Saturday, April 23, 2011

The School Story


The School Story
Author: Andrew Clements
Publisher: New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, c2001.

Plot Description:
            Natalie might only be 12 years old, but she has already written her first novel.  Now she needs to get it published!  While she does have an ‘in’ into the publishing world thanks to her editor mother, she wants to make sure that the story is published because it actually is good, not just because her mom feels obligated because she’s her daughter.  That’s when Natalie’s best friend Zoe comes up with a plan to become Natalie’s agent and get the book published so the entire world can read the book.

Review:
            A School Story is a well written book about a young novelist who wants to get her story published.  The characters are all very well developed, spirited and determined. The plot is very original, and the hints at the book that Natalie wrote add extra to the story.  The book also focuses a lot on the fallout, even years later, of Natalie’s father’s death.  It is a great story which will appeal to tweens

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Reading level: 4th- 5th Grade

Similar Books: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Reader’s Advisory:
Personal thoughts- cute story
Subjects/themes- Authorship, Writing, Publishing, Best Friends
Character names/descriptions-
            Natalie/Cassandra Day- writes a fantastic novel
            Zoe/Zee Zee- becomes Natalie’s agent so she can get her book published
            Ms. Clayton- their English teacher at school who helps them with their plan
Annotation: If you had an agent like Zee Zee, you’re book would get published too!

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