The Cheater Book Report

The School Story by Andrew Clements, published in 2001, features two child characters who pursue and achieve an adult-sized goal.

Natalie Nelson is writing a book, and her best friend, Zoe, thinks it is good. At least, Zoe thinks the beginning is good, and she wants to read more. Natalie is excited and gives Zoe the manuscript for the rest of the book—except for the last five chapters, which she has not yet written.

Natalie had the idea to write a book four months ago. Her mom, who works as an editor in New York City, mentioned one day that her publisher was looking for school stories. When Natalie asked, her mom explained that they are stories about real-life kids going to school. Natalie considered how much time she spent at school and

She tried making up poems like the ones she heard, or she pretended her stuffed animals were characters from books. She thought all about authors and imagined them writing the stories she loved. Eventually she imagined herself as a writer, too. By fourth grade, she converted a corner of the loft apartment she shared with her mom into her personal writing spot. For the last couple of years, she has spent a great deal of time working there.

Now Zoe thinks Natalie should try to get her book, The Cheater, published. Natalie does not want any favors from her mother, so Zoe suggests that Natalie submit the book under a pen name. Natalie comes up with a name to use: Cassandra Day.

Later, without saying why, Natalie asks her mom about publishing. Her mom, whose name is Hannah, explains that almost all of the books authors submit get rejected. Every year, thousands of books get written but only the best few make it to publication. Writers have better chances if they are represented by people called literary agents, who work hard to search out new talent. Natalie realizes that no agent would work for a twelve year old. The whole idea of publishing is so daunting that Natalie can hardly face finishing her