Gravity: A Short Story

by Jessica Schaub

What would you do?

I'm Jefferson Stanhope and I'm short. Like, really short. As in bring-a-step-stool-to-drink-from-the-water-fountain short. It's not genetic or anything. My parents are tall and my older brother and sister are tall. But not me. I think God hates me. Caitlin says God doesn't hate anyone, but after what happened to her, I thought she would change her mind. She didn't.

This is a short (pun intended) story about how I tried to help a friend but got wrapped up in a harmless lie that ended up involving the entire school. I know that sounds mysterious, but I didn't tell the lie! I just didn't tell anyone that what Mike said was a lie. What's the difference, you ask? Well, now I know the difference. Believe me, I won't let that happen again!


"...a solid story, realistic and heart-warming." Lisa Schlegel, Reader's Favorite

"Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy." Sir Isaac Newton

124 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2016

About the author

Jessica skills include quoting any line from the Princess Bride and finding time to read. She'd like to say that she keeps a neat house, but with four home-schooled kids, it's just not on her priority list.

The heart of her stories stem from her love of God, her faith, and her family. “Without those influences, there is no story in my life; no beginning, no middle, and certainly no happy ending.”

With a M.Ed. in Education from Grand Valley State University, Jessica loves teaching children how to read, to understand what they read, and express thoughts, ideas, and budding stories through writing. She helps parents help their children become strong readers.

Reviews

[Carrie Westmoreland Kurtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gravity: A Short Story is just that, a short little book. However, at only a little less that 100 pages, this book found a place in my heart. I really enjoyed it.

I loved the main character, Jefferson, and his sweet little friend, Caitlin. My heart broke for her when her brother died. My heart then melted when Jefferson became the friend that she really needed during that time.

I will say that I was expecting more of a funny story when I picked this book up. Maybe it was because of the title. I think that the title gives it a humorous vibe. And, while there were some funny moments, this book is more of a heart-felt book.

This is a quick read, I read it in just an hour or two, and I definitely recommend it to all middle grade readers and those that just enjoy middle grade books.

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[W.C. Clinton · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute story for young people. Includes inaccurate propaganda that public schools no longer have American flags in them and that schools don't permit singing the American National Anthem anymore in order to make a faux point about political correctness. Author employs footnotes as a means to provide first-person narrator's side comments while relating the story, which can be distracting.

[Jacob Stull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written book! The story will instantly take you back to junior high and how dramatic every aspect of life felt at that time. The two main characters, Jefferson and Caitlin, are very relatable. This story deals with friendship, overcoming obstacles, and tragedy. At times it's funny and witty, and at other times it's very serious. I loved how the book was broken into short almost unconnected events from Jefferson's life...much like the way a middle schoolers mind works. I would recommend this to any parent, for them and their kids.