A great topic about a teacher permanently leaving school, whether it be for retirement, a health issue, or a variety of other reasons (it was not described in the book). While all the other kids help pack away Mrs. McBee's stuff, one shy boy contributes illustrations of memories they shared throughout the year.

A couple of reasons for the low score: A head-scratching plot point when the teacher explaining her permanent leave of absence on the very last day of school (at least I think it is because the kids pack away all her stuff on the same day), a somewhat unnecessary bratty girl antagonist, and an ambiguous departure (perhaps leaving it ambiguous for readers to insert their own experience).