Perspective

Codell begins the book as a twenty-four-year-old, rookie teacher. She is confident bordering on arrogant, and believes she has a better way of teaching than many of the much more experienced teachers. She rails against the educational bureaucracy, and considers it a near-worthless obstacle in the way of the learning process. She is passionate, and she cares greatly about the success of her students, allowing herself to become emotionally attached to the children in her class.

There is a sense that Codell relishes conflict. She will not back down when Mr. Turner challenges her about her insistence on being called "Madame Esme," and she delights in annoying Mr. Turner and Ms. Coil with her eccentric behavior, such as wearing unusual costumes. Codell delights in challenging the status quo, whether it be innovative teaching methods, trying to get her ambitious Fairy Tale Festival approved, or being an outspoken opponent...