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True Stories
Jon Scieszka's Guys Read anthology series for tweens turns to nonfiction in its fifth volume, True Stories. The fifth installment in the Guys Read Library of Great Reading features ten stories that are 100% amazing, 100% adventurous, 100% unbelievable—and 100% true. A star-studded group of award-winning nonfiction authors and journalists provides something for every reader, all aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Compiled and edited by real-life literature legend Jon Scieszka, Guys Read: True Stories is a mind-blowing collection of essays, biographies, how-to guides, and more, all proving that the truth is most definitely out there.
Supports the Common Core State Standards
Supports the Common Core State Standards
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2014
98 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Jon Scieszka
244 books1,556 followersJon Scieszka is an American children's writer, best known for picture books created with the illustrator Lane Smith. He is also a nationally recognized reading advocate, and the founder of Guys Read – a web-based literacy program for boys whose mission is "to help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
January 8, 2017
Guys Read: True Stories has some women doing the reading too, and it's not nearly as macho as the title might lead you to believe. Furthermore, you can't describe your book as "100% amazing, 100% adventurous, 100% unbelievable" and put out this less than stellar collection of stories!
It's not terrible by any means, yet I had more hope for this than it delivered. I thought it was going to be all kinds of exciting, but only one or two of the stories lived up to the hype. The lead story about a early 19th century America ship's crew getting stranded in the Sahara was more harrowing than exciting. The somewhat tall tale of a bear attack was mostly just goofy. The endearing memoir-like remembrances of a Vietnamese girl trying to weasel her way into her pack of brothers' activities was totally out of place. As an audiobook, its performances varied in quality as well.
Now, it should be noted that this was produced for elementary school students and maaaybe high school kids, though I think they'd consider some of this stuff hokey....That's a word kids these days use right? Hokey? Anywho, the stories don't go into great detail, however, they are quick and mostly entertaining to a certain degree.
The producers make a BIG deal about these stories being non-fiction and thus real. Reality seems to be an important learning tool these days. I'd like to believe that comes from a place of integrity, where learning the facts is the pinnacle of importance. Unfortunately, it's more likely the publishing company is trying to push the "reality" angle, because of the ubiquitous role reality tv plays in the lives of American youth these days. "Cashing in" I believe is the phrase.
It's not terrible by any means, yet I had more hope for this than it delivered. I thought it was going to be all kinds of exciting, but only one or two of the stories lived up to the hype. The lead story about a early 19th century America ship's crew getting stranded in the Sahara was more harrowing than exciting. The somewhat tall tale of a bear attack was mostly just goofy. The endearing memoir-like remembrances of a Vietnamese girl trying to weasel her way into her pack of brothers' activities was totally out of place. As an audiobook, its performances varied in quality as well.
Now, it should be noted that this was produced for elementary school students and maaaybe high school kids, though I think they'd consider some of this stuff hokey....That's a word kids these days use right? Hokey? Anywho, the stories don't go into great detail, however, they are quick and mostly entertaining to a certain degree.
The producers make a BIG deal about these stories being non-fiction and thus real. Reality seems to be an important learning tool these days. I'd like to believe that comes from a place of integrity, where learning the facts is the pinnacle of importance. Unfortunately, it's more likely the publishing company is trying to push the "reality" angle, because of the ubiquitous role reality tv plays in the lives of American youth these days. "Cashing in" I believe is the phrase.
June 21, 2021
I think kids as young as 8 would probably get a lot out of this. It's an eclectic mix from Coulter's survival after a bear attack in the 1800s to poems explaining various aspects of physics. If nothing else, Jim Murphy's history of dentistry will make our modern ones seem pretty good by comparison. (He's a YA historical nonfiction author with a couple of books I've read & liked a lot.) Searching for & studying tarantulas in the jungle is a great shot of realism to jungle flicks, too.
I liked all of the stories, although one story was narrated by a female & it would have been better in a male voice since it was told by a male from his point of view. I plan to turn my grandson on to it.
