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The Story Pirates Present
The Story Pirates Present: Stuck in the Stone Age
Tom Edison (no, not that Tom Edison) is a hopeful janitor who dreams of becoming a scientist--and Dr. Morice is a shy scientist who dreams of making friends. When an accident at the lab sends them back in time to the stone age, Tom and Dr. Morice must work together to face down cavemen, saber-tooth tigers, and other B.C. hazards, with only one problem: Tom isn't very good at science, and Dr. Morice isn't very good with people.
A laugh-out-loud time-travel adventure, Stuck in the Stone Age is the first in a series of novels that double as an introduction to the basics of creative writing. With the help of Story Pirate Captain Rolo Vincent and the Story Creation Zone, kids can use this kid-generated sci-fi comedy as inspiration to create their OWN great stories!
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2018
29 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Rodkey
29 books305 followersGeoff Rodkey is the New York Times bestselling author of the suburban-apocalypse comedy LIGHTS OUT IN LINCOLNWOOD and eleven books for middle grade kids: Kevin Hart's MARCUS MAKES A MOVIE and MARCUS MAKES IT BIG; the science fiction comedy WE'RE NOT FROM HERE; the illustrated comedy THE TAPPER TWINS GO TO WAR (WITH EACH OTHER) and its three sequels; the critically acclaimed CHRONICLES OF EGG adventure-comedy trilogy; and THE STORY PIRATES PRESENT: STUCK IN THE STONE AGE, a comic novel bundled with a how-to guide for kids who want to create stories of their own.
Geoff is also the Emmy-nominated screenwriter of such hit films as DADDY DAY CARE, RV, and the Disney Channel's GOOD LUCK, CHARLIE, IT'S CHRISTMAS. His early writing credits include the educational video game WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?, the non-educational MTV series BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD, and Comedy Central's POLITICALLY INCORRECT.
Geoff grew up in Freeport, Illinois and began his writing career on his high school newspaper. While in college, he was an editor of both the Harvard Lampoon and the Let's Go travel guide series.
Geoff is also the Emmy-nominated screenwriter of such hit films as DADDY DAY CARE, RV, and the Disney Channel's GOOD LUCK, CHARLIE, IT'S CHRISTMAS. His early writing credits include the educational video game WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?, the non-educational MTV series BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD, and Comedy Central's POLITICALLY INCORRECT.
Geoff grew up in Freeport, Illinois and began his writing career on his high school newspaper. While in college, he was an editor of both the Harvard Lampoon and the Let's Go travel guide series.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 17, 2020
This is a humorous book about time travel. The story concept was one submitted to the Story Pirates and turned into this book.
May 4, 2018
What a fantastic idea! Kids are going to love the story and teachers are going to love the writing process. Brilliant, I can’t wait to get some kids together to start testing out the process for myself.
This book is half story...and half ‘how we wrote the story’. Little prompts tell the reader when to flip to the back of the book to see how each step in the writing process was completed. Characters/character development. Plot twists, brainstorming...every step is followed, explained and the final novel is the ongoing example. Again, Brilliant!
This book is half story...and half ‘how we wrote the story’. Little prompts tell the reader when to flip to the back of the book to see how each step in the writing process was completed. Characters/character development. Plot twists, brainstorming...every step is followed, explained and the final novel is the ongoing example. Again, Brilliant!
July 22, 2021
This is a cute, fun story that my 11 and 9 year old took turns reading out loud to me, and my 6 and 4 year olds. An entertaining story with a super-fun, tiny twist at the very end. (We all got a huge kick out of it.) There's also a section at the back explaining how stories work: main character (antagonist/protagonist), conflict, resolution, etc. We read those parts too (interspersed with the main story), which the kids seemed to enjoy and I think will give them insight to future writing and reading.
September 25, 2018
The student who contributed the plot for this novel, Vince Boberski, is now a student at my school. We'll be featuring the book in a chapel program soon, and we hope to have Geoff Rodkey visit us next semester. I'm proud and excited about this book, especially because it's so funny, exciting, and thoughtful. The narrative tone is hilarious, the characters are believable, and the story is well-crafted. Rodkey includes a guide at the end that demonstrates how the story was built and what devices were used, adding to the value of this book as a classroom read.
Congrats to the Story Pirates organization for starting this project, and I hope to see more examples of this great way to develop young writers.
Congrats to the Story Pirates organization for starting this project, and I hope to see more examples of this great way to develop young writers.
October 20, 2018
Amusing time travel/science story.
I thought this might be a little old for my son (aged 7) but he seemed taken with it from the first, and we listened to it in just a few days.
