Advanced Children's Literature: Realistic Fiction

Codell, Esme Raji. SAHARA SPECIAL. New York: Listening Library, 2003. Narrator: Phylicia Rashad. (Print edition by Hyperion, 2003.)

SAHARA SPECIAL is truly an inspiring, uplifting tale about an only child being raised by a single mom in downtown Chicago. Sahara is an imaginative child who spends each Saturday in the neighborhood public library reading, writing her life story, which she hides in the 900 biography section, and dreaming of becoming a writer. She, however, never does her class work during either the hours she is mainstreamed or in self-contained Special Education. In Special Ed. each day she writes letters to her father who abandoned she and her mother on Sahara’s birthday. These letters are put in Sahara’s file to document her “special needs.” Sahara’s mother is concerned about the methods of instruction and the behavior of her peers in the Special Needs program so in 5th grade she refuses Special Education support for her daughter. Though terrified of spending all day in the “regular” classroom Sahara has a new and different teacher, Ms. Porte’, who tells the students they may call her “Miss Pointy.” Miss Pointy refuses to have preconceived ideas about her students or read their permanent records. They journal daily, read silently and hear stories told by Miss Pointy. With an unorthodox teacher that plays to her strengths Sahara’s confidence begins to grow and she slowly makes friends and is invited by female classmates to join their “club.” Sahara really turns a corner when she finally gets a rainbow star sticker in her journal and is coaxed to read her family story aloud in front of the class. Her classmates are astounded at her vocabulary and writing talent and their support coupled with Porte’s helps her begin to branch out and try her hand at writing fiction. She and her mother become closer in part because Sahara stops hiding her stories from her mother and because of a meeting with Porte’. Mrs. Jones has always loved and been fiercely proud of Sahara, she just never understood the not completing her assignments situation. Sahara realizes she is special but her classmates no longer call her “Sahara Special.” Not only does Ms. Porte’ draw Sahara out of her shell but also another Special Ed. student named Daryl who has often been a teacher’s least favorite student because of his sullen attitude and disrespect for authority. In fact Ms. Porte’ fabricates a story to the Special Ed. teacher in front of her students stating that Daryl’s mom has refused services for her son but the note must have become lost. Ms. Porte’ knows she will have more success with Daryl and in the end she does, much to his surprise. Recommended for students in grades 3-7 the story exemplifies the lasting difference one teacher can have in the life of a child and the intrinsic value of belonging, reading, writing, books and stories. Codell has a real ear for the cadence of childrens’ speech which will quickly draw in many students. SAHARA SPECIAL is at once a unique and authentic tale. The narration by Phylicia Rashad is exemplary!