I liked all of the stories, although one story was narrated by a female & it would have been better in a male voice since it was told by a male from his point of view. I plan to turn my grandson on to it.
July 14, 2014
This is my first Guys Read book and I will be buying them all for my classroom. Great stories: just long enough to develop nicely, just short enough for the most reluctant teen reader. My favorite was A Cartoonist's Course by James Sturm. Creative kids don't always find role models, Sturm is definitely a good one.
This review is based on an ARC provided to me by the publisher.
This review is based on an ARC provided to me by the publisher.
January 9, 2015
These were great. I was literally walking around the house trying to read at the same time because the first story was that engaging. Super interesting and each little story is by a different author so the tone and style change ..feels very fresh and exciting..awesome for a reluctant reader. I felt like they petered off a bit at the end, but it did make me want to read more guys read collections.
December 20, 2017
Not my kind of book at all, but I read it for a group, and even though I didn't actually read every 'story' I very much was taken with the ones I did. I have no doubt it will engage kids looking for something that is True and Not Boring and Not Girly.
March 18, 2019
Wonderful entry in Mr. Scieszka's series of books that are designed to appeal to boys. But girls will love it too
January 4, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this little volume. Most of the nonfiction authors were familiar to me, so I shouldn't be surprised...I think just the title "Guys Read" made me think that I might not enjoy it. This included a variety of types of true stories...a terrible shipwreck in the Sahara desert, information about tarantulas, a comic strip about Hugh Glass, stories of canoeing adventures. I think the one about tarantulas was my favorite. It was fascinating to read that in one type of tarantula the mother and spiderlings all touch one another's tarsi as they eat. The skeleton tarantula has yellow stripes on each of her eight legs. It was all quite interesting, although I definitely don't think I'd enjoy the search through the jungles of French Guiana for these creatures.
Also, I want to remember these two poems by Douglas Florian. They will be useful for science.
Gravity
The opposite of levity
Supposedly is gravity.
For levity means "lightness, mirth,"
While gravity means "down to earth."
And if it simply
Wasn't there,
We'd float like blimps
Up in the air.
And though it's great,
I think, to fly,
The birds might hate
To share the sky.
And with your head
Below your feet,
It might be difficult to eat.
To see your food float out of sight
Would surely hurt your appetite.
I'll bet your sleep
Inside a could
Would not be deep
When things got loud.
For thunderclaps
Would hurt your head
While you were sleeping
In your bed.
Let's stick with gravity instead.
Machines
Did you know that a machine
Is used to change a force?
Machines of steel can turn a wheel
Far better than a horse.
A gear, I hear,
Can help you steer
A bicycle or car.
And down an
inclined plane it's plain
An object can roll far.
In many ways,
throughout the day,
Machines help in the home.
And I'll come clean-
My own machine
Created this here poem.
Also, I want to remember these two poems by Douglas Florian. They will be useful for science.
Gravity
The opposite of levity
Supposedly is gravity.
For levity means "lightness, mirth,"
While gravity means "down to earth."
And if it simply
Wasn't there,
We'd float like blimps
Up in the air.
And though it's great,
I think, to fly,
The birds might hate
To share the sky.
And with your head
Below your feet,
It might be difficult to eat.
To see your food float out of sight
Would surely hurt your appetite.
I'll bet your sleep
Inside a could
Would not be deep
When things got loud.
For thunderclaps
Would hurt your head
While you were sleeping
In your bed.
Let's stick with gravity instead.
Machines
Did you know that a machine
Is used to change a force?
Machines of steel can turn a wheel
Far better than a horse.
A gear, I hear,
Can help you steer
A bicycle or car.
And down an
inclined plane it's plain
An object can roll far.
In many ways,
throughout the day,
Machines help in the home.
And I'll come clean-
My own machine
Created this here poem.
February 18, 2018
Guys Read True Stories is a compilation of ten, nonfiction short stories designed primarily for young adult boys. The topics these stories cover are all different--some with male protagonists, others with young girls, some with animals. There is even a graphic novel of a historical account. While the facts are laid straight, the stories are still entertaining and engaging for readers of any gender.
I really enjoyed reading these short stories--even for me it seemed easier to tackle because the stories were no more than 30 pages long. Some stories I enjoyed more than others, and two of my personal favorites were "Sahara Shipwreck" and "A Jumbo Story," both very different from each other. Other stories I thought were slower, or I didn't have as much personal connection to, but it wasn't bad because the stories were short. Overall, I think these would be great in a classroom to tie in real life events with what students are studying without having to take away time to read a long novel as a class.
Content Warning:
-Violence
-Gore
-Sexual references
-Death
I really enjoyed reading these short stories--even for me it seemed easier to tackle because the stories were no more than 30 pages long. Some stories I enjoyed more than others, and two of my personal favorites were "Sahara Shipwreck" and "A Jumbo Story," both very different from each other. Other stories I thought were slower, or I didn't have as much personal connection to, but it wasn't bad because the stories were short. Overall, I think these would be great in a classroom to tie in real life events with what students are studying without having to take away time to read a long novel as a class.
Content Warning:
-Violence
-Gore
-Sexual references
-Death
October 23, 2017
Guys Read True Stories is a compilation of true stories that are geared toward young male readers to entertain and enlighten. The stories within this book contain real heroes who fight for worthy causes, rescue those in need, learn better ways to be human, and take adventures beyond the places that eyes usually see. This book teaches readers that it’s okay to try new things and to take big steps to become who you want to become.
I enjoyed reading something outside of romantic novels and Hunger Game type books. Reading these true stories amazed and inspired me. I won’t be forgetting the lessons that were taught to me in this book anytime soon.
In the first story it gets a bit graphic with injuries that the men have due to very sever sunburn, cuts and layers of torn skin that are described in detail, and a lack of proper care for their bodies due to enslavement. I would still recommend this story to help readers understand the facts of life as a human being in slavery.
I enjoyed reading something outside of romantic novels and Hunger Game type books. Reading these true stories amazed and inspired me. I won’t be forgetting the lessons that were taught to me in this book anytime soon.
In the first story it gets a bit graphic with injuries that the men have due to very sever sunburn, cuts and layers of torn skin that are described in detail, and a lack of proper care for their bodies due to enslavement. I would still recommend this story to help readers understand the facts of life as a human being in slavery.
December 29, 2017
I especially loved the story of Jumbo the circus elephant, and was weepy at the end of it. I thoroughly enjoyed "Pack of Brothers"--it was humorous and was an interesting glimpse into life in Vietnam several decades ago. Three of the stories dealt with hardships in nature: "Sahara Shipwreck," "Tarantula Heaven," and "The River's Run." In the latter two stories, the people involved went into the wild places voluntarily. In "Sahara Shipwreck," a shipwrecked captain and crew have to survive in the Sahara desert, and are also taken captive by nomads, to be used as slaves, so not voluntarily! I thought overall the anthology was a good mix of stories.
December 1, 2018
Wonderful entry in Mr. Scieszka's series of books that are designed to appeal to boys. I love that this book features ten different nonfiction tales, most of which include some kind of adventure, excitement, and/or danger.
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook, narrated by a variety of people who provide hours of entertaining tales and fun dialogue. I was thrilled to see that one of Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales was included in the book and I insisted on also checking out the ebook so I could see the graphic novel layout. It's just as good as his stand-alone books in this series.
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook, narrated by a variety of people who provide hours of entertaining tales and fun dialogue. I was thrilled to see that one of Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales was included in the book and I insisted on also checking out the ebook so I could see the graphic novel layout. It's just as good as his stand-alone books in this series.
May 28, 2019
Another great anthology of stories. My favorite is James Sturm's essay on how he became a cartoonist. He talks about obsession, which to me is a more motivating word than passion. People keep saying to follow your passion, which always makes me feel like I've sold out somehow because a) I have more than one and b) none of them will make me a living. Being in the grip of an obsession though, that makes more sense - and let's me off the hook, because none of my passions have staying power as obsessions and I grow out of them.
February 18, 2024
Interesting read for the boys as I put them to sleep. We skipped a couple because they were weird or boring. The chapter on Jumbo the elephant stands out most to me.
February 27, 2023
Read Sy Montgomery's story
November 17, 2019
This book was a great. I liked the short stories. This would be good for a reluctant reader boy or girl!
September 5, 2018
Loved loved this book. The stories were short and engaging. An excellent book for boys and reluctant readers. A must for my bookshelf!
If one story isn't as appealing as the next, that's okay, go ahead.
If one story isn't as appealing as the next, that's okay, go ahead.
November 7, 2016
Guys Read: True Stories. The title alone is what drew me in. Why for guys? What's the deal here? Won't girls like these stories? How dare you stereotype who reads what! Then I read the book and the Guys Read website and I promptly got over myself. The Guys Read books are specifically designed to intrigue male readers and get them motivated to keep reading. According to the website, research says that boys are getting worse at reading. I didn't see any research citations to back up that claim, but I am going to take it on face value for the moment and stop picking nits. If this is indeed true, then I think they've hit on something great here. This book was utterly fascinating (even though I'm not a guy) and I think it would motivate even the most reluctant reader. I'll admit skipping over the chapter entitled: The River's Run, but that's because it was written so vividly I kept having flashbacks of the time I almost drowned in a river. Right now I can envision guys (and girls, for the record) in my practicum class who I think would be interested in some of these stories. They are exciting and well told tales that are all true. I love to find non-fiction that will keep young readers interested, and this will certainly do that.
This book non-fiction, and each chapter contains a different story by a different author. One chapter is poetry and one is even written as a comic. I love the way that the method of delivery was differentiated to reach a variety of reading styles. Also, for reluctant readers who have trouble with the idea of reading an entire 242 page book, they can break this book into digestible chunks by chapter. The AR Book Finder website lists this book for 4th-8th grade readers, but I cringe a little. That may just be the mom in me. I don't want to underestimate readers, but some of the stories were quite gruesome so I am leaning toward 6th-8th grade, possibly 5th grade, depending upon the maturity of the reader. There is the story of the Sahara Shipwreck, where Captain James Riley and his men suffer innumerable horrors in their attempt to find their way home. There is Thanhha Lai's chapter about growing up in Vietnam with her pack of unruly brothers, and the tale of Jumbo the elephant that actually made me cry (no mocking). Each story was different and entertaining in its own right. Did you ever want to know what it's like to be a cartoonist? Read James Sturm's chapter. I started this book as a skeptic, but it won me over in the end.
As a future teacher, I could see having this book on my classroom shelf (depending upon the grade I teach) however I would point out to all students that just because it's "Guys" Read doesn't mean that the gals in our classroom wouldn't enjoy it too.
I think this book would serve well as an independent reading book because, as I've mentioned, it would motivate reluctant readers and invite them to keep reading. Through time spent reading their skill levels will increase. It also serves as a great jumping off point for studying non-fiction and informational text. Take the Sahara Shipwreck chapter (a particularly gruesome chapter) it could be coupled with a lesson on author's point of view or purpose. Or the story of Jumbo could invite some research into news articles of that time period (the 1860's) to compare and contrast how one author's presentation of events may be different than another's. Then there is the chapter on Tarantula Heaven *shudder* this could also lead to some informational study on tarantulas. This book has fantastic possibilities for reading comprehension lessons involving informational text, and truly, the possibilities are endless.
This book non-fiction, and each chapter contains a different story by a different author. One chapter is poetry and one is even written as a comic. I love the way that the method of delivery was differentiated to reach a variety of reading styles. Also, for reluctant readers who have trouble with the idea of reading an entire 242 page book, they can break this book into digestible chunks by chapter. The AR Book Finder website lists this book for 4th-8th grade readers, but I cringe a little. That may just be the mom in me. I don't want to underestimate readers, but some of the stories were quite gruesome so I am leaning toward 6th-8th grade, possibly 5th grade, depending upon the maturity of the reader. There is the story of the Sahara Shipwreck, where Captain James Riley and his men suffer innumerable horrors in their attempt to find their way home. There is Thanhha Lai's chapter about growing up in Vietnam with her pack of unruly brothers, and the tale of Jumbo the elephant that actually made me cry (no mocking). Each story was different and entertaining in its own right. Did you ever want to know what it's like to be a cartoonist? Read James Sturm's chapter. I started this book as a skeptic, but it won me over in the end.
As a future teacher, I could see having this book on my classroom shelf (depending upon the grade I teach) however I would point out to all students that just because it's "Guys" Read doesn't mean that the gals in our classroom wouldn't enjoy it too.
I think this book would serve well as an independent reading book because, as I've mentioned, it would motivate reluctant readers and invite them to keep reading. Through time spent reading their skill levels will increase. It also serves as a great jumping off point for studying non-fiction and informational text. Take the Sahara Shipwreck chapter (a particularly gruesome chapter) it could be coupled with a lesson on author's point of view or purpose. Or the story of Jumbo could invite some research into news articles of that time period (the 1860's) to compare and contrast how one author's presentation of events may be different than another's. Then there is the chapter on Tarantula Heaven *shudder* this could also lead to some informational study on tarantulas. This book has fantastic possibilities for reading comprehension lessons involving informational text, and truly, the possibilities are endless.
February 21, 2018
Summary: This book is perfect for any teen boy who wants to read an adventure but can't seem to get hooked on the idea of fiction. These stories based on true accounts are fantastical enough in their writing that it really does draw you in. From settings as extreme as getting shipwrecked and enslaved in the Sahara desert, to simply lines of poetry to explain the elements of the Universe, this book contains some highly interesting and entertaining stories that are sure to hook your teen boy reader. Sahara Shipwreck is very detailed in the horrendous account of Captain James RIley and his crew battling for survival in the Sahara desert. P.T. Barnum introduces America to their favorite Jumbo-Sized Elephant, a compiled story about a Dead Man Walking keeps the reader entertained by comic strips, and the story of a blues singer that influenced the world known band ROlling Stones, are just a few of the captivating tales you will find.
My Reaction: Each of the stories in this book elicited a different reaction for me. The first was Sahara's shipwreck and I really enjoyed this one. It definitely was a bit too graphic and detailed at times in what the men of Captain Riley's crew had to suffer, but I would imagine that a boy wouldn't mind the details and gore at all. Dead Man Walking was kind of fun to read as it was told in comic book style, but I kind of lost interest because of all of the times they mentioned how it might have happened like this, or like this, or this way... the Universe poems were easy and fast to read, and I already knew all of the facts they shared but I really enjoyed the creativity behind explaining the parts of the universe. Reading about the blues singer Muddy was good because of the interesting facts about the time period struggles of an African American man trying to get somewhere with his music. I found it so interesting to learn that his style influenced the name and style fo the band Rolling Stones!
These stories were entertaining mostly because I knew they came from true accounts. If they were on their own just stories, I can't say I'd be quick to pick it up and read.
Content Warnings:
Graphic details of survival (drinking urine, skin peeling, etc.)
Drinking Alcohol
Adultery
Violence
My Reaction: Each of the stories in this book elicited a different reaction for me. The first was Sahara's shipwreck and I really enjoyed this one. It definitely was a bit too graphic and detailed at times in what the men of Captain Riley's crew had to suffer, but I would imagine that a boy wouldn't mind the details and gore at all. Dead Man Walking was kind of fun to read as it was told in comic book style, but I kind of lost interest because of all of the times they mentioned how it might have happened like this, or like this, or this way... the Universe poems were easy and fast to read, and I already knew all of the facts they shared but I really enjoyed the creativity behind explaining the parts of the universe. Reading about the blues singer Muddy was good because of the interesting facts about the time period struggles of an African American man trying to get somewhere with his music. I found it so interesting to learn that his style influenced the name and style fo the band Rolling Stones!
These stories were entertaining mostly because I knew they came from true accounts. If they were on their own just stories, I can't say I'd be quick to pick it up and read.
Content Warnings:
Graphic details of survival (drinking urine, skin peeling, etc.)
Drinking Alcohol
Adultery
Violence
October 18, 2017
Synopsis: The synopsis for this book is a little skewed, considering that it is a compilation of random stories (and even poems) all put into one book. However, each story has a significance and realness to them that make them unique. "Sahara Shipwreck" discusses the struggles of Captain Riley's crew after a complication at sea, soon becoming slaves. They have to find a way to return back home to America. "Uni-verses" is a collection of poems that all have one subject in common: science. Each poem focuses on a certain principle of science, from gravity to sound. "A Pack of Brothers" is a story about power and identity, as the main character wants to fit in more with her older brothers while growing up in Vietnam. "A Cartoonist's Course" is more informative than the other stories, giving advice to those who have a passion about something but aren't sure how to go about it. "The River's Run" is a story that talks about the dangers of rivers, but also the passion of the author and how much he enjoys it as a whole. Each story has it's own uniqueness to it, and it makes it even more interesting to know that they are real.
Reaction: Each story is different, so I had a different reaction for every story. However, I felt that as a whole, this compilation of stories was rather odd, but in an interesting way. Some, such as "Sahara Shipwreck" are far more gruesome than others. I was a bit caught off guard with the use of the poems, but they were enjoyable to read about nonetheless. I felt a little bit of a connection with "A Pack of Brothers", because I have felt similar feelings when trying to fit in with my brother, especially when I was younger. I cannot say I felt anything special for "The River's Run" other than it's nice for the author to have been able to find solace in doing things that are rather dangerous. "The Cartoonist's Course" was rather insightful on inspiring those younger to be passionate about something and to not give up on it.
Warnings: "Sahara Shipwreck" is rather descriptive on certain things, other than that, no warnings from what I can see
Reaction: Each story is different, so I had a different reaction for every story. However, I felt that as a whole, this compilation of stories was rather odd, but in an interesting way. Some, such as "Sahara Shipwreck" are far more gruesome than others. I was a bit caught off guard with the use of the poems, but they were enjoyable to read about nonetheless. I felt a little bit of a connection with "A Pack of Brothers", because I have felt similar feelings when trying to fit in with my brother, especially when I was younger. I cannot say I felt anything special for "The River's Run" other than it's nice for the author to have been able to find solace in doing things that are rather dangerous. "The Cartoonist's Course" was rather insightful on inspiring those younger to be passionate about something and to not give up on it.
Warnings: "Sahara Shipwreck" is rather descriptive on certain things, other than that, no warnings from what I can see
February 21, 2018
Sahara Shipwreck- Riley and his men are shipwrecked off the coast of the Sahara desert. After being taken into slavery by desert dwellers they have to find a way back to America, alive.
Hugh Glass: Dead Man Crawling- Nathan Hale is about to be executed when a local boy drops by to hear a story... about bears of all things. Hale sets of on a tale of details that may or may not be true on Hugh Glass who survived a bear attack and various other traumas that again, may or may not have actually happened.
Uni-verses- Poems followed by details on the universe and its creations along with matter itself and other scientific topics.
A Jumbo Story- Jumbo the elephant was taken to England from his home in Africa and kept in the London zoo with his keeper Matthew Scott. P.T. Barnum then offers up a large sum of money for the elephant to join his circus and in protest of many British children and locals, Jumbo is taken to America where he became even more of a legend than at the London zoo.
Mojo, Moonshine and the Blues- Muddy Waters grew up on a sharecropping plantation where he worked and worked until he felt the blues. He recorded his first album from his living room and went on to share his music with everyone across the country.
I liked some of these stories more than others. I find comics hard to follow so I didn't love the story of Hugh Glass for that reason, and the fact that it was continually claimed as a true story while it said many details could not be known as true or false. I loved the Jumbo story because Fleming was able to make a historic event seem modern and entertaining while still making it educational. My initial reaction toward all of these stories is that they were meant to educate while entertaining young boys. After being impressed or not about all of them, they did manage to entertain and educate thus fulfilling their purpose.