Based on a student's idea for a story, this is a readable story about science that made us laugh aloud several times. Tom Edison (recognise that name?) gets a job as janitor in a science lab, where Marissa Morice, people-shy researcher is working on something big. Through an unexpected set of circumstances, the pair end up time travelling back to 10,000 BCE. To a time where sabre-tooth tigers are worshipped by the underfed early humans they run into...
Can Tom and Marissa survive the threats to their lives and even possibly return to the present?
I enjoyed the two time periods, with the pair coping in Prehistory as the science lab's daily work continues today. We laughed a lot at the cavemen, their reaction to the strangers (and their speech).
It's a classic comedy pair really, of straight man and foil, with each having a failing and their own strengths, and some great moments (Tom manages to invent a game that the prehistoric men take to, a very funny set of scenes). There's also a constant Shere Khan-like threat from 'Tooka' that gives tension as well as humour.
We both got caught up in the story, listening in the car. The narrator does a good job with both genders, a tiger and cavemen! Suited a seven-year-old, so I would recommend to 7-12 year olds.
We did not listen to the 'extras' discussing how to write and structure stories, so I can't comment on this, but I did like the fact that this was an hour's worth of extras.
I thought this might be a little old for my son (aged 7) but he seemed taken with it from the first, and we listened to it in just a few days.
Based on a student's idea for a story, this is a readable story about science that made us laugh aloud several times. Tom Edison (recognise that name?) gets a job as janitor in a science lab, where Marissa Morice, people-shy researcher is working on something big. Through an unexpected set of circumstances, the pair end up time travelling back to 10,000 BCE. To a time where sabre-tooth tigers are worshipped by the underfed early humans they run into...
Can Tom and Marissa survive the threats to their lives and even possibly return to the present?
I enjoyed the two time periods, with the pair coping in Prehistory as the science lab's daily work continues today. We laughed a lot at the cavemen, their reaction to the strangers (and their speech).
It's a classic comedy pair really, of straight man and foil, with each having a failing and their own strengths, and some great moments (Tom manages to invent a game that the prehistoric men take to, a very funny set of scenes). There's also a constant Shere Khan-like threat from 'Tooka' that gives tension as well as humour.
We both got caught up in the story, listening in the car. The narrator does a good job with both genders, a tiger and cavemen! Suited a seven-year-old, so I would recommend to 7-12 year olds.
We did not listen to the 'extras' discussing how to write and structure stories, so I can't comment on this, but I did like the fact that this was an hour's worth of extras.
July 10, 2018
Absolutely hysterically non-stoppingly funny.... great characters..... page-turning adventure.... fantastic!
Here's how the publisher describes the book. "A glitchy time machine strands a bumbling janitor and a brilliant scientist in the distant past. Can they find their way home before they’re attacked by angry cave-men or eaten alive by a saber-toothed tiger? Find out in this fast-paced, funny tale spun from a real-life kid’s imagination!"
The Story Pirates take ideas from kids and turn them into novels while also using the novels to teach other kids about the art of creative writing. This is the first in what I am very hopeful will be a long series of novels if the future books are anywhere near as good as this first one is!
Beyond the great adventure the two main characters in this book go through, there's also a lot of deep character development, relationship-building, problem-solving, and even a bit of diplomacy woven within the laugh-out-loud funny scenes in this fast-paced and deeply satisfying book. Two very strong main characters, one girl, one boy, one introvert, one extrovert, both brilliant in their own ways, make this a book that will appeal to any gender!
Fans of the Hilo (the Boy Who Fell to Earth) series will love this book. I can't wait to hand-sell it!!!
Congratulations to the team at RodaleKids.com!!!
Here's how the publisher describes the book. "A glitchy time machine strands a bumbling janitor and a brilliant scientist in the distant past. Can they find their way home before they’re attacked by angry cave-men or eaten alive by a saber-toothed tiger? Find out in this fast-paced, funny tale spun from a real-life kid’s imagination!"
The Story Pirates take ideas from kids and turn them into novels while also using the novels to teach other kids about the art of creative writing. This is the first in what I am very hopeful will be a long series of novels if the future books are anywhere near as good as this first one is!
Beyond the great adventure the two main characters in this book go through, there's also a lot of deep character development, relationship-building, problem-solving, and even a bit of diplomacy woven within the laugh-out-loud funny scenes in this fast-paced and deeply satisfying book. Two very strong main characters, one girl, one boy, one introvert, one extrovert, both brilliant in their own ways, make this a book that will appeal to any gender!
Fans of the Hilo (the Boy Who Fell to Earth) series will love this book. I can't wait to hand-sell it!!!
