Sahara Special

By: Esme Raji Codell

Narrated by: Phylicia Rashad

There are two files on Sahara Jones. The one the school counselor keeps is evidence that she is a fifth grader who needs special education. The other is the book Sahara is secretly writing, her Heart-Wrenching Life Story and Amazing Adventures.

The latest chapter in her book unfolds when her mother insists that she be taken out of special ed. So Sahara is facing fifth grade in the regular classroom, again. But why even try to do work, Sahara wonders, if everything she does just winds up in the counselor's file?

Enter Miss Pointy, the new fifth-grade teacher. With her eggplant-colored lipstick and strange subjects, such as "Puzzling" and "Time Travel," she's like no other teacher Sahara has ever known. When she passes out writing journals to the class, Sahara begins to have fresh hope for the school year. Through Miss Pointy's unusual teaching, storytelling and quiet support, Sahara finds the courage to overcome her fears and prove which file shows her true self.

Laugh-out-loud dialogue and unforgettable characters distinguish Esme Raji Codell's debut novel about a troubled but talented student, and the inspiring teacher whose belief in her changes her life.

©2003 Esme Raji Codell (P)2003 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint Of Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Sahara is sweeter than Harriet the Spy, as needy and engaging as Ramona, and is sure to be a character whom children will want to read about and get to know...Underneath the humor glows real warmth and love. A special novel that readers will not be able to put down." (School Library Journal)
"Codell works in wonderful metaphors and important life lessons." (Booklist)

genuine story

Story of a young girl struggling with ways to define relationships with her father and with friends
Eloquently told by author, many themes, yearning for acceptance, dealing with anger, school regimentation. Unforgettable characters! Enjoyed reading to older elementary aged grandchildren and listening on Audible...wonderful narrator.

Family Favorite

Our family listened to this at the tail end of a long road trip. We all laughed, and a couple of us wiped a couple tears. Some good humor, and a few insightful pointers for the teacher (me, mom) in the family to use with my own students. Sahara is a likable character, for sure!

Destined to become a classic!

I am an avid reader/audiobook listener, and I originally picked this one up at the library under "new releases". After growing up with "Ramona" as well as "Harriet the Spy" I thoroughly enjoyed "Saharah Special". I could easily relate to her (having had troubles in school when I was her age,) and being a writer myself. I loved her new teacher, who just had a way with kids. I found myself drawn into this story and into Saharah's life so well, I was actually disappointed to have it end. Bravo to Esme, I hope you write more about Saharah!

Wonderful Book

This book is a must read for all elementary school teachers and k-12 resource teachers. It is so beautifully written that I found myself listening over and over to various segments of the book. This would make a wonderful gift for the educator in your life or your childrens' lives.

classic audio brilliance a repeat enjoyment

I have listened to this audiobook over the years time and time again and it's still has a classic humor and genuine heart warming overall storyline

The best book ever

This book is the best one of the best books i ever read it is awesome really good