One year in the Australian classroom 6C is described in free verse by hippie, unconventional, nurturing teacher Mr. Carey and his elevenand twelve-year-old students. J-man the rapper, Emily the ballerina, Sophie the poet, Billy the punk, and others experience yoga, Shakespeare, belly dancing, unusual cocurricular activities, and produce a variety concert. Funny, easily accessible poems and childlike black-and-white drawings clearly present Mr. Carey’s classroom, where each student is valued and given the opportunity to explore and succeed. Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book (Young Readers Category). mjw

Originally published by Allen & Unwin Australia, in 2005.

A humorous look at the way one quirky teacher brings out the best in each of his students. Steven Herrick delves into the murky waters of a middle-school classroom, complete with a nerdy vegetarian teacher, Mr. Carey. What a crazy class! And what a funny, unpredictable year--the year of Naked Bunyip Dancing--when the students find out who they are, what they're good at, and how to put on a fantastic show. The cast of characters includes Mr. Carey the Hairy, Billy the punk genius, J-man the rapper, Sophie the poet, Ahmet the soccer star, Anna the yoga master, Peter the boy with the talking bottom, Emily the ballerina, and others, each with a special talent. Mr. Carey introduces strange, new activities--from belly dancing to poetry jams--and the class responds with a passion for learning. The night of the class concert will undoubtedly be one of the best nights of their lives.