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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
No Teacher Left Standing by Jeffrey Penn May centers on Sarah Morgan, a dedicated first-grade teacher navigating a tumultuous year marked by workplace politics, strained relationships, and the impending arrival of her baby. May masterfully intertwines Sarah’s professional struggles with her personal journey, creating a protagonist who is relatable and inspiring. Her determination to protect her reputation and advocate for her students while enduring administrative challenges is juxtaposed with her vulnerability as she faces the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy. The tension between Sarah and her colleagues, particularly the manipulative Tiffany Strap and the ambitious Margo, adds drama to the narrative. May’s ability to capture the nuances of workplace dynamics and the sacrifices educators make is commendable. Additionally, the depiction of Sarah’s interactions with her students, especially the troubled Drake Patton, shows her compassion and dedication, even as she faces mounting challenges.
Jeffrey Penn May’s novel No Teacher Left Standing is a compelling and emotionally charged exploration of the challenges faced by educators in a modern school system. May’s writing is descriptive and immersive, painting vivid scenes of the school environment, Sarah’s home life, and the hospital. The dialogue is authentic, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the weight of unspoken emotions. The story’s pacing is engaging, with moments of quiet reflection balanced by intense confrontations and emotional highs. The novel also critiques systemic issues within education, such as budget constraints, administrative pressures, the misuse of parental influence, and the unrealistic focus on standardized testing metrics, making the book a broader commentary on the state of education. As an educator, I found No Teacher Left Standing a compelling read and an accurate portrayal of today’s education system.
