Book Blurb:
Wanda Hare is a young educator in the rural community of Holcomb County, North Carolina in the late 1980's. One of the brightest and most intelligent educators in the system, she has quickly made her way up the ranks into administration. Over the summer of 1987 she is promoted to principal of East Holcomb High School, home of the panthers. She becomes the first female principal in her small community.
While she is excited to start this new journey in her career, she quickly realizes the obstacles in her way. Wanda must overcome the discrimination she faces from her male counterparts, students, and teachers. She must make difficult decisions and face the potential consequences. Most importantly, though, she must continue to be strong and inspire her young daughter as she watches her mother struggle through the obstacles of her newfound position.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/Bvtp
Editorial Review:
In The Principal's Principles, Tyler Wittkofsky writes a compelling narrative that dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of Wanda, a dedicated educator who becomes the first female principal in her district.
Shawn looked over at Wanda. “You’ve spoken in front of crowds larger than this, in front of opposing teams who wanted to destroy our school’s team. You always find a way to speak the right words at the right time.”
“Why a public meeting?” Wanda asked, confused.
“To show them – and you – that you have more support than they think you do.”
The subtle cleverness of the book unfolds slowly and can catch you off guard. At the beginning, the novel moves slowly. We are introduced to a lovely woman who is about to take on a prestigious new role as the first female principal in her county. Her supportive husband and young daughter are by her side, and her colleagues appear to be welcoming and pleased for her. We follow her journey as she steps into this new position, doing her best despite her nervousness and the weight of the new responsibilities.
Initially, the book seems to lack clear conflict. Everything seems to be going smoothly, which makes her ongoing sense of unease feel a bit out of place. But as the story progresses, the subtle cleverness of the narrative starts to become apparent. We see how she is gradually and quietly undermined by her colleagues. Her initial warmth and support from others begin to wane as she faces subtle dismissal and passive-aggressive behavior. The hints of gossip and anonymous complaints start to emerge, adding layers of tension to her experience. Her home is even attacked, making it clear that some people are deeply displeased with her presence in the role. We feel a sense of dread growing, and suddenly, her anxiety makes sense.
And isn't that the crux of the female experience?
Her instincts about the challenges she faces prove to be accurate. Throughout the story, we witness her handling these difficulties with remarkable grace. Despite her worry and the immense pressure she feels to live up to expectations, Wanda remains a brilliantly written character. She is strong, yet her compassion and vulnerability shine through. She isn't afraid to show her emotions and seek support from those who care about her. At the same time, she stands her ground with calm and dignity, confronting aggression with a sense of inner strength and resilience.
From the outset, Wanda’s character is painted with rich, relatable detail. The opening chapter, where Wanda reflects on her life while sipping sweet tea on the porch, immediately grounds the reader in her world. She’s wholesome, and easy to love. We know what she cares about, and what her values are. There’s a sincerity to her that is endlessly endearing.
Wittkofsky masterfully handles Wanda’s transition into her new role. Her initial apprehensions about being accepted in a traditionally male dominated field comes through well, yet she navigates these challenges with grace. Robert Kane, the assistant principal, and Allison Schmidt, the administrative assistant, are some of her first allies. Or are they?
One of the standout aspects of the novel is its attention to the small, yet significant, interactions that define Wanda’s days. The tension with Coach over her knowledge of football, the heartfelt conversations with students, and the unexpected support from the lunch staff add texture and make normally mundane moments fascinating studies in human behavior. These moments show Wanda’s empathetic leadership and her genuine care for the school community.
“Mommy! Mommy! We’ve been here since you walked onto the field! I tried to call for you before you got out there, but Daddy stopped me,” Michelle said, rolling her eyes and looking up at her dad.
Knowing that she and George had been there during the entire speech made Wanda happy. She may not have known they were there, but she believed their presence gave her the confidence she desired to deliver the speech so well.
The characters are the heart and soul of this story. Wanda starts the story as a seasoned teacher who is hesitant but ultimately motivated to take on the role of principal. Initially, she struggles with self doubt and concerns about how she will be received. As she settles into the role, her growth becomes evident. She learns to manage conflicts, build relationships with staff and students, and handle crises with increasing confidence.
Perhaps the most interesting characters, though, are Robert Kane and Coach.
Robert Kane, the Assistant Principal, initially appears as a supportive colleague but gradually reveals a more complex and troubling side. Meanwhile, Coach represents the traditional and often resistant attitudes within the school. His initial skepticism and hostility towards Wanda reflect broader challenges in changing established norms.
The contrast between these two main sources of conflict in the story was fascinating to read.
As the story continues, the book doesn’t shy away from addressing more serious issues either. The incidents involving fights among students, the bomb threat, and the malicious actions of a certain staff member add great drama, keeping readers engaged. These conflicts serve to test Wanda’s resolve and show her growth as a leader beautifully. Her handling of these crises, particularly her ability to maintain composure and act decisively, is inspiring.
The subplot involving Wanda’s daughter, Michelle, was lovely but would have been better if it was expanded on. Michelle’s pride in her mother’s achievements and her own struggles with bullying and school politics are well written and relatable. Wittkovsky explores the impact of Wanda’s career on her family, so it is a shame that we were not shown more of these scenes.
Perhaps the most poignant sections of the novel are Wanda’s reflections on her role as a principal and her impact on the students. Her speech at the homecoming football game and her interactions with Katherine and Craig are particularly moving, showing her commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive school environment. These moments resonate deeply, reinforcing the power of compassionate leadership. For a character as genuine as Wanda, these moments come across as sincere and heartwarming rather than saccharine.
Wittkofsky uses straightforward prose that allows the storytelling to shine. The sentences are concise, and the dialogue feels natural, making it easy for readers to understand the characters' thoughts and emotions. Wittkovsky manages to create conversations that feel genuine and are crucial for advancing the plot and revealing character dynamics. The writing style places a strong emphasis on character development. Wittkovsky skillfully uses dialogue to reveal the characters’ motivations, conflicts, and growth. This character-centric approach allows readers to connect deeply with Wanda and the other characters, making their personal journeys more compelling.
The Principal's Principles is more than just a story about a woman breaking barriers in her career. It’s a testament to the strength of community, the importance of supportive relationships, and the enduring impact of a dedicated educator. Tyler Wittkofsky has told her story beautifully, it is both heartwarming and thought provoking, making it an excellent read for anyone interested in stories of personal and professional growth.
This is a beautifully written, emotionally rich novel that captures the complexities of leadership and the power of perseverance. Wanda’s journey is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her students and community.
*****
“The Principal's Principles” by Tyler Wittkofsky receives 3.5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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