My Storied Year

by Katie Proctor

I’m hoping these kids won’t forever remember
the smell as me.

Dragon Stewart, seventh-grader at Piney Woods Middle school, works hard every day to avoid bullies and his own weird sister. But things change when his mom gets sick and social services steps in to make sure they are safe and well taken care of. (Spoiler: They’re not.)

School has always been hard for Dragon; dyslexia is just one of the deep, dark secrets that keep him alone in the school hallways. He is sure that he will never do well in school, never belong, never be enough. (Spoiler: He’s wrong.)

Fans of Gordon Korman’s Restart and R.J. Palacio’s Wonder will enjoy Dragon’s inspiring journey to discover that his story matters.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2020

Reviews

[Mindy Brouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to read a middle grade book about a boy who had more common than we think problems, cares for his family, loves poetry, and just needs people to see him? Want to read a book that will stick with you? Want to read a book that makes you want to hug people from you last and be a better person on the future? Then, this is the book for you!

[Morgan Tallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Katie and her publishing team for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review; but also, thank you for writing this book!

I will say, this book was nothing like my seventh grade year - but I wish it was! There’s a library in the classroom, amazing teachers and principals, and many many professionals who know how to look out for a kid. There was also a ton of creative writing time, which I always wish I was given more of in school.

Dragon has dyslexia, and he also has trauma that interferes with a lot of his daily life. This book explores his seventh grade year, as Dragon battles hardships at school and at home.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come...currently wiping away the many tears I shed while reading this book. Though I will say this, ‘My Storied Year’ should be required reading for every middle school teacher. ❤️

[Kaytee Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update 3 years later: read this aloud to my kiddos and we all loved it again.

I've gotten to talk to a lot of authors, and each time I feel like I'm making a new friend. This is the first time I've read a book from someone I know and love and have hugged in person and talked to for hours and hours, before opening their pages. And I'll be honest, I was a bit nervous. What if I didn't love it and it damaged our relationship? Well, not to worry. Here's what I sent Katie when I finished:
"Katie!!! Katie!!!!!!!!!!!
I just finished My Storied Year! I'm wiping tears from my cheeks while smiling so big. I can't wait to give this book to my oldest son, and I can't wait to see it take off for you. What an incredible writer you are, even the author's note had me weeping. I adore you, girl, and I'm so glad to call you friend and that your words are gonna be out there in the world. What a gift."

Dragon will capture your heart, his classmates and teacher will make you laugh and smile and hurt a bit, and I guarantee you'll think of the perfect kid to hand this book to. ❤️

[Shanda Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could I would give this book all the stars in the night sky. When I began this middle grade novel, I did not expect to feel all the feelings. And I am not ashamed to admit that I sobbed through a large portion of this book. I am a teacher, and I NEEDED to read this book. Teaching in 2020 is nothing any of us signed up for. But this book reminded me of why I chose to become a teacher. I’m here for the Dragons and the Denzels and the Mayas and the Travises. Ms. Parkman...I want to hug her. Thanks, Katie, for this incredible story. I highly recommend to everyone...but especially to all my fellow teachers.

[Kori · Rating 5 out of 5]

In order to be good, middle grade fiction must have engaging characters, a dynamic story, and a lot of heart. This delivers in spades. When I was given the chance to read My Storied Year I was excited by the premise and felt like it would be a fun way to spend an afternoon. I did not expect to be completely blown away. I want to keep this review spoiler free, so I won’t go into a lot of detail other than to say that the author captured the essence of a boy like Dragon perfectly. Would highly recommend to both middle grade readers and the adults who love them.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this last night and this morning I called my local bookstore and ordered 3 more copies. This book must be shared. It was beautiful. It's a character driven novel about a 7th grade boy who is doing his best. I am a plot driven person, but Dragon is so very real on the page. He jumps out and sits next to you while you're reading. Walking his life with him was heartbreaking and inspiring and hopeful and sad. My son isn't so far from this age and every word spoken and action taken by Dragon just rang with truth. Read this book.

[Christy Broderick⁷ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book had me rooting for Dragon every time I picked it up to read! Thank you to BookFunnel and Fawkes Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for feedback.

Dragon learned so much about himself, his family, and his writing abilities at school, which took a lot of bravery and patience on his part. The stories he learns along the way were very compelling and how he puts those stories to paper had me turning pages like a mad woman to know what happened next in his narrative. He even has a supportive group of adults and friends at school that encourage him along the way, instead of tearing him down when he doesn’t participate or starts to panic. I loved this so much about the characters and Katie did an awesome job keeping me engaged with all of them and learning alongside Dragon - I can’t wait to read more from her in the future ❤️

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I loved this book so much. It is the story of Dragon, a 7th grade boy who struggles at home and at school. He wrestles in school with dyslexia and learning challenges and with being bullied. His home life in a trailer park with a sick mom and a strange sister presents other challenges. But Dragon's 7th grade teachers and principal provide an oasis in their classrooms and in their hearts that allow Dragon to overcome challenges and to learn and grow academically and emotionally. This story shows how the power of words, the caring and understanding of teachers, and the kindness of strangers can transform the life of a teenager. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and author and although I am not in the intended audience for a middle grade book (my children are grown and I am a lawyer, not a teacher), I could not put this one down. It will be released next month and when it is, I will be ordering copies for all the teachers (including my daughter) and parents of middle grade readers in my life!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody has a story worth sharing, but does everybody take the time to listen?

