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Every Living Thing
Here are twelve deeply moving short stories from the perceptive pen of Cynthia Rylant. Each captures the moment when someone's life changes -- when an animal causes a human being to see things in a different way, and, perhaps, changes his life.
81 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 1985
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657 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
514 books862 followersAn author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she is the creator of contemporary novels and historical fiction for young adults, middle-grade fiction and fantasy, lyrical prose poems, beginning readers, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry and verse, books of prayers and blessings, two autobiographies, and a biography of three well-known children's writers; several volumes of the author's fiction and picture books are published in series, including the popular "Henry and Mudge" easy readers about a small boy and his very large dog.
Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.
from bookrags.com
Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.
from bookrags.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
February 27, 2017
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ― Anatole France
Sheesh - I am becoming such a maudlin old broad! I don't know . . . maybe it's just raging hormones, but nearly every story in this collection moved me to tears. Rylant presents twelve very short stories, most are just a few pages, about people and animals - how they bonded, and how the humans became better, stronger, and braver people from their encounters with these creatures.
We meet Jack Mitchell, who can't wait to check himself out of the Veteran's Hospital, and resume drinking himself to death. But, then . . . who will feed those squirrels?
Then there's a retired schoolteacher who's given up on the things that made her happy. She inherits an elderly dog who's missing having children in her life. Together they discover new experiences by revisiting old haunts.
And here we have a grieving young man, forced to live with his Aunt Esther, a virtual stranger. It's stranger still how they manage to bond over . . . hermit crabs?
And, don't forget Emmanuella, the ten-year-old girl who has wanted a pet for so very long. She dreamed of a dog or cat she could play with and pet. Imagine her disappointment when her parents presented her with a "used" goldfish who was old and blind. Yet, she became devoted to that fish, and, when he died, she was finally able to pet him.
Sob!
You may not need a box of tissues to get through this book. It's probably just me, and the stage of life I'm in right now. It's probably the fact that my dog is now almost thirteen-years-old, and that's the high end of the life expectancy scale for Golden Retrievers. But, if you've ever had an animal - a dog, cat, fish, bird, lizard, horse, guinea pig, etc. - who somehow managed to touch something inside of you, then maybe these stories will have special meaning for you.
“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.” ― A.A. Milne
Sheesh - I am becoming such a maudlin old broad! I don't know . . . maybe it's just raging hormones, but nearly every story in this collection moved me to tears. Rylant presents twelve very short stories, most are just a few pages, about people and animals - how they bonded, and how the humans became better, stronger, and braver people from their encounters with these creatures.
We meet Jack Mitchell, who can't wait to check himself out of the Veteran's Hospital, and resume drinking himself to death. But, then . . . who will feed those squirrels?
Then there's a retired schoolteacher who's given up on the things that made her happy. She inherits an elderly dog who's missing having children in her life. Together they discover new experiences by revisiting old haunts.
And here we have a grieving young man, forced to live with his Aunt Esther, a virtual stranger. It's stranger still how they manage to bond over . . . hermit crabs?
And, don't forget Emmanuella, the ten-year-old girl who has wanted a pet for so very long. She dreamed of a dog or cat she could play with and pet. Imagine her disappointment when her parents presented her with a "used" goldfish who was old and blind. Yet, she became devoted to that fish, and, when he died, she was finally able to pet him.
Sob!
You may not need a box of tissues to get through this book. It's probably just me, and the stage of life I'm in right now. It's probably the fact that my dog is now almost thirteen-years-old, and that's the high end of the life expectancy scale for Golden Retrievers. But, if you've ever had an animal - a dog, cat, fish, bird, lizard, horse, guinea pig, etc. - who somehow managed to touch something inside of you, then maybe these stories will have special meaning for you.
“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.” ― A.A. Milne
November 4, 2019
I finished this heartwarming book today. It was a super quick read and an animal loving book. Those who love animals are very grounded and in touch with God’s world. With my special needs kids finding healing and security in animals, this book touched me deeply.
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November 20, 2017 For the part Shells
Imagine you are living with your aunt who doesn’t talk to you and no one else wants you. Well in the story Shells by Cynthia Rylant a kid named Michael has that problem. He has to live with his aunt because his mom and dad died. I think Shells teaches you that if you share your feelings you will feel better. For example Michael’s Aunt, Esther tells her feelings then Michael feels like Aunt Esther is like his mom and then Esther feels better about what Michael says, and Michael comes out of his shell too. Here are my three reasons why I think that sharing your feelings makes you feel better.
