Don't Be My Valentine: A Classroom Mystery (An I Can Re… (2024)

<3 So cute!! I remember when I had to buy Valentine's Day Cards for all my classmates. So much candy and so many pencils... But anyway, this book is cute (as mentioned before) and I simply adore books with characters named Sam. =) <3

It's time to make Valentine's Day cards. Sam decides to make a "special" card for Amy Lou who is always trying to help him, even when he doesn't need or want her help. Several mix-ups occur during class when Sam's "special card is given to his teacher by mistake.

2.5 Stars

DON'T Be My Valentine: A Classroom Mystery, by Joan M. Lexau.

Publishers indicate this book is suitable for ages 4 and up, but I'm not so sure I agree. I don't think children at age 4 are ready to deal with "hate" Valentines. I think it more appropriate when the guidelines are followed as an "I can read book": Level 2 (Grades 1-3).

Don't Be My Valentine: A Classroom Mystery by Joan M. Lexau with pictures by Syd Hoff is a paperback book of 65 pages. After reading the book, it brought back my own memories about "mean" Valentines in Second Grade. But first, let's briefly look at the book.

Succinctly, the back book cover describes the simple plot: "Amy Lou is always trying to help Sam, and it bothers him. So when it's time for valentines, Sam makes a mean one for her. But the valentine is delivered to Sam's teacher instead of Amy Lou. How did that happen?" Valentine's Day isn't a happy day for everyone. In this story, a boy and girl do not see eye to eye and seem to have constant friction between each other. Sam's mean Valentine causes unintended problems.

One of the reasons I selected this book is because it seems that every year parents, teachers, and students often have to deal with a few students who give "hate" or "mean" Valentines. This book addresses that issue. In grade school, one year, I received a number of "hate" or "mean" Valentines. My feelings were hurt and whenever I think of the holiday that occurred that year for me in grade school, I feel sad.

I think it is wonderful that this author courageously addresses an issue that seems sorely neglected. I applaud Joan M. Lexau for her work in trying to help children/students celebrate the true spirit of Valentine's Day. Help your child to celebrate appropriately, too.

You can purchase this book on Amazon new for $5.99 and used from $.01 and up. I purchased this book as a paperback, for $3.85 (Used - Acceptable Condition).

Kind of silly

The illustrations are nice. In the story, Amy Lou and Sam can't get along, because Amy Lou is always trying to help Sam even though he doesn't want it. The day before Valentine's day, Sam and Amy Lou are asked to take goodies for the class. Everyone is reminded to take each other a valentine. Sam makes Amy Lou a mean one and then ends up losing it. It is found by the teacher. Surprisingly, Amy Lou gets a nice valentine from Sam---Amy Lou made it and sent it to herself. When Sam forgets to take goodies for the class, he asks Amy Lou to let him get credit for helping her take hers, but Amy Lou tells him that that would be helping him. Sam agrees and decides to tell the teacher about his forgetfulness instead of lying. The story ends with Sam being told to please remember next time, Amy Lou offering to help him remember, and Sam being rude and telling Amy Lou that he doesn't need her help and for her to cut it out.

This is a fun story to read aloud, but it might be a bit long for early readers. Children can empathize with classmates who are irritating or arguments they have had. Children can be pretty mean at times, so this is a good story that can start a discussion about the importance of kindness, respect and compassion.

October 2017: Listened to a friend read this book out loud to her seven-year-old son and had to chuckle at the narrative. The meanness in this book is very apparent, but now that time has passed and our girls are much older, I am sadly aware that it is quite tame.

In this book, Sam doesn't like Amy Lou, because she always bothers him. So he sends her a mean valentine with a picture of a moose on it. Amy Lou sees the valentine, but she gives it to the teacher. Later in the school day Amy Lou wants to be mailman so that she can get the valentine back, but she doesn't become mailman instead Albert and Gladys were the mailmen. Gladys said "Here is a valentine from Sam to Amy Lou" It was a valentine witha picture of a lion on it.

A valentine with some unkind words finds its way into the intended recipients hands. The book tries too hard to have a "Homer Simpson" attitude.

Bickering children mystery. I definitely don't miss listening to it.

Ethan said this book was 'boring'. So that was why I gave it 2-stars. :)

I'm somewhat at a loss. Does the girl like this boy for whatever reason? Is this about slight misogyny or, at least, fear of the opposite sex, specially at Valentine's Day? Curious.

blind date book. my 8 year old son will probably enjoy this. I feel like it's a pretty accurate classroom. at least from what I remember. and I liked that everyone learned something and apologized at the end, but that their behavior didn't change. it's good to show that behavior isn't magically fixed, those things take time, practice, and patience, as well as gentle reminders.