The Janitor's Boy

Title: The Janitor's Boy
Authore: Andrew Clements
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Multicultural Literature

In this story we meet a young boy named Jack. He is in 5th grade and is excited except for one thing: his father is the janitor in the building that he goes to school at. Jack does his best to avoid this topic and not have anyone find out. One day, the dreaded happens, his father says "Hi, son". In order to get back at his father, he ruins a desk and is forced into after school work helping his father for three weeks. While he hates the job, he realizes that his fathers keys can get into all sorts of areas within the school grounds. This leads to new adventures for Jack. These adventures lead to Jack learning about his father and his past and creating a new sense of respect for him.

This story really gives a deep look into a father-son relationship. This would be a great book for the boys in the class. We can do a lesson about what their fathers do and why, no matter what it may be, it is important. We could definitely do a "career day" and see if any fathers can come in for the day. The girls could participate in this as well with their fathers. The point is to really focus on fathers and all they do for a family. It would be great, if possible, to do it around Father's Day if school is still in session then.