One reason, Shells teaches you that when you share your feelings you will feel better is when Esther and Michael were sitting on the couch and Esther felt bad about what she said. The author then said “Michael smelt a familiar smell, his mother’s talc." I think that talc means perfume so that’s why I think it means he felt like Esther was like his mom. I think this is important because it shows Esther is getting closer to Michael .
The second reason Shells teaches you that when you share your feelings you will feel better is when Michael felt like Esther was family and Michael said “ No Aunt, Esther, he shook his head solemnly I don’t hate you,” he said that because Esther whispered “I am sorry Michael, Oh you must hate me.” Michael then looked at Esther and that’s when he said, “ I don’t hate you Esther.” This shows that when Esther told her feels she felt better because specifically about what Michael said about her feelings.
The last reason Shells teaches you that when you share your feelings you will feel better is when Esther and Michael where looking at their hermit crabs and the author said, “The crab was coming out of his shell.” This is important because the crab is representing Michael, so this shows that Michael feels better about sharing his feelings with Esther and he can trust her more. It also shows that Esther will feel closer to Michael and he won’t be so mean to Esther any more.
As you can see, sharing your feelings makes you feel better. I have learned this lesson too. I think that a lot of people don’t share their feelings. I found a quote that said “ They may forget what you said but they will not forget how you made them feel.” I hoped this makes you remember to share your feelings and it will make you and maybe someone else feel better too. Sharing your feelings also doesn’t just make you feel better, but it make you feel like whoever you talked to you can trust them more so don’t forget to share your feelings so you feel better, and other people will feel better too, and you will feel like you can trust the person you talk to about your feelings. Also, the person you talk to will feel closer to you.
Imagine you are living with your aunt who doesn’t talk to you and no one else wants you. Well in the story Shells by Cynthia Rylant a kid named Michael has that problem. He has to live with his aunt because his mom and dad died. I think Shells teaches you that if you share your feelings you will feel better. For example Michael’s Aunt, Esther tells her feelings then Michael feels like Aunt Esther is like his mom and then Esther feels better about what Michael says, and Michael comes out of his shell too. Here are my three reasons why I think that sharing your feelings makes you feel better.
One reason, Shells teaches you that when you share your feelings you will feel better is when Esther and Michael were sitting on the couch and Esther felt bad about what she said. The author then said “Michael smelt a familiar smell, his mother’s talc." I think that talc means perfume so that’s why I think it means he felt like Esther was like his mom. I think this is important because it shows Esther is getting closer to Michael .
The second reason Shells teaches you that when you share your feelings you will feel better is when Michael felt like Esther was family and Michael said “ No Aunt, Esther, he shook his head solemnly I don’t hate you,” he said that because Esther whispered “I am sorry Michael, Oh you must hate me.” Michael then looked at Esther and that’s when he said, “ I don’t hate you Esther.” This shows that when Esther told her feels she felt better because specifically about what Michael said about her feelings.
The last reason Shells teaches you that when you share your feelings you will feel better is when Esther and Michael where looking at their hermit crabs and the author said, “The crab was coming out of his shell.” This is important because the crab is representing Michael, so this shows that Michael feels better about sharing his feelings with Esther and he can trust her more. It also shows that Esther will feel closer to Michael and he won’t be so mean to Esther any more.
As you can see, sharing your feelings makes you feel better. I have learned this lesson too. I think that a lot of people don’t share their feelings. I found a quote that said “ They may forget what you said but they will not forget how you made them feel.” I hoped this makes you remember to share your feelings and it will make you and maybe someone else feel better too. Sharing your feelings also doesn’t just make you feel better, but it make you feel like whoever you talked to you can trust them more so don’t forget to share your feelings so you feel better, and other people will feel better too, and you will feel like you can trust the person you talk to about your feelings. Also, the person you talk to will feel closer to you.
October 17, 2020
I read this to a class of fourth graders over a few months. Although all the stories demonstrated the importance of animals in our lives, the stories were usually bleak to me, because the humans were bleak. I may use some of the stories with future classes to highlight some aspect of writer’s craft, but I don’t think I'll ever read all of it to a class again. I’m too fragile, even if they aren’t.
Melki has a more positive spin on the whole thing though. See her review, because you may be in her camp:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Melki has a more positive spin on the whole thing though. See her review, because you may be in her camp:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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November 20, 2017The world can be hard when you have to make a big decision like the character in Cynthia Rylant’s "Spaghetti" did. This story is about a boy named Gabriel who could think and imagine things so clearly, that he almost missed the cry from the street, and when he saw where the cry was coming from, he made a big decision. "Spaghetti" is mostly about how Gabriel is rational. This story shows this when he imagined what it would be like to live outside all the time, when he was thinking so deeply that he almost missed the cry from the street, and when he decided that it would be better to stay where he was.
The first time the story shows that Gabriel is rational is when he imagined what it would be like to live outside all the time. I found evidence when the text said,”He imagined himself carrying a pack of food and a few tools and a heavy cloth to erect a hasty tent. Gabriel saw himself sleeping among coyotes. But next he saw himself sleeping under the glittering lights of a movie theatre, near the bus stop.” This evidence supports the text because it shows how clear he can imagine things. This proves that Gabriel is rational.
The second time it shows this is when Gabriel was thinking so deeply that he almost missed the cry from the street. I found evidence when the text said,”He thought about things so deeply, so fully, that on this evening, he almost missed hearing the cry from the street.The cry was so weak and faraway in his mind that, for him, it could have been the slow lifting of a stubborn window. It could have been the creak of an old man’s legs. It could have been the wind.” This evidence supports the text because it shows how deep Gabriel can think. This proves that Gabriel is rational.
The final time it shows specifically, that Gabriel is rational was when he decides that it would be better to stay where he was. I found evidence when the text said,”Gabriel no longer wanted to live outside. He knew he had a room and a bed of his own in the tall building.”This evidence supports the text because it shows how Gabriel can make his own decisions since he can think about things clearly. This proves that Gabriel is rational.
As you can see, Cynthia Rylant’s Spaghetti is mostly about how Gabriel is rational and the story shows this when, he was imagining what it would be like to live outside all the time,when he was thinking so deeply that he almost missed the cry from the street and when he decided it was better to stay where he was. I think the theme of this story is take care of something besides you because Gabriel had to take care of something beside himself. I learned that you should think about something before you do it.
The first time the story shows that Gabriel is rational is when he imagined what it would be like to live outside all the time. I found evidence when the text said,”He imagined himself carrying a pack of food and a few tools and a heavy cloth to erect a hasty tent. Gabriel saw himself sleeping among coyotes. But next he saw himself sleeping under the glittering lights of a movie theatre, near the bus stop.” This evidence supports the text because it shows how clear he can imagine things. This proves that Gabriel is rational.
The second time it shows this is when Gabriel was thinking so deeply that he almost missed the cry from the street. I found evidence when the text said,”He thought about things so deeply, so fully, that on this evening, he almost missed hearing the cry from the street.The cry was so weak and faraway in his mind that, for him, it could have been the slow lifting of a stubborn window. It could have been the creak of an old man’s legs. It could have been the wind.” This evidence supports the text because it shows how deep Gabriel can think. This proves that Gabriel is rational.
The final time it shows specifically, that Gabriel is rational was when he decides that it would be better to stay where he was. I found evidence when the text said,”Gabriel no longer wanted to live outside. He knew he had a room and a bed of his own in the tall building.”This evidence supports the text because it shows how Gabriel can make his own decisions since he can think about things clearly. This proves that Gabriel is rational.
As you can see, Cynthia Rylant’s Spaghetti is mostly about how Gabriel is rational and the story shows this when, he was imagining what it would be like to live outside all the time,when he was thinking so deeply that he almost missed the cry from the street and when he decided it was better to stay where he was. I think the theme of this story is take care of something besides you because Gabriel had to take care of something beside himself. I learned that you should think about something before you do it.
July 1, 2013
This is a lovely collection of short stories about the interaction of human and animal, and the ways in which animals can change and improve people's lives.
True, some of the stories present outdated norms--reptile advocates will cringe at the scene of a boy taking a turtle out of the wild to keep as a pet--but its heart is in the right place, and overall the effect is a very positive one.
True, some of the stories present outdated norms--reptile advocates will cringe at the scene of a boy taking a turtle out of the wild to keep as a pet--but its heart is in the right place, and overall the effect is a very positive one.
February 28, 2011
This was a sweet book. It was a quick read, full of short stories that you can read a little at a time or all at once. I had heard one of the stories, "Papa's Parrot" read out loud in a classroom, and it inspired some excellent journaling by the students. I can see how the the other stories could be used in the same fashion in a classroom.
July 23, 2016
This is a small book filled with wonderful tales of the way in which animals change the lives of young and old. I very much enjoy Rylant's works. She is one of my favorite authors. There are twelve stories in this book in praise of the gentle way a pet helps us see the world in an entirely different way.
January 19, 2024
3.5🌟
A compilation of short stories about animals and the way they can help people. Some of the themes were more on adult level and I think went over my kids heads.
A compilation of short stories about animals and the way they can help people. Some of the themes were more on adult level and I think went over my kids heads.
November 3, 2024
Deep realism is a Cynthia Rylant hallmark as much as it is for Margaret Wise Brown or Judy Blume, so I wasn't surprised by Every Living Thing, a collection of short stories that mimic real life. We open with "Slower Than the Rest" about ten-year-old Leo, who isn't as mentally quick as other kids. Leo gets a turtle he names Charlie, and it help him connect to his school peers. They understand Charlie is naturally slow, and this gives them a window into how Leo feels. Story two, "Retired", follows Miss Phala Cutcheon, a retired schoolteacher who adopts Velma, an elderly dog. The two of them yearn for the days when they were around kids all the time, but new kids may still enter their life. In "Boar Out There," a girl named Jenny stares into the woods, where a wild boar is said to roam. When she meets the beast face to face, will it tear her to shreds or show Jenny how awful it is to fear and be feared by people who misunderstood you? "Papa's Parrot" sees twelve-year-old Harry Tillian in crisis after his father's health emergency. Harry and his friends used to hang out at Mr. Tillian's sweets shop, but not so much these days. For now, Harry has to work there until his father recovers. It seems nothing but an inconvenience until Harry hears his dad’s parrot, Rocky, recite words that reveal how his father treasured the days when Harry visited his shop on a regular basis.
Up next is "A Pet", about a ten-year-old named Emma whose parents at long last buy her a pet. The blind, aged goldfish isn't ideal, but Emma loves Joshua for the brief time she has him. "Spaghetti" regards a lonely boy named Gabriel who wonders if he might be better off living outside by himself. He spots a kitten that smells of pasta noodles, and Gabriel decides to live in a house after all, to share with his new pet. "Drying Out" focuses on an adult character, war vet Jack Miller. Jack hates the alcohol rehab facility he's in, but a trio of squirrels outside his window keeps him there. He enjoys feeding them, and the squirrels appreciate his company. Maybe they're enough of a reason to live. "Stray" introduces Doris Lacey, who discovers an abandoned puppy. Her parents are firm that they haven't the money to keep it, but snowstorms delay the trip to the pound, and Doris grows to love the pup. How will she cope when her father takes it away?
Mr. Willis is a retiree with an invalid wife in "Planting Things". One summer evening, he finds a robin has laid eggs in his Swedish ivy on the porch. Someday the eggs will hatch and the robin and fledglings fly away, but for the moment Mr. Willis is pleased to have houseguests. A prickly woman named Magda searches for her cat Louis in "A Bad Road for Cats". Route 6 is frequented by truckers who don't always drive with care, but Louis is in another kind of trouble. Has the odd boy who lives near the road captured him? Perhaps the boy is no villain, but a misunderstood person like Magda. "Safe" sees Denny and his mother visit Uncle Jim in Maine during a time of unrest about war. Denny is surprised at the peace he gains from spending time with the cows. They live in the moment, not thinking about nuclear bombs; Denny could use some of that in his life. The final story is "Shells". Michael has lived with Aunt Esther since his parents died half a year ago. He and Esther are frustrated with each other, but Michael buys a hermit crab at a pet shop, and it somehow eases the tension. Maybe they can make this living arrangement work.
Every Living Thing is a bit too realistic. The stories could have happened in real life exactly as written, but I want some spark and surprise in my books. I rate Every Living Thing two and a half stars; Cynthia Rylant's unadorned style has merit, but doesn't necessarily make for transformative reading.
Up next is "A Pet", about a ten-year-old named Emma whose parents at long last buy her a pet. The blind, aged goldfish isn't ideal, but Emma loves Joshua for the brief time she has him. "Spaghetti" regards a lonely boy named Gabriel who wonders if he might be better off living outside by himself. He spots a kitten that smells of pasta noodles, and Gabriel decides to live in a house after all, to share with his new pet. "Drying Out" focuses on an adult character, war vet Jack Miller. Jack hates the alcohol rehab facility he's in, but a trio of squirrels outside his window keeps him there. He enjoys feeding them, and the squirrels appreciate his company. Maybe they're enough of a reason to live. "Stray" introduces Doris Lacey, who discovers an abandoned puppy. Her parents are firm that they haven't the money to keep it, but snowstorms delay the trip to the pound, and Doris grows to love the pup. How will she cope when her father takes it away?
Mr. Willis is a retiree with an invalid wife in "Planting Things". One summer evening, he finds a robin has laid eggs in his Swedish ivy on the porch. Someday the eggs will hatch and the robin and fledglings fly away, but for the moment Mr. Willis is pleased to have houseguests. A prickly woman named Magda searches for her cat Louis in "A Bad Road for Cats". Route 6 is frequented by truckers who don't always drive with care, but Louis is in another kind of trouble. Has the odd boy who lives near the road captured him? Perhaps the boy is no villain, but a misunderstood person like Magda. "Safe" sees Denny and his mother visit Uncle Jim in Maine during a time of unrest about war. Denny is surprised at the peace he gains from spending time with the cows. They live in the moment, not thinking about nuclear bombs; Denny could use some of that in his life. The final story is "Shells". Michael has lived with Aunt Esther since his parents died half a year ago. He and Esther are frustrated with each other, but Michael buys a hermit crab at a pet shop, and it somehow eases the tension. Maybe they can make this living arrangement work.
Every Living Thing is a bit too realistic. The stories could have happened in real life exactly as written, but I want some spark and surprise in my books. I rate Every Living Thing two and a half stars; Cynthia Rylant's unadorned style has merit, but doesn't necessarily make for transformative reading.
March 6, 2025
Bedtime stories to make you cry yourself to sleep
November 20, 2018
I loved how the book always kept the reader enjoyed and connected with the animal and the human unless they were wild in the first on the slowest onei loved how he used a turtule that was found on the street became a large part of his life even though this book was short I loved it. this book is just a feel good book so I dont know what to say anymore but even know my expirence was short but it was a good one.
February 22, 2009
A little preachy, but great short stories for teaching character traits, symbolism, and theme.
January 23, 2011
A beautiful collection of touching stories about the bond humans and thier animal companions can share.
July 11, 2013
Great book for teachers that are looking for short, complex text to teach close reading!
February 3, 2014
This book was stop-the-world sit on your couch curled up with a blanket good times. Each short story was a poignant tale involving humans and animals that was so sweet to read. I love this author!
January 1, 2017
The kind of propaganda in which kids who want pets will revel.
September 17, 2016
Short stories for kids, with an animal theme.
March 11, 2018
This was a different kind of book. It is a book if short stories about the impact a particular animal had in the life of a person. Some stories were better than others.
December 25, 2018
This is a lovely collection of short stories that show the ways animals can affect us.
The situations and concepts are appropriate for adults as well.
The situations and concepts are appropriate for adults as well.
April 20, 2025
Enjoyable short stories that are more like story starters or outlines. Very true to life.
May 30, 2024
This is a really good book for all ages. It has 12 stories, which bring up a variety of emotions in the reader!
November 20, 2017
In life, things can take a rough turn and still be ok. Like in the story “Spaghetti” by Cynthia Rylant when the boy finds a kitten at a bus stop and the text said that the kitten sounded like chalk nails. The title “Spaghetti” makes everyone think of the food but it is about a kitten, NOT...THE...FOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At first I was surprised by the title, but the theme makes sense because it is about to listen closely and hear the small and quiet details instead of the most obvious. This shows that you can give good to the things around you if you listen to the cry.
The boy heard a raspy cry on the street so quiet you probably would have kept walking like it was not there. Then the kittens raspy cry got louder. The boy picked up the kitten and the kitten started to prrrrrrr. This is my first support about when the boy heard a raspy cry so quiet you would have kept on walking like it was not there but the boy heard it just enough to look over his shoulder. The kitten was probably not loud because it was hungry and thirsty, but I could be wrong. The boy described the kitten as skinny, smelt like pasta, and was gray. He did not give a lot of description about the kitten or what the boy was like but I still got a picture in my head about what the kitten would sound like and look like because you can almost imagine a boy sitting at a bus stop heard a sound and looked over his shoulder to see a kitten crying and looked gray, skinny and it smelt like pasta.
This is my second support about when the kittens raspy cry got LOUDER!!!!!! A kitten normally cries when it wants its mom or it wants food. It almost sounded like the kitten wanted the boy to hear him and pick (him or her) up but it also could be a coincidence. The title “Spaghetti “ is the kitten's NAME not the food so keep that in mind. This shows that life can take a rough turn and it could change your life for the better and that is the theme to.
This is my last support and this one will be about when the boy picked up the kitten and it started to prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Maybe the kitten felt safe with the boy and prrrrrrrred because it liked how the boy petted it’s back or how the boy did not yell at the kitten because you do not know what the kitten could have been though to get itself on the street.
The world has stopped and just because it is the end of my opinion doesn't mean I can’t remind you that the title is named after a kitten NOT...THE...FOOD!!!!!! Also it would be great if you read the book and think to yourself and say “Was this a good story? Did I understand the story? Will my friends like the story or should I read it again?"
The boy heard a raspy cry on the street so quiet you probably would have kept walking like it was not there. Then the kittens raspy cry got louder. The boy picked up the kitten and the kitten started to prrrrrrr. This is my first support about when the boy heard a raspy cry so quiet you would have kept on walking like it was not there but the boy heard it just enough to look over his shoulder. The kitten was probably not loud because it was hungry and thirsty, but I could be wrong. The boy described the kitten as skinny, smelt like pasta, and was gray. He did not give a lot of description about the kitten or what the boy was like but I still got a picture in my head about what the kitten would sound like and look like because you can almost imagine a boy sitting at a bus stop heard a sound and looked over his shoulder to see a kitten crying and looked gray, skinny and it smelt like pasta.
This is my second support about when the kittens raspy cry got LOUDER!!!!!! A kitten normally cries when it wants its mom or it wants food. It almost sounded like the kitten wanted the boy to hear him and pick (him or her) up but it also could be a coincidence. The title “Spaghetti “ is the kitten's NAME not the food so keep that in mind. This shows that life can take a rough turn and it could change your life for the better and that is the theme to.
This is my last support and this one will be about when the boy picked up the kitten and it started to prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Maybe the kitten felt safe with the boy and prrrrrrrred because it liked how the boy petted it’s back or how the boy did not yell at the kitten because you do not know what the kitten could have been though to get itself on the street.
The world has stopped and just because it is the end of my opinion doesn't mean I can’t remind you that the title is named after a kitten NOT...THE...FOOD!!!!!! Also it would be great if you read the book and think to yourself and say “Was this a good story? Did I understand the story? Will my friends like the story or should I read it again?"
June 30, 2018
I had entirely forgotten this book until the sight of its cover on Goodreads sent me staggering backwards into a memory flash of reading this library book in the car as a kid, to or from work with my dad in Minneapolis. I checked it out again right away, but alas, there's a reason I've forgotten this. They are nice enough little stories that include animals, but there is a certain dryness to them that reminds me of attempting-to-be-profound literary writing for adults; even as an adult I'm not entirely sure what is going on in some of them.
None even really triggered a specific recollection for me except the second one, the tale of an elderly collie who has been adopted by a retired schoolteacher after her family moves away. I was always moved by how her memories of the family grow fuzzy as she grows more suited to the slow life with another elderly creature, until they both find some rejuvenation in visiting an elementary school.
None even really triggered a specific recollection for me except the second one, the tale of an elderly collie who has been adopted by a retired schoolteacher after her family moves away. I was always moved by how her memories of the family grow fuzzy as she grows more suited to the slow life with another elderly creature, until they both find some rejuvenation in visiting an elementary school.
January 6, 2018
I found a copy of this book online after Teachers College suggested that it had an excellent selection of middle school short stories. The stories reminded me of ones I read in middle school because they were sweet, contained a simple, but heartbreaking conflict and had a satisfying ending. I’ll remember this collection in the future when creating lessons.
June 19, 2012
I read several of these short stories out loud to my fourth graders every year. Great resource for writing with details.
November 24, 2012
Short story collection I use over and over and over and over with students of all ages. Beautifully written and poignant.
November 22, 2020
Rylant has a gift of story weaving. I almost always connect with her characters and their feelings and motivations. This is a great little collection of short stories.
May 16, 2019
Literary Essay on Slower Than the Rest by Cynthia Rylant
The world can be tough for a person that is different,and is made fun of,but hope from a friend is a solution. In the story,”Slower Than the Rest,” by Cynthia Rylant,Leo is slow in school,and compares himself to Charlie his turtle. “Slower Than the Rest,” teaches us that no one could let you down,when you have hope from a friend. This is true i the beginning,middle,and end of the story.
In the text,”Slower Than the Rest,” it teaches us that no one could let you down,when you have hope from a friend. This is true in the beginning of the story. Consequently,Leo was the slowest person in his class,and he was bullied of it.When Leo found the turtle he took it,and named it Charlie. Charlie was slow like Leo,and he knew that. He compared himself to Charlie,”Slower than the rest,” “Charlie took care of Leo’s happiness.” This shows us that,Charlie gives hope to Leo.And Leo took care of Charlie .Leo was really happy when he found Charlie. Leo said,”There’s a turtle!” And this shows that Charlie was going to be a really good friend,and he would be important in his life. Cynthia Rylant shows dialogue to show how Leo feels. She shows and tells us that he was grateful for Charlie. For example,she quoted,” There’s a turtle!” This shows how Leo felt about meeting Charlie for the first time.
Another reason is,it shows the theme in the middle. For example in the story,”Slower than the rest,” Leo had Prevent Forest Fires week in his school. He took Charlie with him to school to present his assignment. He held the box tightly,and covered the box.When it was Leo’s turn to present his report he said,” When somebody throws a match into a forest,he is a murderer.” He was so brave,he said everything very briefly.He had hope,and spoke about how unfair it is,for the slow ones in the forest such as Charlie. Charlie had hope for Leo. Cynthia Rylant used revealing actions in the middle close to the end. She said,”He talked about Charlie the turtle,” and “how he said it,made everyone in the clas love turtles.” This shows that,Leo is also brave. He was very weak,but hope from Charlie made him braver.
Most of all,why the text teaches us that no one could let you down,when you have hope from a friend is,it shows it i the end.For instance,when they had a school assembly in the Gym.The school principal made a long speech. One boy which was next to Leo whispered,”Leo! It’s you!” He didn’t believe what he heard,but it was true. Leo was confused.Leo held the the cage tightly ,and shook the principal's hand. Leo won an award for the first time ever in his life! Leo held Charlie and was happy and felt fast! The author Cynthia Rylant used dialogues to show the theme. She said the dialogues what everyone said,that meant Charlie gave hope to Leo.Without Charlie,Leo would have not won the award.
As you can see, Leo in “Slower Than the Rest”gets hope from his friend Charlie.He becomes more brave. He was weak,but the hope from Charlie helps Leo in a big way. From now on,I will give hope to any friend or relative,and make them brave,and not be hopeless but hopeful.As the book teaches us that,”no one could let you down,when you have hope from a friend,” we should agree with this and follow it.
The world can be tough for a person that is different,and is made fun of,but hope from a friend is a solution. In the story,”Slower Than the Rest,” by Cynthia Rylant,Leo is slow in school,and compares himself to Charlie his turtle. “Slower Than the Rest,” teaches us that no one could let you down,when you have hope from a friend. This is true i the beginning,middle,and end of the story.
In the text,”Slower Than the Rest,” it teaches us that no one could let you down,when you have hope from a friend. This is true in the beginning of the story. Consequently,Leo was the slowest person in his class,and he was bullied of it.When Leo found the turtle he took it,and named it Charlie. Charlie was slow like Leo,and he knew that. He compared himself to Charlie,”Slower than the rest,” “Charlie took care of Leo’s happiness.” This shows us that,Charlie gives hope to Leo.And Leo took care of Charlie .Leo was really happy when he found Charlie. Leo said,”There’s a turtle!” And this shows that Charlie was going to be a really good friend,and he would be important in his life. Cynthia Rylant shows dialogue to show how Leo feels. She shows and tells us that he was grateful for Charlie. For example,she quoted,” There’s a turtle!” This shows how Leo felt about meeting Charlie for the first time.
Another reason is,it shows the theme in the middle. For example in the story,”Slower than the rest,” Leo had Prevent Forest Fires week in his school. He took Charlie with him to school to present his assignment. He held the box tightly,and covered the box.When it was Leo’s turn to present his report he said,” When somebody throws a match into a forest,he is a murderer.” He was so brave,he said everything very briefly.He had hope,and spoke about how unfair it is,for the slow ones in the forest such as Charlie. Charlie had hope for Leo. Cynthia Rylant used revealing actions in the middle close to the end. She said,”He talked about Charlie the turtle,” and “how he said it,made everyone in the clas love turtles.” This shows that,Leo is also brave. He was very weak,but hope from Charlie made him braver.
Most of all,why the text teaches us that no one could let you down,when you have hope from a friend is,it shows it i the end.For instance,when they had a school assembly in the Gym.The school principal made a long speech. One boy which was next to Leo whispered,”Leo! It’s you!” He didn’t believe what he heard,but it was true. Leo was confused.Leo held the the cage tightly ,and shook the principal's hand. Leo won an award for the first time ever in his life! Leo held Charlie and was happy and felt fast! The author Cynthia Rylant used dialogues to show the theme. She said the dialogues what everyone said,that meant Charlie gave hope to Leo.Without Charlie,Leo would have not won the award.
As you can see, Leo in “Slower Than the Rest”gets hope from his friend Charlie.He becomes more brave. He was weak,but the hope from Charlie helps Leo in a big way. From now on,I will give hope to any friend or relative,and make them brave,and not be hopeless but hopeful.As the book teaches us that,”no one could let you down,when you have hope from a friend,” we should agree with this and follow it.