In My Storied Year, Katie Proctor gives us the story of Dragon Stewart, a seventh grade boy who struggles with dyslexia, bullies, a weird sister, social services, and his mother’s illness.
He believes that he will never be enough. (Spoiler: He’s wrong.)
This inspiring journey through Dragon’s year will leave you heartbroken. It will also give you tremendous joy (I had goosebumps).

This is a middle grade book, but I believe that everyone should read it, especially educators. Adults are meant to inspire, mentor, and LISTEN to children.
Dragon Stewart is fortunate enough to have these heroes in his life, and I am too.

[Erin Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon is 7th grader struggling with learning disabilities, poverty, an abusive past, and a present that borders on neglect. He struggles to fit in with his classmates, worries about his home life, and is frustrated by the difficultly he has in school--except for writing.

In this beautiful middle grade debut by (my friend!) Katie Proctor, Dragon finds himself supported and loved well by his teachers, administrator, classmates, and family. His English teacher coaches him to use writing to connect with his mom and work through some of the trauma in his past.

This book is not all roses! Dragon is accurately depicted as angry and explosive, even at times destructive. His dirty clothing and perceived stupidity make him a target of bullying. But Dragon grows throughout the novel, and will certainly capture your heart as he does so.

My own 12yo son is dyslexic and has been so excited to read Katie's book when it came out. I chose to read it myself first, but now I cannot WAIT to share it with him. I suspect it will be a new favorite.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tenderly written debut novel about Dragon, a boy who struggles to control his anger that is bubbling over from his dyslexia and his dysfunctional home life. I rooted for Dragon the entire way through this middle grade book. I cried at the descriptions of the very real kindness between friends in middle school, the touching portrayal of his teachers at school who care about him unceasingly, and the resilience and strength and healing that children encounter as they find their voice. As a teacher, I loved reading about the educators who taught Dragon to write (really, truly write), who taught him strategies to calm his anger, and who allowed him a safe space at school to collect himself. Everyday heroes. Read it to yourself, read it with your middle grade reader, send it to their friends.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! 20% in and I was asking my daughter and husband if they wanted to read it with me. It was a very emotional read for me as a teacher. As I read, I could picture the faces of the students I have taught over the years who have undoubtedly struggled with one or more secrets Dragon is trying to keep under wraps. I loved this book, both for the insights it gives teachers about dyslexia and the way teachers are shown as caring and innovative, everything I aspire to be. This book is why I became a teacher. I highly recommend it!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was same age as Dragon, I hated reading. Not only was it difficult, but every kid my age that I read about was nothing like me. They all had perfect, simples lives and everything was easy for them. They felt safe and comfortable and why wouldn't they? Trauma and hardships just weren't apart of their story. But real life isn't like that. Kids have real problems. I really wish that I had a book like this when I was young. I would have felt a lot less lonely.

[Rachel Ternan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story! A seventh grader navigating the usual perils of middle school plus dyslexia and his less-than-ideal home life in East Texas, but also a story about friendships and the power of telling our stories. I loved this book so much.

[Jillian Greenawalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I read a really early version of this book and loved it.

I've now read the published version with my kids, and we LOVED it. It's a tender, vulnerable story and we were all cheering for Dragon as he struggled with problems and setbacks.

[Kristens.reading.nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Stewart is a 7th grader with dyslexia who sometimes smells bad because the water gets shut off at his house. His mom is sick and he’s the man of the house, trying to take care of his sisters.

Dragon does not enjoy school for many reasons, including those stated above. He’s just trying to get through the year. However, he has teachers and an assistant principal who see so much potential in him. Mrs. Parkman, his English teacher, is trying to instill a love of writing into her students. Mr. Mark, the assistant principal, can see himself in Dragon.

Through poems and stories, Dragon comes to break out of his shell. This story left me in tears in a couple parts - which is not normal for me. I am not a crier when it comes to books. It was so well written, touching on many aspects of a middle school boy’s life - the friendships, the struggles, the home life. I can’t wait to read what Katie Proctor writes next.

[Jonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone, please, read this book! It’s perfection and it has my heart. 🖤

[momma_doc_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If there’s one thing
I know about writing
it’s this:
You’re never done,
not really.”
.
Thank you to @katieproctorwritesandreads and @fawkespress for the opportunity to review this amazing book ahead of its publication on October 27th!
.
This story follows Dragon, a 7th grade student, as he navigates the complexities of his tumultuous home life and his schoolwork while grappling with #dyslexia . I loved how the book showcased not only his growth as a writer as his teacher helps him, but also how his teachers, friends, and neighbors come together to support his family.
.
Told partly in verse, this #middlegradefiction is a great addition to your library! Check it out on October 27th!
.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid! This book has all the feels. Loved the poetry tucked between chapters.

[PSMS Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a middle grade novel that depicts, in the best way, what happens when a kid has someone come along them to encourage them. Dragon is a seventh grader living in a trailer park with his dysfunctional family. He doesn’t have the right clothes and he doesn’t smell right, but he does have a teacher, a principal, and eventually some classmates who come alongside him to help him reach his potential.

[Addie Randolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It tells the story of a young boy in middle school who has a difficult home life. He struggles in school at first, but with the love and care of his teachers, he is able to open up and express his feelings through his writing.
This really shows how schools and teachers should impact children. It’s a heartwarming story.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon is a 7th grader starting a new school year. He has many disadvantages in his life, including difficulty reading and writing due to dyslexia. He’s not a happy kid and struggles with his feelings. The story is hard and covers many difficult topics but it’s also wonderful. I don’t want to say much because I wouldn’t want to spoil anything. I love the progression of the year. It’s wonderfully written and has many important topics. I would highly suggest this for anyone but especially any person with dyslexia. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I decided to read it first but plan to order a paper copy to read to my kids. It does have a Wonder feel. Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. I really enjoyed it and felt very connected to Dragon. A wonderful middle grade book!

[Hemenover · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a middle school teacher, I was excited to have the opportunity to read this book! True to life, the issues of trust, friendship, and the development of self-confidence are confronted throughout the story. The diversity among the students and their experiences made this an interesting and relatable read. Though Dragon must contend with challenges that befall many seventh graders, he must also face the lingering effects of his past. I found myself eagerly turning page after page—excited to discover Dragon’s story. This novel is a reminder that each of us has a story, and human connection is such a big part of that story.

[Heather Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and honest story of self-discovery and the power of our thoughts and actions, as well as the power of writing. A main character who is easy to love and gives us pause to remember that we do not know what others are walking through - sonder (n.).

[Amye (pagesandplannersabroad) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe in order to be a good author of any kind of book, you must read that genre. It is clear that the author is well versed in middle grade fiction.
The book begins at the beginning of the school year. Dragon does not fit in. He lives in a mobile home with his mother, who is barely functioning, and his sister, Maya and De-Vine. Dragon has problems at school in part because he is dyslexic. When he finds out that they will be doing a lot of writing as part of their coursework, he is not happy.

This is a beautiful and moving story about how a boy finds his voice. I especially liked Dragon's free verse poems which were interspersed throughout the book. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Katie Proctor and Fawkes Publishing for the Advanced Reader's Copy.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for middle-grade students, definitely better than many I’ve read. The story is compelling and realistic.
I would’ve just made the main character a little younger—maybe 5th grade. There were a few parts about the school setting and the character’s actions that just didn’t ring as true for a 7th grader.
January 2022–I just finished reading this novel aloud to my 6th graders. They loved it! Many asked if there was a sequel. One boy remarked, “This is the best read-aloud book I’ve ever heard.” Thanks to Katie Proctor for reminding me of one of my “whys.”

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will draw you in to the harsh reality that far too many of our middle school students face: dealing with adult problems without the right resources with which to properly deal. And yet, the underlying message of hope is also undeniably real, that with supportive, accepting peers and adults, especially those in the educational setting, students who otherwise view themselves as failures can learn to flourish. Proctor writes with such authenticity, crafting genuine characters, able to capture and invoke an array of emotions. In essence, her writing will leave you a better human.

[Sue.the.very.busy.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a teacher and if you have not yet read this book STOP 🛑 what you are doing and order My Storied Year. I could not find the audiobook and you will want your own copy. This book is amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + stars. This story is about a boy named Dragon who has dyslexia and struggles in school. However, that is just one of his obstacles in life. He also comes from a low income family, where his mother is suffering from an illness and no longer works. Dragon is pretty much taking care of his younger step sisters on the food he receives at school. This book is about his seventh grade year in school where he encounters three wonderful school staff members, a homeroom teacher, an English teacher and an associate principal, who help him work through some of the bullying and frustrations he is experiencing at school. This book reminded me, as a former teacher, that it is the little things that teachers do that can have the biggest impact on their students. Caring goes a long way.
This was one of my favorite poems from the book on Page 29 about what it is like for a struggling reader.




“It’s not that
I don’t like to read.

It’s that
The words have a tendency
To dance around on the page.

So it’s slow
And I’m slow
And kids don’t like to wait.

Poems work best for me
Not too many words
Not too much dancing.

Every word is important,
None wasted.

I might be missing out
On big stories
Grand adventures
Kids like me being heroes.

But it just takes too long.”