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Been There, Done That #1
Been There, Done That: Writing Stories from Real Life
In this diverse collection of short stories by award-winning and bestselling authors, discover how writers turn their own real-life experiences into captivating works of fiction!
Kids are incredibly curious about where stories comes from. Where do authors get their ideas? And how do they turn those ideas into stories? This anthology gives readers an exclusive, “behind the scenes” look at the process of taking real-life experiences and turning them into works of engaging fiction. Each author will contribute two pieces: A narrative nonfiction account, which then serves as the inspiration for an original fictional short story. Subjects include a broad range—from an alien invasion to the realities of living during World War II—but are tied together with universal concepts, like dealing with change, fitting in, self-esteem, and relationships with friends and family. This collection is sure to inspire a new generation of writers. The contributing award-winning and bestselling middle-grade authors include Gary Schmidt, Linda Sue Park, Grace Lin, Matthew Kirby, Adam Rex, Jane Yolen, Heidi Stemple, Rita Williams-Garcia, Karen Cushman, Caroline Starr Rose, Claire Legrand, Lisa Yee, Nathan Hale, Julia Alvarez, Kate Messner, Margarita Engle, Alan Sitomer, Tracy Edward Wymer, and Dee Garretson.
Kids are incredibly curious about where stories comes from. Where do authors get their ideas? And how do they turn those ideas into stories? This anthology gives readers an exclusive, “behind the scenes” look at the process of taking real-life experiences and turning them into works of engaging fiction. Each author will contribute two pieces: A narrative nonfiction account, which then serves as the inspiration for an original fictional short story. Subjects include a broad range—from an alien invasion to the realities of living during World War II—but are tied together with universal concepts, like dealing with change, fitting in, self-esteem, and relationships with friends and family. This collection is sure to inspire a new generation of writers. The contributing award-winning and bestselling middle-grade authors include Gary Schmidt, Linda Sue Park, Grace Lin, Matthew Kirby, Adam Rex, Jane Yolen, Heidi Stemple, Rita Williams-Garcia, Karen Cushman, Caroline Starr Rose, Claire Legrand, Lisa Yee, Nathan Hale, Julia Alvarez, Kate Messner, Margarita Engle, Alan Sitomer, Tracy Edward Wymer, and Dee Garretson.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 3, 2015
28 people are currently reading
992 people want to read
About the author
Mike Winchell
4 books16 followersMike Winchell is a veteran educator with a master's degree in educational leadership. He is the creator & editor of the BEEN THERE, DONE THAT anthology series, and the award-winning author of the young adult narrative nonfiction book, THE ELECTRIC WAR: EDISON, TESLA, WESTINGHOUSE, AND THE RACE TO LIGHT THE WORLD. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and two children. mikewinchellbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 27, 2015
This is a book about inspiration, so it appealed to me from the get-go. When I received my copy, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect: an anthology of short stories for kids, a teaching tool for English classes, or a creative writing manual for aspiring kidlit authors.
Turned out to be 'All of the above'. 21 MG authors contribute to this volume (most of them well-known contemporary writers like Kate Messner, Lisa Yee, Adam Rex, Jane Yolen, Karen Cushman…). Each of them tell a true-life anecdote (something that happened to them as kids). Then they follow it with a short fiction based on the real event.
Seeing fact transformed into fiction in this way is compelling. By making writing seem so accessible, it extends an invitation to aspiring writers (of every age) to try it themselves. By comparing the fact and the fiction, the readers can see how the writer manipulated facts (adding, subtracting, rearranging, pacing) to end up with a compelling piece of fiction.
That said, some sort of worksheet or question list might be helpful. Something to focus on the possibilities of how to construct fiction from what we observe. Maybe this will be on the book's website, or in an appendix of a future edition.
These anecdotes are organized into 6 broadly thematic sections introduced by the editor. They touch on: surprises, curiosity about the world, regret and sadness, coping with change, facing peer pressure. So there's something for everybody! I recommend this book, and am glad to know that there are more volumes planned for this series.
Turned out to be 'All of the above'. 21 MG authors contribute to this volume (most of them well-known contemporary writers like Kate Messner, Lisa Yee, Adam Rex, Jane Yolen, Karen Cushman…). Each of them tell a true-life anecdote (something that happened to them as kids). Then they follow it with a short fiction based on the real event.
Seeing fact transformed into fiction in this way is compelling. By making writing seem so accessible, it extends an invitation to aspiring writers (of every age) to try it themselves. By comparing the fact and the fiction, the readers can see how the writer manipulated facts (adding, subtracting, rearranging, pacing) to end up with a compelling piece of fiction.
