What Mr. Mattero Did

by Priscilla Cummings

Overview

Three junior high school girls accuse their music teacher of inappropriate actions. The story is told through the eyes of one of the accusers, Claire, who lives in the shadow of a disabled younger brother, and the teacher’s daughter Melody.  Interwoven in the story are the problems the three accusers face in their own lives and the work Melody does at a horse farm where she helps disabled children – one of whom turns out to be Claire’s brother.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781101157046
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	08/18/2005
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	317 KB
Age Range:	12 - 15 Years

About the Author

Priscilla Cummings lives in Annapolis, Maryland.

Editorial Reviews

Reminiscent of Avi's Nothing But the Truth and Joyce Carol Oates's Sexy, this novel frankly expresses how allegations of abuse have lasting repercussions for both victims and guilty parties. Cummings's (Red Kayak; Autumn Journey) story begins when seventh grader Claire and her two "best friends" go to the principal's office to make a report. All three claim to have been touched inappropriately by their music teacher, Mr. Mattero. Immediate action is taken. Mr. Mattero is placed on administrative leave. The girls are interrogated by the police, and classmates split loyalties. Some students feel sympathetic toward the girls, while others-mainly band and orchestra members-remain loyal to Mr. Mattero. Throughout the investigation-which has devastating effects for all characters involved, as well as their families-readers will need to read between the lines to see where the truth lies as Mr. Mattero's eighth-grade daughter, Melody, and Claire share their points of view in alternating chapters. Claire remains adamant that she has been molested; Melody is just as resolute in believing that Claire is telling a lie. Suspense builds as disturbing facts about Mr. Mattero's past and Claire's stressful home life with an autistic brother emerge; unexpected twists of fate shed light on well-kept secrets. Riveting and timely, this shocking slice-of-life drama is sure to keep pages turning. Ages 10-up. (Aug.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Gr 6-8-When three seventh-grade girls from Oakdale Middle School come forward with an accusation that Mr. Mattero touched them inappropriately, the passionate, veteran music teacher is summarily sent home, and a formal investigation-and lots of informal character assassination-quickly gets underway. Once the media becomes involved, the man becomes persona non grata and is presumed guilty by most. Naturally, he's devastated, and his family suffers too, as the rumors and reproaches escalate. Melody, Mattero's daughter, is particularly affected; she happens to be an eighth-grader at Oakdale. The story is told from her perspective, alternating with chapters written from the point of view of Claire, one of the accusers. Cummings has crafted an engrossing and thought-provoking tale involving sensitive, real-life issues. The first-person dialogue sounds authentic, the pacing is brisk, and the personal situations woven into the plot are apt and age-appropriate. The book provides a great deal of high-interest suspense, and, when the issue of what Mr. Mattero did is finally resolved, readers get an ending that's both satisfying and realistic.-Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Dual narrators relate the story of a middle-school music teacher accused of improperly touching three of his students. Claire, one of the accusers, describes the result of their accusations: Mr. Mattero is placed on administrative leave and a police investigation is launched. Melody, the teacher's daughter, reveals the impact of the accusation on her family, especially her father, a dedicated musician and recovering alcoholic. Unfortunately, although Cummings alludes to several serious subjects, including eating disorders and the difficulty of coping with physical and mental challenges (Claire's younger brother is autistic), her characters don't come alive enough to engage the emotions. Coincidences weaken the plot, further distancing readers. The climax won't come as a shock to most readers, though the notion that middle-school students could be naive enough to be surprised by the results of their accusations may raise a few eyebrows. Claire's eventual confession feels equally unlikely, despite being inspired by her discovery that a new friend is actually being sexually abused. Too much content, not enough style. (Fiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews