Module 14: Shelf Life, edited by Gary Paulsen

" Stop relying on your eyes.  Use your head.  The magic's in the moment itself."

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Citation

Paulsen, G.  (Ed.).  (2003).  Shelf life:  Stories by the book.  New York:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Summary

Ten prominent children's authors were asked to write a short story, with the only qualification being that it involve a book in some way.  The aim was to create a compilation to benefit ProLiteracy Worldwide, an international literacy promotion organization.  The resulting book, Shelf Life, contains science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, adventure, friendship, and important life lessons.  Some of the contributing authors include M.T. Anderson, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Kathleen Karr, and Gregory Maguire.  Each story uniquely weaves a book into the plot, inviting the reader along for the ride.

My Impressions
I was intrigued by the theme for the collection and impressed by the variety of stories pulled together.  These short stories provided an excellent means for me to get a feel for authors that I have not yet read.  Each story has a unique voice and feel; I was glad to discover the diversity.   A few of the selections I especially enjoyed include "In Your Hat," by Ellen Conford, "Escape," by Margaret Peterson Haddix, and "The Good Deed," by Marion Diane Bauer.  I have come to re-appreciated the short story through this book, as many of them held clever twists or left me wondering what happened to the characters while still completing the story.  

Review
Publishers Weekly

"Introducing this anthology of 10 original stories, Paulsen (The Glass Café, see below) declares, "I owe everything I am and everything that I will ever be to books." Those who share his passion will eagerly meet the protagonists here, young adults from the past, present and future who have been profoundly affected by particular books. In two of the selections, "Wet Hens" by Ellen Wittlinger and "The Good Deed" by Marion Dane Bauer, unlikely friendships are spawned by a common interest in a children's book. For the star of Gregory Maguire's "Tea Party Ends in Bloody Massacre, Film at 11," who would rather hide under the table with a horror story than meet the snooty, reactionary ladies who have ostensibly come to welcome her mother to the neighborhood, reading provides a much-needed form of solace. The sole survivor of a ghost ship featured in M.T. Anderson's "Barcarole for Paper and Bones" finds a way to rewrite an unsavory slice of history by creating his own fiction. Covering almost every genre of fiction, including mystery, SF, fantasy and realism, these well-crafted stories by familiar authors offer sharply drawn characterizations and intriguing premises. Other contributors include Joan Bauer, Margaret Peterson Haddix and A. LaFaye. Ages 10-14."

Roback, D., Brown, J.M., Bean, J. & Zaleski, J.  (2003).  [Review of the book Shelf life:  Stories by the book edited by G. Paulsen].  Publishers Weekly, 250(6), 79.  Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com.

Suggested Library Uses

• Have a weekly short story book club.  Discuss one story a week.  Encourage the kids to write and share their own short stories.

Find it @ Your Library - Albany County Public Library

J 813.083 SH43

Notes