Congratulations to the team at RodaleKids.com!!!
September 2, 2018
9/2/2018 ~~ An interesting premise - 2/3 of the book is the story of Tom Edison (no, not that Thomas Edison), a wanna-be scientist, and Marisa Morice, a brilliant, lonely scientist, who travel back to the Stone Age, get stuck, and find their way home to our time again through ingenuity and persistence. The last 1/3 of the book is a writing how-to. At crucial parts in the story, two cartoon character "story pirates" use tell the reader what's happening in the story (setting up the conflict, introducing the antagonist, creating a cliff-hanger chapter ending, etc.) and refer the reader to the back where the writing process is unpacked.
For aspiring student authors, the final third of the book may be very useful. At the very least, it may prompt readers to consider the construction of the story a little more. However, I found the story itself to be a bit flat - I wasn't especially invested in the characters, because they were relatively 2-dimensional. Likewise, I found some of the humor around the cave people to be clunky and stereotyped. When I started this book, I had just finished Rodkey's Tapper Twins books, which were hysterical. I expected more from the humor in this book.
Will I purchase it for my elementary library? Not sure yet; it will depend on how much money I have left after I order the "must haves."
For aspiring student authors, the final third of the book may be very useful. At the very least, it may prompt readers to consider the construction of the story a little more. However, I found the story itself to be a bit flat - I wasn't especially invested in the characters, because they were relatively 2-dimensional. Likewise, I found some of the humor around the cave people to be clunky and stereotyped. When I started this book, I had just finished Rodkey's Tapper Twins books, which were hysterical. I expected more from the humor in this book.
Will I purchase it for my elementary library? Not sure yet; it will depend on how much money I have left after I order the "must haves."
February 16, 2018
This delightful story aimed at the younger independent reader had me enthralled from the start. The connections throughout to the section at the end on how to write a novel just like this and the association with a youngster whose ideas is used for this narrative all adds to the connection felt.
Tom Edison (No, not that Tom Edison) loves science and when he somehow gets a job at a science research centre he feels his life is perfect, but then the accident with the time machine happens and that is only the beginning of his adventures with his soon to become scientist friend, Dr Morice.
At times this book had me truly laughing out loud and one I had finished it, left me already wanting to read the next story with these characters. I look forward to seeing them available in the near future.
At the back of this book is a section dedicated to writing fiction, aimed at the younger writer, it serves to give them a framework in which to shape their writing and supports them throughout with positive messages and encouragement to complete. The authors even ask them to send their attempts in for them to read. So looking forward to reading the next young writers story, if it's anything like this one, it will be great.
Tom Edison (No, not that Tom Edison) loves science and when he somehow gets a job at a science research centre he feels his life is perfect, but then the accident with the time machine happens and that is only the beginning of his adventures with his soon to become scientist friend, Dr Morice.
At times this book had me truly laughing out loud and one I had finished it, left me already wanting to read the next story with these characters. I look forward to seeing them available in the near future.
At the back of this book is a section dedicated to writing fiction, aimed at the younger writer, it serves to give them a framework in which to shape their writing and supports them throughout with positive messages and encouragement to complete. The authors even ask them to send their attempts in for them to read. So looking forward to reading the next young writers story, if it's anything like this one, it will be great.
May 12, 2018
An improbably silly story about a friendly janitor, a shy scientist, a conniving director, a saber tooth tiger, cave men and a time machine. What bumps this book from a 3-star rating is not the story itself, but the last third of the book which is "The Story Creation Zone". Here the writers break down the elements of story and lead young authors through the story creation process. Over the years, I have known many middle grade students who are writing books. Here is a book just for them, to coach them through the process in a fun, age appropriate way.
Review based on an ARC from Netgalley.
Review based on an ARC from Netgalley.
June 14, 2019
See comments for Digging Up Danger - same ideas. Since this was the first book though, in the Story Creation Zone it talks about writing a general story and the different types of genres you could try. Digging Up Danger specifically deals with writing a mystery. I really like the Story Creation Zone in this book because it has great general organizers and ideas to share with students and try out. I don't know that I'd use all the ideas for one paper but sprinkle them throughout the year in mini-lessons. These books are really a great idea to teach kids writing and I need to spread the word about them.
March 16, 2018
Though this story is aimed at a younger audience, I found that it was a very enjoyable read. I love the fact that it was developed off of an idea from a young writer, and I love even more the emphasis on the “Story Zone” and the elements of story. This book tackles the job of creating a spark for reading and writing all in one.
There were multiple times where I shared sections of this book with my partner, especially the caveman translations, and both of us shared a good laugh.
