Batchelder (Translation)

"A Book of Coupons"

Susie Morgenstern

 

Bibliographical Info: Morgenstern, S.(2001). A Book of Coupons. New York: Penguin Putnam Books
Grade Level: 4 and up Genre: Realistic Fiction
First published in France in 1999 by l'ecole des loisirs, under the title Joker. Translation by gill Rosner. Illustrated by Serge Bloch.

Response: I absolutely loved this book!!! Before having it my hands, and only knowing the title, I had no idea what to expect and was wondering why one would go through the trouble of translating a book if it was only about coupons. This got me thinking of what qualifies a book to get translated and published in another country. With this in mind, my whole view as to why someone would translate this book shifted once I got a look at the cover, and especially after reading the book. The coupons are no ordinary coupons and offer passes for things such as, sleeping late, skipping a day of school, being late to school, losing your homework, forgetting your books, not listening in class, sleeping in class, copying from your neighbor, not going when called to the blackboard, getting out of trouble, eating in class, making a lot of noise, singing at the top of your lungs wherever you like, dancing in class, taking a break from class, clowning around, telling a lie, giving the teacher a kiss on the cheek, hugging whomever you like, taking your own sweet time, never-ending recess, forgetting the books for your assignment, for a longer vacation, and a wild card. As a person who has gone through the education system, I can't tell you how much I wish I had these coupons when I was going to school.

It was Monsieur Noel and his approach to life that sold me completely on this book and his imparting lessons are something I will carry with me the rest of my life. On the first day he talks about the reason he became a teacher, because he loves giving presents, and that every single day he is going to give them to his students. "I"m giving you the whole year of lessons for free. I'm giving away books. I'm giving away penmanship and spelling. I'm giving away math and science. I'm giving away everything life has taught me." This character made me reevaluate everything from something as simple as a dictionary, to my own life, and all these "coupons" we often take for granted. I have an even greater appreciation for all things I am blessed with in my life, my family, friends, and education, and especially all my teachers who have gifted me tremendously over the years. "Even if this book does not legally belong to you, it is yours from the moment that you read it. My gift to you is the story, the characters, the words, the ideas, the style, the emotions. Once you have read the book, all these things will be yours for life." Ultimately, this book reminds us of what is important in our lives and my only hope is that I will use up all coupons life has graciously given me.

Critique: 

• Setting: Elementary school in France, specifically Monsieur Noel's 5th grade classroom
• Point of View: A third-person omniscient narrator who overlooks the story.
• Character: Monsieur Hubert Noel a fat,wrinkly, old, kind-hearted man who's teaching can be unconventional at times, but always meant with the best intentions. His classroom of students act as supporting characters who at first are disappointed when they walk in the first day of school, but by the end learn to love him and his lessons that leave a lasting impression on all of them. Incarnation Perez is the stern principal who acts as the antagonist in the story who disapproves of Monsieur Noel's teaching and ultimately leads to his retirement.
• Theme: Life is like a coupon book, you should use them all while you have the chance.
• Style: The style of this book is very care-free and humorous. The author writes with simple sentences and although it is a quick read, it manages to have such a great and insightful message.

Connections: After having read, A Book of Coupons by Susie Morgenstern, students will be able to create their own book full of 20 meaningful coupons to present to the class.

Discussion Questions:

1. How did the students view of Monsieur Noel change from the first day of school to the last day of school?
2. Was Monsieur Noel a good teacher? Why or why not? 
3. What is the greatest lesson that Monsieur Noel teaches his students through the book of coupons?
4. If you were given this book of coupons what would your reaction be? Which ones would you use first? Make up 5 new coupons that you would add.
5. Recall a time when someone you cared about taught you something important. Please describe in detail what they said and how you have carried their advice with you up until your life now.