The School Story

When Natalie Nelson, in sixth grade, writes a novel which her best friend Zoe thinks is the best book she's ever read, the two girls decide to get it published. Natalie's mother is an editor of Shipley Junior Books, but she does not know Natalie has written a book, and the girls do not want special favors from her. Natalie decides to use a pen name, Cassandra Day, for her book, and with Zoe acting as her agent and calling herself Zee Zee Reisman, the girls contact publishers and learn how books are produced, while keeping their ages a secret. The story uses realistic dialogue between two girls whose personalities are very different--one thoughtful and serious (Natalie/Cassandra), and the other talkative and full of energy (Zoe/ZeeZee)--and as the girls work toward their goal of seeing Natalie's book in print, they learn what makes a good book, the biggest problems with "bad" books, why a literary agent is needed, how publishers connect with authors, the importance of contracts and a lawyer, how editing works, and how publishers create publicity for books. Twelve-year-old Natalie and Zoe must use all their imagination and energy to solve many adult-sized problems here. As they try to keep Natalie's mother from discovering who Cassandra Day really is, they also learn the value of friendship and loyalty, the importance of being honest, and how to accomplish goals by working hard (with only a little adult help). Natalie and Zoe are lively and natural, and author Andrew Clements gives enough background about their family lives to involve middle-grade readers in their lives--and keep them on the edges of their chairs. A delightful story that will captivate kids--and the adults with whom they may share this story. n Mary Whipple

Andrew Clements is the author of a number of "school stories," so he's writing about something he's well aware of when he tells the tale of a girl who writes her very own school story and sets out how to get it published. Well --- that's not quite right, rather the girl Natalie Nelson (pen-name Cassandra Day) is encouraged to publish the story by her friend, Zoe Riceman (a.k.a. "Zee Zee.") Andrew Clements describes the girls' friendship as "push-and-pull" Natalie has always been a writer, while Zoe is a talker. Further, Zoe is the daughter of an attorney and could possibly be one herself, she's been winning arguments ever since she could talk. At first, Natalie doesn't want to publish her novel, not sure it would succeed, but is slowly brought around to the idea by Zoe. What follows is a hilarious, but also touching tale of the ins-and-outs of publishing, friendship, and good, hard-work. Readers will laugh at some of the riotous schemes in the book and cheer as progress is made. And they will also find things to relate to in the tale of a daughter, her widowed mother (and editor) and a girls' memories of her father.

The School Story by Andrew Clements is a great book. It really says how much kids can do if they try!Natalie writes a book and her friend Zoe cant bare to see it go to waste. So, they try to get it published. Natalie and Zoe deal with everything from friendship matters to legal matters. In the end, it really pays off!This book is encouraging to young writers. It is filled with funny and emotional parts. It also has a universal theme. Everyone can enjoy it!

Andrew Clements did really good writing this book. It shows the relationship of two twelve year old girls taking a chance to Publish Natalies Book, and what they have to go through to do so.

This book is another great one by Andrew Clements and was chosen as our first summer read for a mother-daughter book club. Twelve-year old Natalie writes a story and her friend Zoe is certain she can get it published. Although Natalie's Mom works as an editor for a publishing story, Zoe wants the book to be published on its own merit. Natalie, who is a remarkable writer, couldn't get the book published without Zoe's determination, cunning, and confidence. As an adult reader, it made me realize how our fears can hold us back and keep us from fulfilling our dreams, in that Zoe showed no fear at all. A great book to demonstrate that talents come in different packages (be it that of a writer, agent or seller) and to encourage both boys and girls to pursue their talents. Neither my 9-year old daughter or I could put this book down.