That said, some sort of worksheet or question list might be helpful. Something to focus on the possibilities of how to construct fiction from what we observe. Maybe this will be on the book's website, or in an appendix of a future edition.
These anecdotes are organized into 6 broadly thematic sections introduced by the editor. They touch on: surprises, curiosity about the world, regret and sadness, coping with change, facing peer pressure. So there's something for everybody! I recommend this book, and am glad to know that there are more volumes planned for this series.
July 31, 2016
I grew up at a time when books for young readers were less available and varied than they are today, so I found myself reading YA and adult novels. Better still, when a monthly subscription to Readers' Digest anthologies started arriving at our house I devoured story after story. Those, too, were intended for adults, but still, it was Readers' Digest, so the content was safe for someone younger.
What it offered me was an ideal way to grow as both a reader and a writer: the stories were written by outstanding authors (for the most part), they were edited down to digestible lengths, and most were contemporary realism. Even the mysteries, fantasies, and topics beyond my experience were somehow anchored in characters and emotions I recognized. The stakes may have been higher, but the tension or humor resonated.
That's probably why I fell instantly in love with this book and recommend it so highly for young readers and their families/teachers. It's a collection of short stories by some of the most beloved authors for kids, organized by themes. Each is prefaced by a note from the author to the reader about a real life experience that somehow inspired or contributed to the story that follows.
A collection like this encourages readers to seek out other works by the authors (as I did), to recognize the potential for rich fiction within their own mundane or struggling lives (as I did), and to read beyond the entertainment level (although entertaining is an apt adjective for the stories). That last connection arrived some years later for me, in part because writing was a mechanical exercise in school rather than a creative process. Still, when I took up my pen I found myself drawing on a deep well of past reading.
Do someone a favor, a kid or a teacher or a parent, and recommend this book. Even a reluctant reader will find something that suits his/her taste, and who doesn't love a short story?
What it offered me was an ideal way to grow as both a reader and a writer: the stories were written by outstanding authors (for the most part), they were edited down to digestible lengths, and most were contemporary realism. Even the mysteries, fantasies, and topics beyond my experience were somehow anchored in characters and emotions I recognized. The stakes may have been higher, but the tension or humor resonated.
That's probably why I fell instantly in love with this book and recommend it so highly for young readers and their families/teachers. It's a collection of short stories by some of the most beloved authors for kids, organized by themes. Each is prefaced by a note from the author to the reader about a real life experience that somehow inspired or contributed to the story that follows.
A collection like this encourages readers to seek out other works by the authors (as I did), to recognize the potential for rich fiction within their own mundane or struggling lives (as I did), and to read beyond the entertainment level (although entertaining is an apt adjective for the stories). That last connection arrived some years later for me, in part because writing was a mechanical exercise in school rather than a creative process. Still, when I took up my pen I found myself drawing on a deep well of past reading.
Do someone a favor, a kid or a teacher or a parent, and recommend this book. Even a reluctant reader will find something that suits his/her taste, and who doesn't love a short story?
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November 3, 2015For students looking for inspiration on how to write better stories, this is it! Edited by middle school English teacher and writer Mike Winchell, this collection of short stories has a topic for any reader: peer pressure, the push and pull of friendship, coping with loss and learning to take risks. Each author, from greats like Jane Yolen, Grace Lin and Gary D. Schmidt, tells two fast-paced stories. The first is the real story that actually happened to them as a child. The second is the story that was created and inspired by that experience. Readers can better understand the concept of “write what you know” by following along with these short episodes. Reluctant readers will love the brevity of the stories and impassioned writers will see how different techniques are used to craft a well-told tale. This is truly a fun read with stories that will keep readers turning pages.
Grades 5 and up.
Grades 5 and up.
October 16, 2018
It has many exciting stories
February 3, 2016
As with many anthologies for younger teens - 13: Thirteen Stories That Capture the Agony and Ecstasy of Being Thirteen, Shelf Life: Stories by the Book, Guys Read: Funny Business, Thirteen Chairs - this is an uneven bunch. The twist here is that each fictional 'story' is paired with a more non-fictional interpretation by the author. I always have great hope for gaining insight about writing that I could share with teen authors, but so far I'm still mulling over how I'll use this one. The works are solid and usable with younger teens.
Between flash-fiction, micro-fiction, hint-fiction, six-word memoirs and Twitter stories, I wonder about the continued appreciation of the 'short' story. What is the place of such works in the classroom? Perhaps it is time to re-visit Less Is More: Teaching Literature with Short Texts, Grades 6-12.
Between flash-fiction, micro-fiction, hint-fiction, six-word memoirs and Twitter stories, I wonder about the continued appreciation of the 'short' story. What is the place of such works in the classroom? Perhaps it is time to re-visit Less Is More: Teaching Literature with Short Texts, Grades 6-12.
June 7, 2018
A collection of short stories that prove ideas can come from anywhere. Using real-life experiences as inspiration, authors like Margarita Engle, Matthew J. Kirby, Adam Rex, and many more, spin out fictional tales that illustrate how our experiences can shape creative expression.
Been There, Done That is a unique and invaluable resource that all young writers should probably pick up and page through. Each featured author provides a 'before' and 'after', sharing a life experience or memory and then turn it into a short story. I actually ended up liking the 'before' stories better than the fictional accounts in most cases, but as a resource I found this to be incredibly creative and inspiring. Genres include (but are not limited to) poetry, fantasy, realistic fiction, novel-in-verse, historical, and graphic novel.
Favorite short stories for me are:
Wanda Pansuckle: The Worst Babysitter Ever! by Alan Lawrence Sitomer
The Honorable Mention by Linda Sue Park
Parker Kellogg's Huge Brain by Chris Rylander
The Woman at the Top of the World by Matthew J. Kirby
Pop by Tracy Edward Wymer
The Martha Stewart Blues by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple
Recycling by Adam Rex
The Genius of Curiosity by Margarita Engle
Finders Keepers by Rita Williams-Garcia
While appropriate for middle grade readers, some of the stories are a little bit disturbing or sad. If you have a sensitive reader, please proof-read your copy for triggers.
Been There, Done That is a unique and invaluable resource that all young writers should probably pick up and page through. Each featured author provides a 'before' and 'after', sharing a life experience or memory and then turn it into a short story. I actually ended up liking the 'before' stories better than the fictional accounts in most cases, but as a resource I found this to be incredibly creative and inspiring. Genres include (but are not limited to) poetry, fantasy, realistic fiction, novel-in-verse, historical, and graphic novel.
Favorite short stories for me are:
Wanda Pansuckle: The Worst Babysitter Ever! by Alan Lawrence Sitomer
The Honorable Mention by Linda Sue Park
Parker Kellogg's Huge Brain by Chris Rylander
The Woman at the Top of the World by Matthew J. Kirby
Pop by Tracy Edward Wymer
The Martha Stewart Blues by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple
Recycling by Adam Rex
The Genius of Curiosity by Margarita Engle
Finders Keepers by Rita Williams-Garcia
While appropriate for middle grade readers, some of the stories are a little bit disturbing or sad. If you have a sensitive reader, please proof-read your copy for triggers.
January 11, 2017
I really like the premise for this anthology. It is broken up in sections, each with their own theme. For instance one section has stories all clustered around the theme of change. Another was a series of stories based around the theme of putting others first. In each subsection the author writes about a real event that occurred in their life growing up that ties in with the theme and then writes a fictional story based on what actually happened. Some of the stories were great. Others just so-so. The idea behind all of them about writing based on something real was tremendously fun to read and analyze from a creative writing standpoint. But I think middle grade readers can also appreciate this anthology. None of the stories are very long, all of them have characters a middle grader could relate to. But most importantly I think getting a small glimpse of what can go on with a writer when they create a story would be very appealing to young readers. I'm really glad I read this and recommend it to writers and middle grade readers alike.
January 10, 2019
This is interesting, in that you get to read stories by the authors from two POV. One as it really happened, the second as the story inspired by what really happened. An interesting look at how real life affects fiction (or does fiction affect real life?).
This reminds me slightly of a book a Sunday school teacher gave me when I was a kid, I believe it may have been published through the "Highlights" kids magazine. It was a collection of stories by various authors that wrote for the magazine. I enjoyed that book. Reading this was reminiscent of that. Bonus: found at Ollie's for $4, and honestly was mostly attracted by the cover art.
This reminds me slightly of a book a Sunday school teacher gave me when I was a kid, I believe it may have been published through the "Highlights" kids magazine. It was a collection of stories by various authors that wrote for the magazine. I enjoyed that book. Reading this was reminiscent of that. Bonus: found at Ollie's for $4, and honestly was mostly attracted by the cover art.
May 30, 2016
I love the idea of this book, and the inspiration it provides, more than I actually love the stories themselves. Seeing how the author's memories and experiences can be slightly changed, radically changed, or thematically expanded upon is interesting, as is the way that the life experience could show up in a graphic novel, novel in verse, sci fi story, historical fiction, multiple POV story--many different formats, not just the straight narrative I might have expected.
June 25, 2019
While I enjoyed seeing how authors connected real life experiences to the stories they imagined, I would have liked to see a more diverse group of authors featured in the book. I think some of my students would have trouble finding similarities between themselves and the authors in the book. That being said, it could be a useful tool in writing for students to see how real life can be integrated creatively into original stories.
August 22, 2017
I can't recommend this book enough to anyone who teaches writing to young people. The notion of "writing what you know" is played out in this book by several famous authors like Gary Schmidt, Rita Williams-Garcia, etc., who share a true-to-life story and then a fictional story spun from their real experience. Not only tons of fun but great writing samples/examples for budding writers.
November 22, 2015
This would be a great idea to a middle school classroom. It is a collection of stories written by popular children and young adult authors. They are paired - one real story and then a fiction story that came about from the real experience. Be a great mentor text for student writers
October 3, 2017
Cool concept - still ruminating over it. I liked the stories of what really happened so much more than the edited semi fiction ones..
Loved the anthology model of a bunch of different authors contributing!
Loved the anthology model of a bunch of different authors contributing!
December 16, 2017
Not sure how I stumbled upon this book, but I'm glad I did. Meant for young,aspiring writers, this book has famous childrens authors telling true stories the short stories they inspired. Some of the stories were better than the true stories and vice versa. A very surprising read. I enjoyed it.
July 11, 2018
I loved many of the stories in this collection and look forward to using this anthology with my middle school classes this year. I am sure they will enjoy the stories and the “peek behind the curtain” the personal accounts before each story gives.
December 12, 2015
A great collection of short stories based on authors' personal experiences. A wide variety of genres.
March 7, 2016
Read my review at Gator Book Chomp.
March 14, 2016
Winchell, this book is almost as bad as your teaching.
September 20, 2016
3.5 stars
December 4, 2017
it was a really interesting book but sometimes i was overwhelmed with the amount of differing perspectives
July 18, 2018
Short stories on relevant subjects. Seems like a great resource for writers and their teachers.
June 2, 2019
Actual Rating: 3.5
June 13, 2019
I bought this hoping to find some short stories to use in my classroom, and I was not disappointed! This book is going to get a LOT of use.
September 3, 2019
Well done short story anthology. Each other shares a true experience then uses that experience as a springboard for a short story.
May 16, 2023
Section One: Follow the leader? The push and pull of peer pressure.
“Love, Like Leeches…” Gary Schmidt describes working at a summer camp, falling in love with a girl (unrequited), and jumping down a high waterfall into a tiny pool full of leeches. The story that came from that, “Falls,” is about the same thing, and really is a reflection on the incredibly stupid things boys do to get girls’ attention. It was bittersweet, with really good description, and so honest.
“Little Nippers.” Caroline Rose describes a club started by her mother as a kid, with “spirited, bright, opinionated girls” who weren’t always nice, but who stayed close through the years. The story that came from that is in verse, broken into parts by each character: “Lemon Squeeze.” It’s about a slumber party when the girls are convinced to list each other’s faults. It is not a success. Another honest look at how kids treat each other without adults around, and how maybe some of them learn from it.
“The Day I Ditched School.” Alan Sitomer describes the one day he ditched school, and it turned into a vast sea of boredom and feeling trapped, and he missed a lot of good things. The story that came from it is “Wanda Pansuckle: the Worst Babysitter Ever!” The main character’s parents go out of town for a week, and leave him with Wanda Pansuckle, who lets him do whatever he wants. It’s not nearly as fun as he thinks. This reminded me of the episode in “Little Women” when Marmee did the same thing, and the girls learned that they needed more balance and routine than they thought!
“The Battle of the Axe.” Claire Legrand describes how rivalry over football—over a simple game—in her small down turned people ugly and dangerous. The story that came of that was “The Visitors,” a dystopia in which children coming of age are set to protect their village against the vicious yearly incursion of “the visitors” who sneak in and steal food. Nothing is what it seems, though. This was grim and depressing, if believable.
Section Two: If Only: Dealing with Regret, Guilt, and Sadness.
“My First True Enemy.” Julia Alvarez describes escaping the Dominican Republic to New York, only to find that her new Dominican friend comes from a family that supports the dictator, so Julia has to be uber-careful about what she says. The story that came from that is: “Through the Chain Link Fence.” It’s essentially the same story, lightly fictionalized. Eye-opening for readers to understand that escaping to another country doesn’t mean you are beyond the reach of those who terrorized you. A tough situation for kids who just want to be friends.
“The Voice.” Linda Sue Park describes an incident on a band field trip when a tragedy occurred. The story that came from that was: “The Honorable Mention.” The main character loves singing as part of a choir, and especially loves the angelic voice of a boy who’s also in the choir. When tragedy strikes, she reflects on what she wished she’d done. This is sad, and honest. Well-described.
“Awkward.” Lisa Yee describes her childhood in a neighborhood with adjoining lawns and kids running around in indiscriminate groups. Then one day, a friend gets Lisa to hide in her closet while the friend asks another friend what she thinks of Lisa. So Lisa learns about frenemies. The story that came from that is “Fun With Friends.” Told from three points of view, the popular girl with a pool, the oblivious girl who thinks pool girl is her friend, and a third girl who sees through it all. The hiding in the closet does not go as planned. This is a good reflection on the influence people can have on each other for the negative.
Section Three: I Can’t Believe You Did That!
“Bite of Passage.” Chris Rylander describes working at a movie theater with a guy who randomly liked to bite people to the point of injury. The story that came from that is: “Parker Kellogg’s Huge Brain.” Wilson was the weird kid at school who one day bites the protagonist to the point of serious injury—and more serious than anyone expected. This one had a twist that kids will probably like, but is not my genre!
“A Dog Named Kitty.” Dee Garretson describes their chaotically hopeless dog, Kitty, who one day manages to redeem herself. The story that came from that is: “Dart the Dragon Hound.” It’s a fantasy about a completely useless dog—except maybe not useless against dragons. This is a good story for people who love their hopeless dogs.
“The True Story of the Bunnyhead.” This graphic novel-format story by Nathan Hale recounts finding a giant bunny head (like a mascot head) in the basement, and terrorizing his youngest sister. The story that came from that is: “The Day of the Bunny.” Some juvenile delinquents disrupt a local orphanage Easter egg hunt, but the one who puts on the bunny head gets worse and worse. This is both funny and freaky, and touches on something that I’ve not often seen in other stories—being frightened of feelings you didn’t know you had.
Section Four: Sacrifice: Putting Others First
“The Garden.” Matthew Kirby describes his grandmother’s wonderful garden, and how her aging meant she lost the ability to care for it. The story that came of that is: “The Woman at the Top of the World.” In a dystopic land, drought has killed everything. There’s a myth that the witch at the top of the mountain could help, but no one has been able to survive the trip. Able, who has a twisted leg, decides he has nothing to lose. Although this was a bit predictable, I still appreciated it. It’s a reflection on passing the torch.
“Baseball.” Tracy Wymer describes his love of baseball, and the frightening time a friend had such a severe asthma attack he had to leave in an ambulance. The story that came of that is: “Pop!” The main character is a pitcher with an injured arm who keeps pitching because his team needs him. This felt as if it were missing an ending—I’m not sure I understood what happened.
“The Home Maker.” Jane Yolen describes coming back from summer camp to a totally different house in a different state with no warning—and a room pre-decorated in a style she didn’t like. “Moving Home.” Heidi Stemple describes having to leave a part of the world and neighbors she loved, to be with family. The story they wrote together is: “The Martha Stewart Blues.” The main character’s mother worships Martha Stewart and makes their home as much like Martha’s as possible. When Martha is sent to prison, the mother goes into an endless depression and the kids have to figure out how to help her. I enjoyed this one, even if I wasn’t quite sure I got it.
Section Five: Why or Why Not? Asking Questions about the World Around You
“The Knight of the Trash Heap.” Adam Rex describes stealing a knight figure from a trash pile and how much he loved it. The graphic novel story that came from that is: “Recycling.” A girl finds a real knight in the recycling and takes him him, but it’s not as amazing as she thinks. I liked this one—pointed, but still cute and girl-power.
“Inspired by Curiosity.” Margarita Engle learned that an ancestor of hers once hosted famed botanist Alexander Von Humboldt when he visited Cuba. The story-poem that came from that is: “The Genius of Curiosity,” describing Humboldt’s visit from the point of view of the children in the village. If he’s a genius, why does he ask so many questions? This is about the power of curiosity. I liked this one a lot.
