The School Story

Author: Andrew Clements

Two middle school girls scheme to publish a book in this novel from Andrew Clements, the author of Frindle.

Natalie's best friend, Zoe, is sure that the novel Natalie's written is good enough to be published. But how can a twelve-year-old girl publish a book? Natalie's mother is an editor for a big children's publisher, but Natalie doesn't want to ask for any favors.

Then Zoe has a brilliant idea: Natalie can submit her manuscript under a pen name, with Zoe acting as her literary agent. But it's not easy for two sixth graders to put themselves over as grown-ups, even with some help from a couple of real grown-ups who are supportive but skeptical. The next bestselling school story may be in their hands--but can Natalie and Zoe pull off their masquerade?

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: 08/01/2002
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.34lbs
Size: 7.78h x 5.10w x 0.64d
ISBN: 9780689851865
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.2
Point Value: 5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 50395 / School Story

Award: Sunshine State Young Reader's Award - Nominee

Review Citation(s):
PW Notes and Reprints 08/12/2002 pg. 303
Publishers Weekly 08/12/2002

About the Author
Andrew Clements (1949-2019) was the author of the enormously popular Frindle. More than 10 million copies of his books have been sold, and he was nominated for a multitude of state awards, including a Christopher Award and an Edgar Award. His popular works include About Average, Troublemaker, Extra Credit, Lost and Found, No Talking, Room One, Lunch Money, and more. He was also the author of the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series. Find out more at AndrewClements.com.

Brian Selznick is the author and illustrator of the bestselling The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal and was a National Book Award finalist. He is also the illustrator of many books for children, including Frindle and Lunch Money by Andrew Clements, as well as the Doll People trilogy by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin, and The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley, which was a Caldecott Honor Book. Mr. Selznick divides his time between Brooklyn, New York, and San Diego, California.