Makenna Gulnac's Book Report on "School Story"

Name: Makenna Gulnac

Title of Book: School Story

Author: Andrew Clements

What was the problem in the book, and how was it solved? Be specific.

The problem in the book starts with the main character Natalie, she wrote an amazing book

but she can't figure out how to publish it.  Since she is a child people won't have a fair opinion

on her book especially when her mom would be the one publishing it. So she and her friend

Zoe go on this amazing trip to get it published. First they have to make up fake names so

Natalie's mom won't know it's her who wrote the book.  Then they finally get a hold of

Natalie's mom and use their fake names and make their voices way deeper to get the book

published. And eventually they do get Natalie's book published and then her mom finds out

and is super happy for Natalie and all was well.

What was the author's purpose or purposes in writing the book? Explain how you know.

The author's purpose was to entertain also possible to inform. I think the author’s purpose was

to entertain because in the book there is a couple jokes and some of the characters lines are quite

funny or should I say they are quite punny! Ok all jokes aside the author might also be trying to put a

little information in the book as well. I fell that because the book tell me a lot about publishing and

the process of a book getting published.

What did the title have to do with the book?

The title of the book,  “School Story” is very fitting because the book Natalie writes is a story that

takes place in school.  Also the setting of School Story is in school. So you can see the relation.

Tell in your own words how the setting of the story made it more interesting. Be specific.

The setting of the book made it more interesting because in the book Natalie is writing a story

about school in school.   Also when one of the teachers gets involved then the story really gets going

and gets way more exciting!

If one of the characters visited our classroom, what question would you ask them? (Make sure the

question relates to the plot/problem/actions of the story.) *Give the name of the character with the

question!!*

If Natalie  (one of the main characters)  came to our classroom I would ask her, “Natalie, what

inspired you to write your book? Why was your mom’s boss so mean?  How did you become such a

great writer?”

Pretend you are a librarian recommending the book to someone. Write a paragraph telling what you would say.

I would say, “Have you read School Story?  It is a really good book and it has lots of emotions.

 I read it once and I loved it, so I read it again. If you like drama, sassy little girls, and laughter I

would definitely recommend this book!”  I would carry one talking about how good the book is then

I would read the summary on the back, “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 doesnt want 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 best-selling school story may be in their hands, but can Natalie and Zoe

pull off their masquerade?”  Then I would excitedly had the person the book and say, “Hope you

enjoy it!”

If they made a movie of this book, which scene would be most important to include. Explain the

scene with details and why it's important.

The most important scene to include would be the scene at the very end when Natalie's mom

finds out that Natalie wrote the book and started crying tears of joy.  It is very important because

that is a very cheerful moment that we all knew was going to happen.