January 28, 2021
Shells: A Literary Essay
By: Miss Shally
In life, everyone faces hard times. Some people face hard times in school, and some people face hard times at home. How you deal with those hard times is what makes all the difference. In the short story “Shells” by Cynthia Rylant, Michael has hard times because his parents recently died and he has to move in with his Aunt Esther, who doesn’t seem to care about him at first. “Shells” teaches that things can get better if you change. This is true for Sluggo, for Aunt Esther, and, most of all, for Michael.
One way the text teaches that things can get better if you change is through Sluggo. At the beginning of the text, Sluggo spends most of his time in his small shell. He is the only crab at first. At the end of “Shells,” readers see things getting better for Sluggo as he changes and grows. Aunt Esther and Michael, the protagonist in the story, have just shared a tender moment, and then they decide to check on Sluggo to see how he is doing. This part starts to show how their relationship was getting better. The text says, “the crab finished with the old home that no longer fit, was coming out of his shell.” This shows that Sluggo was changing by coming out of his shell.
Another way the text teaches that things can get better if you change is through Aunt Esther. At first, Aunt Esther is closed off from Michael. She yells at him, saying, “Don’t yell at me!” She also spends her afternoons talking with her friends on the phone instead of talking to Michael. Later, though, Aunt Esther allows herself to be vulnerable in front of Michael. She does this first in small ways when she takes interest in Sluggo and takes Michael to the store to buy more hermit crabs. But then Aunt Esther changes in big ways at the end of the story when she accidentally hurts Michael’s feelings by talking carelessly about his parents. She whispers an apology to him, saying, “I am so sorry, Michael.” Then she embraces him, and touches his arm. This shows in a big way that Aunt Esther is allowing herself to change.
And then Cynthia Rylant uses specific revealing actions to show that Aunt Esther is changing. First, she has Aunt Esther whisper. That’s a revealing action because it shows a big change from when she yelled at the start of the story. This shows in a big way that Aunt Esther is allowing herself to change.In this case, Aunt Esther changes when she allows herself to be vulnerable.
As you can see, the character’s in “Shells'' undergo major changes across the story. They go from being closed off and more isolated from one another to being more open. From now on, I will be kind to the people around me and sensitive to their needs. You never know what people are going through. They might just need a little kindness and a little help to come out of their shells.
By: Miss Shally
In life, everyone faces hard times. Some people face hard times in school, and some people face hard times at home. How you deal with those hard times is what makes all the difference. In the short story “Shells” by Cynthia Rylant, Michael has hard times because his parents recently died and he has to move in with his Aunt Esther, who doesn’t seem to care about him at first. “Shells” teaches that things can get better if you change. This is true for Sluggo, for Aunt Esther, and, most of all, for Michael.
One way the text teaches that things can get better if you change is through Sluggo. At the beginning of the text, Sluggo spends most of his time in his small shell. He is the only crab at first. At the end of “Shells,” readers see things getting better for Sluggo as he changes and grows. Aunt Esther and Michael, the protagonist in the story, have just shared a tender moment, and then they decide to check on Sluggo to see how he is doing. This part starts to show how their relationship was getting better. The text says, “the crab finished with the old home that no longer fit, was coming out of his shell.” This shows that Sluggo was changing by coming out of his shell.
Another way the text teaches that things can get better if you change is through Aunt Esther. At first, Aunt Esther is closed off from Michael. She yells at him, saying, “Don’t yell at me!” She also spends her afternoons talking with her friends on the phone instead of talking to Michael. Later, though, Aunt Esther allows herself to be vulnerable in front of Michael. She does this first in small ways when she takes interest in Sluggo and takes Michael to the store to buy more hermit crabs. But then Aunt Esther changes in big ways at the end of the story when she accidentally hurts Michael’s feelings by talking carelessly about his parents. She whispers an apology to him, saying, “I am so sorry, Michael.” Then she embraces him, and touches his arm. This shows in a big way that Aunt Esther is allowing herself to change.
And then Cynthia Rylant uses specific revealing actions to show that Aunt Esther is changing. First, she has Aunt Esther whisper. That’s a revealing action because it shows a big change from when she yelled at the start of the story. This shows in a big way that Aunt Esther is allowing herself to change.In this case, Aunt Esther changes when she allows herself to be vulnerable.
As you can see, the character’s in “Shells'' undergo major changes across the story. They go from being closed off and more isolated from one another to being more open. From now on, I will be kind to the people around me and sensitive to their needs. You never know what people are going through. They might just need a little kindness and a little help to come out of their shells.
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