There were multiple times where I shared sections of this book with my partner, especially the caveman translations, and both of us shared a good laugh.
April 11, 2022
Why have I checked this book out from the library twice? I have a nine year old who loves it. He remembered it many months to request it a second time. He told me that he loves the weird names Tooka uses for the travelers and the caveman speech lines. He also liked that it mentioned that Tom got an H in physics. The name Emo R. Palindrome is amusing to him. Lots to enjoy here. Give it a try.
June 5, 2018
This is really two books. The first part is the story which is decent. The second half is information on how to write a story. It discusses characters and plot. It does a decent job. It ends by showing you the idea that a kid had that was turned into the first half of the book. If you're kid is interested in writing, they should definitely check this out.
March 16, 2018
Based on a story idea from an 11-year young man, this story includes a lot of science and time travel and even a black hole or two.
The info section about writing stories at the back is well worth the read as well.
The info section about writing stories at the back is well worth the read as well.
March 27, 2018
I can’t say enough good things about this book. An awesome story (thought up by a kid!), awesomely told, AND awesomely illustrated. Plus it has a Story Creation Zone to teach and encourage kids to tell their OWN awesome stories. Parents, teachers — GET THIS for your aspiring authors!
April 26, 2018
Read aloud to my son and it was a fun adventure. Loved the second half of the book (the “story creator” section) where they break down how stories are written and encourage kids to write on their own. We’re huge fans of the Story Pirates so I was very happy to support their work!
June 15, 2018
A delightfully silly story, full of humor and unexpected situations. As a bonus there is lengthy second section teaching readers how to create their own stories with examples from the book. Recommended for both entertainment and instruction.
May 25, 2019
This was a read aloud with my 6 yo. We laughed out loud and my son actually wanted to learn about the art of storytelling as we read along. Highly recommend this witty book that makes you want to understand what makes an entertaining story.
November 13, 2019
Really fun book to read aloud... funny stuff for the kids and funny stuff for the adults. They also had great lesson on working together. I would have waited just maybe one more year or two to read it out loud as some of the jokes went over the kidsm’ head.
March 3, 2020
While I love the concept of this story, I found the comics encouraging independent story development distracting. The story itself was delightful and simple. The writing guide was geared towards younger writers.
December 6, 2020
I read this with for and with my daughter, as she is a big Story Pirates fan, and straight up, this book is legit funny. Not in a, "oh they have a few jokes in there for the adults", way either. It's well written, has great jokes, and we both very much enjoyed it.
January 1, 2019
Fairly unremarkable as a stand alone story, but my 4 year old was engrossed
January 16, 2019
Goofy and kid like but still entertaining.
March 28, 2019
Fantastic tale that teaches writing in a very unique and interactive way. Rodkey is an amazing author.
August 11, 2020
EXISTING!!!!!
October 5, 2020
"if I could give it 10 stars I would" - Liam, 6 years old
July 7, 2021
A great book! Also very helpful for writing your own book. ☺
October 27, 2024
Super cute and funny!
September 14, 2019
My 5 year old ordered this using Alexa when he heard an advertisement during the Story Pirates Podcast, invoking an exploration into stricter parental controls. I ended up making him buy it from me—technically it came addressed to my amazon account.
That said, I was delighted that the second half of the book is a well planned textbook on story structure. Every few chapters there is a jump-back reference when you hit key story mechanics.
The themes are generally mild peril, but it’s all in good fun. Sporadic illustrations made this easier for my 4 year old to follow along, but it’s generally a 5+ situation.
I, on the other hand, ended up referring to the diagrams for plot and character development for a public speaking engagement where I’m pretty sure it helped me connect with the audience better.
Even though my son got in trouble for ordering this without consent, it turns out to be a great book about writing that leads by example.
That said, I was delighted that the second half of the book is a well planned textbook on story structure. Every few chapters there is a jump-back reference when you hit key story mechanics.
The themes are generally mild peril, but it’s all in good fun. Sporadic illustrations made this easier for my 4 year old to follow along, but it’s generally a 5+ situation.
I, on the other hand, ended up referring to the diagrams for plot and character development for a public speaking engagement where I’m pretty sure it helped me connect with the audience better.
Even though my son got in trouble for ordering this without consent, it turns out to be a great book about writing that leads by example.
February 26, 2018
A delightful story for kids and adults. The "Story Creation Zone" section alone is worth the price of the book.
This review is from an Advanced Readers Edition.
Review here - http://fangirlblog.com/2018/02/stuck-...
This review is from an Advanced Readers Edition.
Review here - http://fangirlblog.com/2018/02/stuck-...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews