Barbara Finney is not exactly A. S. Neill, and "The Cat Ate My Gymsuit" stands in relation to literature as Judith Viorst's verses do to poetry. But it is funny and alive, and if it encourages readers to expect something more from teachers than they are getting, it is well worth [its price].

Veronica Geng, "'The Cat Ate My Gym Suit'," in The New York Times Book Review (© 1975 by The New York Times Company; reprinted by permission), January 5, 1975, p. 8.