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I Became An Elementary School Outlaw
I Became an Elementary School Outlaw, by Frank Nappi, is a delightful memoir of a little boy who ultimately becomes a teacher. The angst of growing up and fitting in as we’ve all experienced at some point in our formative years travel with Frankie on the paths he walks throughout the rest of his life, and maybe even guides his steps. Frankie’s journey through elementary and junior high school will make you reflect upon your own, and you will undoubtedly find yourself smiling quietly at times, and at others laughing out loud. If you have any more fun than laughing along with this Elementary School Outlaw, you might just get arrested!
245 pages, Paperback
Published February 19, 2019
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About the author
Frank Nappi
9 books477 followersFrank Nappi has taught high school English and Creative Writing for over twenty years. His debut novel, ECHOES FROM THE INFANTRY, received national attention, including MWSA's silver medal for outstanding fiction. His follow-up novel, THE LEGEND OF MICKEY TUSSLER, garnered rave reviews as well, including a movie adaptation of the touching story "A Mile in His Shoes" starring Dean Cain and Luke Schroder. Nappi continues to produce quality work, including SOPHOMORE CAMPAIGN, the intriguing sequel to the much heralded original story and the thriller, NOBODY HAS TO KNOW, which received an endorsement from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille. The third installment of Nappi's Mickey Tussler series, WELCOME TO THE SHOW, was released in April 2016. Nappi's first memoir I BECAME AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OUTLAW, was released in June of 2019. Nappi makes his home on Long Island where he has lived his entire life.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 29, 2019
‘One day at a time is the mantra to which I try to cling’
New York author Frank Nappi lives and teaches high school English and Creative Writing on Long Island. He made an auspicious literary debut in 2005 with his highly awarded novel ECHOES FROM THE INFANTRY, a book so insightful about the military while at the same time demonstrating the polished skills of a very fine writer that it was apparent Frank Nappi was an important emerging American artist. Since that debut he has consistently added well-scribed successful novels, such as THE LEGEND OF MICKEY TUSSLER, SOPHOMORE CAMPAIGN, NOBODY HAS TO KNOW, and WELCOME TO THE SHOW, each enhancing his status as a major literary figure. He now offers a memoir that sensitively reflects not only his life but also his commitment as an educator of note.
Frank opens his warmly illuminating memoir with a sensitive account of his childhood: at age five, just prior to his entering kindergarten, he learns the harshness of life as his father’s occupation turns from a prominent position that of a potato chip truck driver and his mother’s anguish at the change alters his perception. He enters kindergarten and considers his classroom time traumatic, altering his outlook while continuing to explore his recollections. These early seeds begin to blossom as Frank advances, and it is the quality of his descriptive prose that impresses deeply: ‘Perhaps I’m on some path, traveling toward an epiphany, some grand understanding tied to my days as a child. Maybe a long, overdue meeting – a much needed heart to heart between fifty-one year-old Frank and little Frankie. Maybe settling his restlessness may help me with my own. He does seem to be trying to tell me something. Who knows? It may all be nothing. Still, I wonder. Are there really answers out there, somewhere in between Parkside Boulevard and Forest Avenue? Or is my excessive walking just nervous energy and these pop-up images nothing more than random blips scurrying across the face of my memory? I can’t be sure. It’s a lot to consider. But I do know one thing as the miles I travel continue to pile up. I can’t stop the memories from coming.’
Throughout this fine memoir Frank invites us into his world, his growth, his memoires, and his philosophy with such grace that his journey becomes our journey. ‘What I enjoy most about walking is the solitude. Even though my suburban, middle-class neighborhood is bristling with life – people biking, jogging, walking dogs—for the most part, everyone leaves me alone when our paths do cross. I appreciate that, since I am usually wrestling with some pretty weighty matters and do not wish to be interrupted. I love being outside. There is indeed something about the open sky and sun and trees that invigorates a tired soul.’
