The School Story

Written by Andrew Clements

Narrated by Spencer Kayden

From the best-selling author of Frindle, The Landry News, and The Janitor's Boy.

Twelve-year-old Natalie has written a fabulous book and is determined to get it published. Luckily, she has connections to the publishing world--her mother is an assistant editor at a major publisher. However, Natalie doesn't want any favors and doesn't want her mom to know that she wrote a novel. So she and her best friend Zoë devise a plan. Natalie uses a pseudonym, Zoë pretends to be an agent, and with a little help from an English teacher, the girls succeed. Not only does Natalie's mom publish the novel, but it exceeds everyone's expectations and becomes a bestseller!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Sep 23, 2003
• ISBN: 9781400085903

Andrew Clements

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.

Reviews for The School Story

[sandyamcpherson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Two 12-year old girls launch a plot to publish a book which Natalie has written; her best friend, Zoe, poses as the literary 'agent' to shelter Natalie's identity. Great fun ensues with amusing machinations to maintain the charade. As well, the story was a heartfelt rendering of Natalie and her mother, widowed too young and the daughter missing the Dad.

It was also an encouraging story of writing novels and blessedly featuring a decent school teacher who mentors them through the editing and business end of the process. It was delightful to read a middle-grade story in a supportive, educational setting. Overall in his oeuvre, author Clements does an excellent job in articulating the trials and tribulations of middle-grade students. A great comfort read for the Tween set.

[mollygroff · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really liked this book, and think it's encouraging, especially to young (and all) writers who want to become published someday, like me!

[kelsey_barrell-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed reading this chapter book for a few reasons. First, the author includes pictures throughout the book to provide context to the text. For example, the two main characters are having a phone call with each other. The author illustrated the two girls so the readers could have a better understanding of their conversation. Second, the author used a lot of text features to make the book more interesting. For example, when the main character in the story is writing her book, the author indents the text and uses a different font to make it stand out. I think the overall message of this book is If you believe in yourself, then you can accomplish anything.

[matthewbloome · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This one tugged at my heart, when it finally came together. I loved this story, felt very attached to the characters and was truly intrigued by the story as a whole.

[darlenesbooknook · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this book aloud to my daughters.

The book was outstanding!! We all loved it! Zoe and Natalie were loveable characters, and the plan they concocted to get Natalie's manuscript published was very entertaining. The book was brilliantly written, extremely enjoyable, and very empowering for children.

I loved the warm, genuine friendship between Zoe and Natalie: Two friends who would do anything for each other and stick by one another.

We haven't yet read anything else by Clements, but we will definitely look into his other novels!

[ywoo_7 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Abandon, because I didn't know what is happening in the story even though I back up and re-read. 

[mandyk90210 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Okay, I admit, this is a children's book. But I just loved it anyway. I liked the idea that a kid could write a book and get it published, without the publisher knowing who she was! Maybe I'll go behind my parents' backs and finally get my book published too. Although, at 17, it's a little late for that.

[anneofia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've been an Andrew Clements fan ever since I read Things Unseen, and this earlier book did not disappoint. I loved the publishing industry background, and the great way the main characters came to life, complete with photo id no less. Selznick did a wonderful job with the illustrations, and I especially loved the way the last picture was such a satisfying conclusion to an already good story.