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

Cynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.

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.