The School Story

The School Story

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade realistic
• Originally Published: 2001
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 760L; grades 4-6
• Structure/Length: 20 chapters; approx. 224 pages; approx. 3 hours, 17 minutes on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: Twelve-year-old Natalie Nelson and fellow sixth grader and best friend Zoe attempt to finagle a book deal for Natalie’s novel from Natalie’s mother, an editor at a publishing house, without revealing their true identities.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Death of parent

Andrew Clements, Author

• Bio: Born in 1949; raised in Camden New Jersey and Springfield Illinois; vacationed in rural Maine where the lack of distraction allowed time to read; became an English teacher after graduating from Northwestern University; became interested in book publishing as a sales manager and editorial director; author of picture books, early readers, chapter books, and middle grade novels; including educational titles and curricular materials, has authored over 80 books
• Other Works: Frindle (1998); The Report Card (2006); No Talking (2009)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• The Power of Positive Thinking and Perseverance
• Honesty vs Deceit
• The Effects of Loss

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the nuances attached to honesty and deceit by forming their own interpretations of the way The School Story engages with these concepts.
• Analyze the dynamics and development of The School Story’s characters through tracing character arcs and defining the relationships between the main characters.
• Familiarize themselves with the process of publishing through the story of The School Story, related resources, and an activity that encourages creativity and collaboration.
• Explore and analyze topics of perseverance and loss through the analysis of these themes as they are developed throughout The School Story.