Tag Archive for Scary Tales James Preller

A QUIZ: “Stay gold, Ponyboy”

I had the great pleasure of seeing “The Outsiders” on Broadway last night. I enjoyed it even more than I expected. The stagecraft, choreography, and youthful vitality were especially impressive. It hones close to the original book.

And, of course, I loved the novel by S.E. Hinton, both times I read it. That great theme of a young man struggling to find himself, to realize there’s more to the world than the narrow hometown where he’s been raised, to finally break free and find himself.

If you can tell that story, you’ve got something. And it is a story that needs to be told over and over again in a thousand different settings.

Anyway, here’s a shirt they were selling in the lobby. 

And, yes, there will be a quiz:

In one of my Scary Tales stories, i named a minor character after a character from The Outsiders

Can you name the character?

Can you name the story?

You’ll find it, along with two other stories, in this (cheap!) paperback collection. The answer is below. 

Answer: I named a character “Soda Pop” in the story, One Eyed Doll. No real reason, just a little tribute. It’s a thing that writers do. I guess they call them “Easter eggs” nowadays.

Sweet Note from a “Retired” Teacher: (I Don’t Think the Good Ones Ever Really Retire)

This sweet note, out of the blue, made me feel better about everything. 

 

Good morning James,
I had written to you last year regarding word choice in one of your books. I have recently retired and subbing one day a week. My task is to buy books and target reluctant readers. I thought I’d share with you my growing collection. The students are really enjoying them.
Thank you,
C