But I'll Be Back Again

by Cynthia Rylant

In this straightforward autobiography, Newbery medalist Cynthia Rylant describes some of the most profound influences on her her grandmother, a tiny town called Beaver, the Beatles (especially Paul McCartney), and Robert Kennedy.

Genres: Autobiography, Biography, Memoir

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

An 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

Reviews

[Drifting Country · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute book!

[Cynthia McCloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know myself better now that I've read this book about someone else who grew up in a similar way. Wow. She puts into words things that I didn't know I was thinking and feeling.

[Kristy Teague · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Rylant shares personal stories about growing up poor in West Virginia, learning about boys, the Beatles, and dealing with her disappointments in life. Her mother left her alcoholic father who eventually died from disease contracted in the Korean War. Years later, Cynthia read a newspaper article that her father had written as a soldier years before. She recognized that although she didn't grow up with her father, her writing has a similar voice to his. She doesn't think she would have become a children's writer if she had stayed in her small town, but because she left, she was able to put her thoughts down and share her stories. Her autobiography title comes from a John Lennon and Paul McCartney song, "I'll Be Back."

[Christine Kallner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a few picture books by Cynthia Rylant and loved them all. So when I saw this slim autobiographical book at a garage sale yesterday for 25 cents I thought, why not? I loved how she used Beatles song lyrics for the beginning of each chapter. She covers quite a bit of her life in not a lot of pages. This felt very raw and honest to me and I love how she tied together her childhood — both the good and the incredibly painful — her adolescence’s, her path to becoming a writer, and eventually to having a child of her own. It’s probably out of print, but if you’ve liked any of her other books and can find a copy, definitely read it. And now I want to read her entire backlist!

[Jennette Heller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book but sad. Interesting insight into the author’s childhood.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, poignant, haunting, Cynthia Rylant's story of her childhood in West Virginia -- of her early years with her grandparents, then her mom, her heroes (the Beetles, Bobby Kennedy), friendships and first kisses -- all things that shaped her as a writer.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a bit of a throwback to another generation, but it was very revealing about the life of one of my favorite authors.

[Rima · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this when I was in high school. Read some parts again just to validate what I remember. I realized it's unforgettable.one of my all-time favorite books.

[Stasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and real. I enjoyed reading one of my favorite author's autobiography. Abandonment, poverty, love, and faith --good stuff!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

TUL

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I small book written for the young adult reader. The clever twist was starting each chapter with lyrics from various Beatles songs. Cute book!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this autobiography, especially as Rylant was one of my favorite authors as a child.