The Good, the Bad, and the Backstory

The Good, the Bad, and the Backstoryicon

by Melissa Minery

Illustrated by Stephanie Hider

Publisher
Boys Town Press
Publication
Mar 09, 2021
Format
Paperback/Softback
Illustrated
Yes
Price
9.95
Dimensions
7 x 10
ISBN
9781944882716
Pages
50
Age
11 - 14 years
Category
Character DevelopmentMiddle Grade Fiction

Rights Sold

🌍 World Wide Rights Available

Description

"Welcome to a day in the life of five middle school students, Ashley, Kenisha, Taara, Ryan and Andrew.

Their day begins in the early morning hours when each of them is roused from slumber. Some awaken to the sound of an annoying alarm. Others are scared out of bed by Mom or Dad. Then there's Ryan, who oversleeps, again. He forgot to set his alarm clock and no one's ever at home to wake him.
Ryan gets to school late. Kenisha arrives excited, but also jealous of her friend. Taara comes anxious and distracted. Andrew shows up ready to bully someone, and Ashley enters sad and sulking because of unkind gossip she heard on the bus.

As they walk the hallways, attend class and navigate the dreaded lunchroom, they experience all of the messiness of middle school:
  • The fragile friendships.

  • The peer pressure.

  • The fickle social hierarchy.

  • The relationship drama.
    Issues at home and interactions at school influence how they relate to one another, their classmates and their teachers throughout the day.

    Readers soon realize that there are many layers to each young character in the story than what you first see, and by the story’s end, you’ve had the opportunity to walk in each characters shoes and understand how one simple event can impact so many different people.

    The story addresses important concepts, such as making friends, building relationships, showing empathy for others, building resiliency and coping mechanisms, and making and accepting apologies.

    Author Melissa Minery gives the reader a birds-eye view of a middle school day as it unfolds for each character, offering an unflinching look at how a child's backstory; family life, values, beliefs, triumphs and tragedies; influences his or her actions. Written for middle schoolers in grades 4 to 8, it’s a true-to-life
    story with a valuable message about courage, forgiveness, empathy and understanding.


    ”This book was an absolute delight. The story is engrossing, the characters are interesting and likeable, and it's hard to put down. The way the story is told from the point of view of each of the characters is really unique and gives great insights into how different people can have very different perspectives on the same conversations. Fun to read and a great educational tool for teaching empathy. .” - John S Wilson, Verified Purchaser

    ”I wish there had been a book like this when I was growing up. Great for teaching and reading at home. Gives great insight into the minds of other kids who are also going through different things at home and school. - Allie Thomas, Purchaser"

Author(s)

Melissa Minery

Melissa Minery

Melissa Minery is a Certified School Counselor in New Hampshire. She has worked at the elementary-to-high school levels and as a career Counselor with young adult's. She's always doing something to "grow her brain" and loves going on adventures with her family and hiking in the white mountains. This is her first published work.

Illustrator(s)

Stephanie Hider

Stephanie Hider

Stephanie Hider is a children’s book illustrator currently living in Oklahoma with her daughter and maltipoo pup, Neko. Stephanie also has a background in web design, is an avid gamer, a self-labeled sci-fi geek, and a prolific reader whose favorite word is plethora.

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