"Desert Darkness.” Kate Messner describes camping in the Anza-Borrego Desert to see a lunar eclipse in totally dark skies. The science fiction story that came from that is: “They Might Be Dangerous.” Two characters witness the arrival of aliens. One is curious, but the other is fearful of their planetary authorities. This was sad, and might make kids reflect on how we might receive alien visitors.
Section Six: Things Will Never Be the Same: Dealing with Change
“Small Treasures.” Rita Williams-Garcia describes what she remembers about some of the many places she lived, as a military kid. One was a camp where they could dig for “treasure.” The story that came of that is: “Finders Keepers.” Tyler (who might be Asperger’s?) has only one friend, and has alienated her by being truthful. Now his mother is making him apologize, and he has to give up his greatest treasure—a real arrowhead. I liked this one all right, but didn’t love it.
“A Long Line at Customs.” Grace Lin describes waiting in long customs lines between Taiwan and the US, and her mother describing how, on her first trip, everyone’s suitcases were searched, and it turns out a relative had packed some toilet paper for her, which perplexed the customs agent. The story that came from that is: “The Jade Ring.” The main character is leaving for America, and is gifted a family heirloom that she knows her uncle stole back from a crooked official. She’s worried about it being found in her luggage, but her uncle tells her to pack a roll of toilet paper and all will be well. I liked this one.
“Mudflats and Octopuses.�� Karen Cushman describes her husband’s growing up around the mudflats that later became Mission Bay, and how the locals would catch octopuses. The story that came from that is: “Change and Millie McGonigal.” Set in 1941 in the Mission Bay area, the main character describes how everything changed with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Except maybe bullies. I liked this one all right, too.
“Love, Like Leeches…” Gary Schmidt describes working at a summer camp, falling in love with a girl (unrequited), and jumping down a high waterfall into a tiny pool full of leeches. The story that came from that, “Falls,” is about the same thing, and really is a reflection on the incredibly stupid things boys do to get girls’ attention. It was bittersweet, with really good description, and so honest.
“Little Nippers.” Caroline Rose describes a club started by her mother as a kid, with “spirited, bright, opinionated girls” who weren’t always nice, but who stayed close through the years. The story that came from that is in verse, broken into parts by each character: “Lemon Squeeze.” It’s about a slumber party when the girls are convinced to list each other’s faults. It is not a success. Another honest look at how kids treat each other without adults around, and how maybe some of them learn from it.
“The Day I Ditched School.” Alan Sitomer describes the one day he ditched school, and it turned into a vast sea of boredom and feeling trapped, and he missed a lot of good things. The story that came from it is “Wanda Pansuckle: the Worst Babysitter Ever!” The main character’s parents go out of town for a week, and leave him with Wanda Pansuckle, who lets him do whatever he wants. It’s not nearly as fun as he thinks. This reminded me of the episode in “Little Women” when Marmee did the same thing, and the girls learned that they needed more balance and routine than they thought!
“The Battle of the Axe.” Claire Legrand describes how rivalry over football—over a simple game—in her small down turned people ugly and dangerous. The story that came of that was “The Visitors,” a dystopia in which children coming of age are set to protect their village against the vicious yearly incursion of “the visitors” who sneak in and steal food. Nothing is what it seems, though. This was grim and depressing, if believable.
Section Two: If Only: Dealing with Regret, Guilt, and Sadness.
“My First True Enemy.” Julia Alvarez describes escaping the Dominican Republic to New York, only to find that her new Dominican friend comes from a family that supports the dictator, so Julia has to be uber-careful about what she says. The story that came from that is: “Through the Chain Link Fence.” It’s essentially the same story, lightly fictionalized. Eye-opening for readers to understand that escaping to another country doesn’t mean you are beyond the reach of those who terrorized you. A tough situation for kids who just want to be friends.
“The Voice.” Linda Sue Park describes an incident on a band field trip when a tragedy occurred. The story that came from that was: “The Honorable Mention.” The main character loves singing as part of a choir, and especially loves the angelic voice of a boy who’s also in the choir. When tragedy strikes, she reflects on what she wished she’d done. This is sad, and honest. Well-described.
“Awkward.” Lisa Yee describes her childhood in a neighborhood with adjoining lawns and kids running around in indiscriminate groups. Then one day, a friend gets Lisa to hide in her closet while the friend asks another friend what she thinks of Lisa. So Lisa learns about frenemies. The story that came from that is “Fun With Friends.” Told from three points of view, the popular girl with a pool, the oblivious girl who thinks pool girl is her friend, and a third girl who sees through it all. The hiding in the closet does not go as planned. This is a good reflection on the influence people can have on each other for the negative.
Section Three: I Can’t Believe You Did That!
“Bite of Passage.” Chris Rylander describes working at a movie theater with a guy who randomly liked to bite people to the point of injury. The story that came from that is: “Parker Kellogg’s Huge Brain.” Wilson was the weird kid at school who one day bites the protagonist to the point of serious injury—and more serious than anyone expected. This one had a twist that kids will probably like, but is not my genre!
“A Dog Named Kitty.” Dee Garretson describes their chaotically hopeless dog, Kitty, who one day manages to redeem herself. The story that came from that is: “Dart the Dragon Hound.” It’s a fantasy about a completely useless dog—except maybe not useless against dragons. This is a good story for people who love their hopeless dogs.
“The True Story of the Bunnyhead.” This graphic novel-format story by Nathan Hale recounts finding a giant bunny head (like a mascot head) in the basement, and terrorizing his youngest sister. The story that came from that is: “The Day of the Bunny.” Some juvenile delinquents disrupt a local orphanage Easter egg hunt, but the one who puts on the bunny head gets worse and worse. This is both funny and freaky, and touches on something that I’ve not often seen in other stories—being frightened of feelings you didn’t know you had.
Section Four: Sacrifice: Putting Others First
“The Garden.” Matthew Kirby describes his grandmother’s wonderful garden, and how her aging meant she lost the ability to care for it. The story that came of that is: “The Woman at the Top of the World.” In a dystopic land, drought has killed everything. There’s a myth that the witch at the top of the mountain could help, but no one has been able to survive the trip. Able, who has a twisted leg, decides he has nothing to lose. Although this was a bit predictable, I still appreciated it. It’s a reflection on passing the torch.
“Baseball.” Tracy Wymer describes his love of baseball, and the frightening time a friend had such a severe asthma attack he had to leave in an ambulance. The story that came of that is: “Pop!” The main character is a pitcher with an injured arm who keeps pitching because his team needs him. This felt as if it were missing an ending—I’m not sure I understood what happened.
“The Home Maker.” Jane Yolen describes coming back from summer camp to a totally different house in a different state with no warning—and a room pre-decorated in a style she didn’t like. “Moving Home.” Heidi Stemple describes having to leave a part of the world and neighbors she loved, to be with family. The story they wrote together is: “The Martha Stewart Blues.” The main character’s mother worships Martha Stewart and makes their home as much like Martha’s as possible. When Martha is sent to prison, the mother goes into an endless depression and the kids have to figure out how to help her. I enjoyed this one, even if I wasn’t quite sure I got it.
Section Five: Why or Why Not? Asking Questions about the World Around You
“The Knight of the Trash Heap.” Adam Rex describes stealing a knight figure from a trash pile and how much he loved it. The graphic novel story that came from that is: “Recycling.” A girl finds a real knight in the recycling and takes him him, but it’s not as amazing as she thinks. I liked this one—pointed, but still cute and girl-power.
“Inspired by Curiosity.” Margarita Engle learned that an ancestor of hers once hosted famed botanist Alexander Von Humboldt when he visited Cuba. The story-poem that came from that is: “The Genius of Curiosity,” describing Humboldt’s visit from the point of view of the children in the village. If he’s a genius, why does he ask so many questions? This is about the power of curiosity. I liked this one a lot.
"Desert Darkness.” Kate Messner describes camping in the Anza-Borrego Desert to see a lunar eclipse in totally dark skies. The science fiction story that came from that is: “They Might Be Dangerous.” Two characters witness the arrival of aliens. One is curious, but the other is fearful of their planetary authorities. This was sad, and might make kids reflect on how we might receive alien visitors.
Section Six: Things Will Never Be the Same: Dealing with Change
“Small Treasures.” Rita Williams-Garcia describes what she remembers about some of the many places she lived, as a military kid. One was a camp where they could dig for “treasure.” The story that came of that is: “Finders Keepers.” Tyler (who might be Asperger’s?) has only one friend, and has alienated her by being truthful. Now his mother is making him apologize, and he has to give up his greatest treasure—a real arrowhead. I liked this one all right, but didn’t love it.
“A Long Line at Customs.” Grace Lin describes waiting in long customs lines between Taiwan and the US, and her mother describing how, on her first trip, everyone’s suitcases were searched, and it turns out a relative had packed some toilet paper for her, which perplexed the customs agent. The story that came from that is: “The Jade Ring.” The main character is leaving for America, and is gifted a family heirloom that she knows her uncle stole back from a crooked official. She’s worried about it being found in her luggage, but her uncle tells her to pack a roll of toilet paper and all will be well. I liked this one.
“Mudflats and Octopuses.�� Karen Cushman describes her husband’s growing up around the mudflats that later became Mission Bay, and how the locals would catch octopuses. The story that came from that is: “Change and Millie McGonigal.” Set in 1941 in the Mission Bay area, the main character describes how everything changed with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Except maybe bullies. I liked this one all right, too.
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October 16, 2024This is the most engaging book I have ever read. My favorite quote is, "By all rights, this guy should be a stooped-over accountant with the eyesight of a mole. Justice demands it." The book starts off with humor, transitions into romance in the middle, and concludes with a hint of sadness. My absolute favorite character is Zora, as she is strong-minded, caring, and independent. Her childhood friend, Nick, who eventually becomes her lover, is separated from her for 12 years. He is a male character that every woman would desire; he is ambitious, selfless, and cares deeply about others. These qualities make the story both humorous and romantic.
The side characters are also amazing. Especially Zora's mom, who treats Nick as part of her family and is incredibly funny! As the story progresses, there is no doubt that Nick and Zora have love for each other. However, due to their separation, their feelings have to start over from the beginning, and the heartbreak is unbearable. Despite these minor setbacks, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I strongly recommend it to emotional readers and lovers of love stories. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book.
The side characters are also amazing. Especially Zora's mom, who treats Nick as part of her family and is incredibly funny! As the story progresses, there is no doubt that Nick and Zora have love for each other. However, due to their separation, their feelings have to start over from the beginning, and the heartbreak is unbearable. Despite these minor setbacks, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I strongly recommend it to emotional readers and lovers of love stories. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book.
June 5, 2024
Pretty good, for a multi-author anthology. I really liked the cover art, which depicts a scene from each of the stories, some from the author's memories and some from the actual short stories themselves, depending on which was easier to incorporate into the overall scene, I guess.
My favorite stories from each section:
Follow the Leader?: The Visitors
If Only...: Honorable Mention, but Through the Chain Link Fence was a very close second. (Honorable Mention was also my favorite out of the whole collection)
I didn't really like any of the stories from I Can't Believe You Did That!, but I guess The Day of the Bunny
Sacrifice: The Martha Stewart Blues
Why Or Why Not?: They Might Be Dangerous
Things Will Never Be the Same: The Jade Ring
So, yeah, those are my thoughts on the book. Will I be reading the other collection? Probably not. I mostly read this one for Gary D. Schmidt's contribution, which was good, but not exceptional.
My favorite stories from each section:
Follow the Leader?: The Visitors
If Only...: Honorable Mention, but Through the Chain Link Fence was a very close second. (Honorable Mention was also my favorite out of the whole collection)
I didn't really like any of the stories from I Can't Believe You Did That!, but I guess The Day of the Bunny
Sacrifice: The Martha Stewart Blues
Why Or Why Not?: They Might Be Dangerous
Things Will Never Be the Same: The Jade Ring
So, yeah, those are my thoughts on the book. Will I be reading the other collection? Probably not. I mostly read this one for Gary D. Schmidt's contribution, which was good, but not exceptional.
March 31, 2024
I like this concept: gather some of the best authors for middle graders, have them tell something that they experienced themselves, and then have them write a story for which the experience was the inspiration. Fun to read! And encouraging to see how published authors start with humble beginnings we all share in some way or another. Some of the stories were a little jarring or just not my cup of tea, but all were thought-provoking, and some—like Adam Rex’s cartoon titled, “Recycling”—made me laugh out loud. Overall enjoyable.
November 5, 2019
Full disclosure, I bought this book for a dollar at Dollar Tree. It sounded like an interesting experiment and had a great cover. And only a dollar. What I learned was that the authors’ personal narratives were much more interesting than their fictional stories based on their personal narratives. So I stopped reading the made-up stories after about the fifth or sixth one, and just read the personal accounts. Never finished a book so fast!
July 10, 2020
What a cool concept for a book! About 20 authors wrote 2 “stories” each - one about a memory that had of their own life at some point and the other taking some element of that memory and creating a fictional story from it. Some authors took the “lesson” they learned and created a cha after who learned the same lesson; others took the general idea of their own memoir and added details to broaden the story. Awesome concept - could totally see using these as mentor texts or comparison of “genre” or figuring out what element the author used from his/her own story in the fictional one.
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