending and becoming a family.


This book was such a true representation of what it's like to work in education. I loved the humor and sweet moments throughout so much. And all of the raw ones too. Teacher of the Year has my whole heart. I can't wait to continue the series. 
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