Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Mr. Wackenteach Teaches Second Grade: The Wackenteach Series is a children's educational concept book written by J.C.M. Summer is just about over, and the new school year begins on the very next day. The Specialists who had been in Mr. Wackenteach's first-grade class wondered who would be their teacher this year. Secretly, they all hoped that it would be Mr. Wackenteach, but they kept their minds open as they woke up the following day and went to school. Pagic Elementary has a different classroom for each year's class, so the room was different, and there was a sign instructing the Specialists to come in and sit down. They all noticed that there was an old man sitting in the front of the class. He was so still that it seemed like he was a statue instead of a man. The old man had long gray hair and a long beard, and he held a guitar in his hands. But the oddest thing about that old man was his hat. It was conical and almost as tall as the room, and it was blue with stars that were silvery and crescent moons. Some Specialists giggled at the strange sight and then watched to see the reactions of the new arrivals as they found their seats. Then they were all stunned by the sudden and loud strumming that came from the guitar. After that first strum,the old man began to play the most enchanting melody, one that spoke of magical kingdoms with knights and maidens, and elves and fairies. The Second Grade would indeed be a special and truly magical place after all, it seemed.

J.C.M.'s educational concept book for children, Mr. Wackenteach Teaches Second Grade: The Wackenteach Series continues the author's most original and creative saga about Mr. Wackenteach and his class of Specialists. It's the first day of second grade for the current class, but it's anything other than a typical day. There's mystery, magic, and a feast fit for kings provided by the moms and dads of the Specialists. Along the way, the Specialists learn about the Golden Rule in a much deeper and more personal way than is the normal case, and they discover a most unusual pet rat in a box that was previously quite empty. Nothing is as it seems, but in retrospect it really is all quite ordinary in this most magical school.

I had so much fun reading this book, from the magical and theatrical introduction through to the garden tending where the Specialists hoe in time to the Anvil Chorus. This book is inspired, and it should definitely be on the required reading list not only for children, but for any adult considering a career as a primary school teacher. The magic does indeed continue in Mr. Wackenteach Teaches Second Grade, and I'm just as eager to find out what the third grade will be like as those very lucky Specialists are. Mr. Wackenteach Teaches Second Grade is most highly recommended for Specialists of all ages.