A story as sweet and delightful as its cover, Teacher of the Year was charmingly funny and full of heart. 
I don't even know where to start, because I loved everything about the story! There was even a cuddly kitty, so how could I not have rated this 5 stars? In all honesty the truth is the writing was fantastic, the characters lovable and diverse, and important topics weaved through the romance and I feel like I came out the other side a little bit wiser. (Also I was constantly smiling from Marvin's hilarious thoughts and narrative!)
A few of my favorite parts include the inclusion of mental health issues, to the Jewish representation, to shining a light on the difficulties of recovering from childhood trauma. Marvin's support system gave him love, and at times the tough love as warranted by the situation. Over the course of the story he realizes that he still has a lot to work on, and he can't do it alone. As scary as it is to trust another person after what he has been through, he still takes that chance, and I think it's beautiful. 
The relationship that Olan and Marvin developed felt so organic and real. I wish we had gotten a chapter or two from Olan's perspective, just to see how he was falling for Marvin before Marvin even realized it! The communication that they eventually have and the boundaries they set were so great to see in a romance. I have zero experience with children and no desire to sire any of my own, but that was almost changed by how adorable Illona and the other children were. 
I just want to take the time to say this is one of the best illustrations on a book that I've ever seen, Myriam Strasbourg really captured the characters so well. 
This book is definitely worth a read, and I can't wait to see what the author writes next.