Every aspect of Frank Nappi’s life is reflected through his recollections of his elementary school experience and time, and in sharing these moments he grows – both in years, and in importance as a writer. This is a memorable novel and one of the most sensitive books of our time. Highly Recommended.
New York author Frank Nappi lives and teaches high school English and Creative Writing on Long Island. He made an auspicious literary debut in 2005 with his highly awarded novel ECHOES FROM THE INFANTRY, a book so insightful about the military while at the same time demonstrating the polished skills of a very fine writer that it was apparent Frank Nappi was an important emerging American artist. Since that debut he has consistently added well-scribed successful novels, such as THE LEGEND OF MICKEY TUSSLER, SOPHOMORE CAMPAIGN, NOBODY HAS TO KNOW, and WELCOME TO THE SHOW, each enhancing his status as a major literary figure. He now offers a memoir that sensitively reflects not only his life but also his commitment as an educator of note.
Frank opens his warmly illuminating memoir with a sensitive account of his childhood: at age five, just prior to his entering kindergarten, he learns the harshness of life as his father’s occupation turns from a prominent position that of a potato chip truck driver and his mother’s anguish at the change alters his perception. He enters kindergarten and considers his classroom time traumatic, altering his outlook while continuing to explore his recollections. These early seeds begin to blossom as Frank advances, and it is the quality of his descriptive prose that impresses deeply: ‘Perhaps I’m on some path, traveling toward an epiphany, some grand understanding tied to my days as a child. Maybe a long, overdue meeting – a much needed heart to heart between fifty-one year-old Frank and little Frankie. Maybe settling his restlessness may help me with my own. He does seem to be trying to tell me something. Who knows? It may all be nothing. Still, I wonder. Are there really answers out there, somewhere in between Parkside Boulevard and Forest Avenue? Or is my excessive walking just nervous energy and these pop-up images nothing more than random blips scurrying across the face of my memory? I can’t be sure. It’s a lot to consider. But I do know one thing as the miles I travel continue to pile up. I can’t stop the memories from coming.’
Throughout this fine memoir Frank invites us into his world, his growth, his memoires, and his philosophy with such grace that his journey becomes our journey. ‘What I enjoy most about walking is the solitude. Even though my suburban, middle-class neighborhood is bristling with life – people biking, jogging, walking dogs—for the most part, everyone leaves me alone when our paths do cross. I appreciate that, since I am usually wrestling with some pretty weighty matters and do not wish to be interrupted. I love being outside. There is indeed something about the open sky and sun and trees that invigorates a tired soul.’
Every aspect of Frank Nappi’s life is reflected through his recollections of his elementary school experience and time, and in sharing these moments he grows – both in years, and in importance as a writer. This is a memorable novel and one of the most sensitive books of our time. Highly Recommended.
July 31, 2019
To be honest, I am generally not a fan of memoirs. But the universality of Elementary School Outlook made this a wondrous, wonderful read! The author juxtaposes his own calamitous times as an elementary school student with his tenure as a grammar school teacher, showing the thread that makes who we are today was sewn early in our lives. I could not help but identify with many of the anecdotes, especially since the author and I seem to be about the same age, and therefore share cultural touchstones. A must read for parents of younger children, teachers, and really anyone who looks back on their youth with equal doses of fondness and melancholy.
September 7, 2019
GREAT for the soul! The author is sooo transparent that you feel you're actually on the journey with him... You may find you've had or are having similar experiences in your life... I know I did. I found myself hanging on to every detailed word... Frank would make any English professor proud. He OVERDELIVERS and gives back in a BIG way through his career and his real-life story... We need more educators, authors like Frank who genuinely care... Great Read!
Paula~Entrepreneur
Paula~Entrepreneur
August 13, 2019
The title alone was why I chose to read this book, and it was such a fun ride. Mr. Nappi was able to write a memoir that was fun and heartwarming. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews