Chagrin d'école
Daniel Pennac looks back at his own life as a struggling student who just could not grasp what was happening in the classroom. He explores the shame and frustration felt by those who fall behind, as well as the impact on their families and teachers. This memoir offers a personal look at how the education system can fail children and how a few dedicated mentors can change everything.
While Chagrin d'école is a standalone memoir, it reflects themes of education and storytelling that are central to Pennac's broader body of work, particularly his Malussène series which often features characters involved in the educational system.
Chagrin d'école was awarded the Prix Renaudot in 2007, a prestigious French literary prize, recognizing its significant contribution to contemporary French literature.