Morgenstern’s second translated book humorously highlights differences between a tiny village school in France and schools in America. “The Autograph” chronicles teachers’ creativity. When an assignment has un pleasant repercussions for a sensitive student, the teacher transforms it into an historical search for personal heroes. “Our Teacher’s Boyfriend” dem onstrates technology’s progression as well as differences between cultures. A two-classroom village school has a telephone and fax machine installed, but the incessant ringing and avalanche of faxes from Maurice cause an extended disruption in teaching. With a theme of love lightheartedly present, this book is a good choice as a February read-aloud. 2006 USBBY CBC Outstanding International Books List. Author wrote the 2002 Batchelder Award–winning A Book of Coupons . lmp

Originally published separately as Le Fiancé de la Maitresse in French by l’Êcole des Loisirs France, in 1997, and L’autographe by l’Êcole des Loisirs France, in 2003. Translated by Gillian Rosner.

In the first of two school stories set in France, the persistent boyfriend of Julien's teacher becomes a nuisance when he uses the class's new telephone/fax machine to express his love; and in the second, a homework assignment involving autographs has everyone excited in Claudette's class.