Third Grade Angels

Mrs. Simms’s guidance through the halo competition serves as a catalyst for the students’ deeper understanding of moral behavior. From the outset, Mrs. Simms introduces the concept of “goodness” with a clear directive, stating dramatically, “This… you have to earn” (12). This proclamation sets the stage for the students’ journey towards understanding that genuine goodness cannot be achieved through performative acts alone. Spinelli emphasizes this distinction through Mrs. Simms’s guidance, highlighting that while “angels” are often associated with perfection, the students are “third-grade angels, people-type angels” (9) and this whimsical yet honest description acknowledges the inherent imperfections of humanity and reassures the students that complete perfection is not expected or required. Instead, Mrs. Simms uses this comparison to emphasize the importance of always striving for improvement. In many ways, Mrs. Simms represents the presence of the author’s voice within the novel, for Spinelli employs her moments of guidance to underscore the importance of acknowledging and grappling with the complexities of moral behavior rather than striving for unattainable perfection. Mrs. Simms’s approach to the halo competition therefore challenges her students to delve more deeply into the true meaning of goodness, and she stresses the importance of embracing authenticity and integrity in everyday life.