The School Story by Andrew Clements
Study Guide
Reading Textbook p. 404-424 contains part of the text from Ch. 19-20 in The School Story chapter book. We
will read this section from the textbook and take a separate quiz from the pages in the reading textbook.
Vocabulary- Fill in the blank/use word in sentence
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bodega- a grocery store or warehouse
commuting- to travel regularly over some distance, as from suburb into a city and back
manuscript- an author’s text that has not yet been published
pseudonym- a fictitious name used by an author to conceal his or her identity
cantankerous- bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative
intense- having or showing strong feelings or opinions
lanyard- a cord passed around the neck, shoulder, or wrist used for holding a whistle or similar object
involuntary- unintentional; not by one’s own choice
Focus skills: using context clues to determine word meaning, compare and contrast characters in the story,
using text evidence to support answers, and making inferences
Comprehension Questions:
1. What gave Natalie the idea to write a “school story” in the first place?
2. What story evidence is there in the story that shows how Natalie and her mother take care of each other?
3. Compare and contrast what you know about Zoe’s life to what you know about Natalie’s life.
4. Although Natalie’s father has died before the story begins, he plays an important role in the book. Based
on the evidence in the book, how would you describe how Natalie feels about her father?
5. Describe the “slush pile” at Shipley Junior Books where Natalie’s mom works. Why does this discourage
Natalie from finishing her manuscript and trying to get it published.
6. Explain one theme or life lesson of this book.
7. Natalie and Zoe run into some obstacles trying to get Natlie’s book published. What are three problems
they encounter and what solutions do they find?
8. Name three pseudonyms used in the story.
9. What was Mr. Reisman’s attitude toward Ms. Clayton for helping the girls?
10. How did Natalie react when she received the letter from the editor? Why?