Content Warning:
-Alcohol (Mojo, Moonshine, and the Blues, A Jumbo Story)
-Some violence (Hugh Glass: Dead Man Walking)
-Gross imagery (Sahara Shipwreck)
Hugh Glass: Dead Man Crawling- Nathan Hale is about to be executed when a local boy drops by to hear a story... about bears of all things. Hale sets of on a tale of details that may or may not be true on Hugh Glass who survived a bear attack and various other traumas that again, may or may not have actually happened.
Uni-verses- Poems followed by details on the universe and its creations along with matter itself and other scientific topics.
A Jumbo Story- Jumbo the elephant was taken to England from his home in Africa and kept in the London zoo with his keeper Matthew Scott. P.T. Barnum then offers up a large sum of money for the elephant to join his circus and in protest of many British children and locals, Jumbo is taken to America where he became even more of a legend than at the London zoo.
Mojo, Moonshine and the Blues- Muddy Waters grew up on a sharecropping plantation where he worked and worked until he felt the blues. He recorded his first album from his living room and went on to share his music with everyone across the country.
I liked some of these stories more than others. I find comics hard to follow so I didn't love the story of Hugh Glass for that reason, and the fact that it was continually claimed as a true story while it said many details could not be known as true or false. I loved the Jumbo story because Fleming was able to make a historic event seem modern and entertaining while still making it educational. My initial reaction toward all of these stories is that they were meant to educate while entertaining young boys. After being impressed or not about all of them, they did manage to entertain and educate thus fulfilling their purpose.
Content Warning:
-Alcohol (Mojo, Moonshine, and the Blues, A Jumbo Story)
-Some violence (Hugh Glass: Dead Man Walking)
-Gross imagery (Sahara Shipwreck)
October 20, 2017
The synopsis of Guys Read True Stories is going to be slightly different than most summaries because it is a compilation of short stories. Guys Read True Stories includes 10 different non-fiction short stories written by various authors; I will briefly summarize of few of the stories. Sahara Shipwreck by Steve Sheinkin describes the story of a when a captain and his crew become shipwrecked and marketed as slaves in a foreign country. The story goes into great detail about the horrors the crew faces, allowing the reader to truly understand the gruesome experiences. Uni-verses by Douglas Florian is a collection of poems about science. The poems are creative in a way that engages the reader while also enlightening them about scientific facts. A Pack of Brothers by Thanhha Lai is a story about Lai’s life as a young girl growing up in Saigon, Vietnam during a time of war. A Cartoonist’s Course by James Sturm and The River’s Run by T. Edward Nickens are stories of how individuals followed their dreams even when it seemed risky.
I enjoyed reading the different stories from Guys Read True Stories because they gave me different perspectives on various people’s life, culture, and experiences. I was a little hesitant to read these because they were categorized as non-fiction. I thought that most non-fiction was strictly factual and rather boring; however, I was completely wrong! I have since learned that there is a difference between non-fiction and informational texts. Guys Read True Stories was very engaging and had multiple adventure stories that almost any reader would like. I would recommend this book to all teenagers, because it is a great introductory and exciting book to the genre of non-fiction.
Content Warnings: In Sahara Shipwreck, there is an illustration of a naked man and the story provides details of gruesome things like skin being burnt to the point that its hanging off the body, eating the stomach/fluids of a camel, etc.
I enjoyed reading the different stories from Guys Read True Stories because they gave me different perspectives on various people’s life, culture, and experiences. I was a little hesitant to read these because they were categorized as non-fiction. I thought that most non-fiction was strictly factual and rather boring; however, I was completely wrong! I have since learned that there is a difference between non-fiction and informational texts. Guys Read True Stories was very engaging and had multiple adventure stories that almost any reader would like. I would recommend this book to all teenagers, because it is a great introductory and exciting book to the genre of non-fiction.
Content Warnings: In Sahara Shipwreck, there is an illustration of a naked man and the story provides details of gruesome things like skin being burnt to the point that its hanging off the body, eating the stomach/fluids of a camel, etc.
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December 12, 2017Because this book is a compilation of shorter stories I can't entirely summarize them all but Ill do the one I remember the most. A captain (James Riley) and his crew are shipwrecked on the coast of Africa, they start to wander to find help and are at the mercy of the raging hot Sahara desert. They finally run into other people and even though they KNOW that these people will put them into bondage, their suffering was so bad that they were willing to submit to that in return for any kind of relief they would have to offer them. Now as slaves they start traveling through the desert with their new company, being horribly mistreated, starved, and badly burned from the sun. A man comes to trade and Captain James convinces the kind man to buy him and the other Americans so that they can have their freedom bought from a "friend he knows". There is a happy ending though, they make it back to the United States and are all the wiser about slave trading.
I really enjoyed these stories. I love learning about history and things that really happened, and these stories are just random snippets of some really interesting history. I love how strange some of these stories are but how they really teach us something we never would have known otherwise. I think the story that stood out to me most was the one where a crew gets shipwrecked and has to suffer through so much hardship and trial. I was difficult to read actually because sometimes its hard to accept things like that really happen in the world, that people are actually treated that way. I tend to lean towards literature that is happy and gives you the fairytale ending, but even though it was difficult to read of their mistreatment its nice to been informed so you can better understand more in the world.
content warning: detailed description of how they are mistreated and survive as slaves.
I really enjoyed these stories. I love learning about history and things that really happened, and these stories are just random snippets of some really interesting history. I love how strange some of these stories are but how they really teach us something we never would have known otherwise. I think the story that stood out to me most was the one where a crew gets shipwrecked and has to suffer through so much hardship and trial. I was difficult to read actually because sometimes its hard to accept things like that really happen in the world, that people are actually treated that way. I tend to lean towards literature that is happy and gives you the fairytale ending, but even though it was difficult to read of their mistreatment its nice to been informed so you can better understand more in the world.
content warning: detailed description of how they are mistreated and survive as slaves.
October 22, 2017
Guys Read: True Stories is a compilation of true short stories. I read five out of the ten.
1. Sahara Shipwreck was a story of a captain and his crew sold to be slaves after crashing into the West African coast. They suffer migrating through the Sahara desert to eventually get back to their families.
2. Uni-verses was a collection of poems about physics. They were comical and gave simple definitions of concepts such as gravity, magnetism, Big Bang, etc…
3. A Pack of Brothers was told from the perspective of a Vietnamese girl who wanted desperately to be a boy because of the influence of her brothers. It includes somewhat of a power struggle and how twisted she saw the roles of men and women.
4. Cartoonists’ course was a tale of a cartoonist who overcame self-doubt and pursued what made him happy. He wanted his life to be driven by passion.
5. River’s Run is about a group of wild friends who seem to end up in trouble.
I thought these stories were really great. Sahara Shipwreck is very realistic and helps you see things through the eyes of the slaves.
Uni-verses was very witty and gave really solid definitions for some scientific terms that often seem vague. I would recommend it to students who are studying these scientific terms.
Pack of Brothers was also a good eye-opener and helps you see a different perspective. I felt like the way it was set up helped you see how parts of her life are very distinct in her eyes.
Cartoonists’ Course was a motivator to chase after what you really love. I think this one was written alright.
River’s Run was my least favorite. The boys frustrated me with their silliness.
All in all, I feel like all these stories would appeal to guys, hence the title. They are great for everyone, but if you are in need of a recommendation of a book to a boy, this may catch their attention.
1. Sahara Shipwreck was a story of a captain and his crew sold to be slaves after crashing into the West African coast. They suffer migrating through the Sahara desert to eventually get back to their families.
2. Uni-verses was a collection of poems about physics. They were comical and gave simple definitions of concepts such as gravity, magnetism, Big Bang, etc…
3. A Pack of Brothers was told from the perspective of a Vietnamese girl who wanted desperately to be a boy because of the influence of her brothers. It includes somewhat of a power struggle and how twisted she saw the roles of men and women.
4. Cartoonists’ course was a tale of a cartoonist who overcame self-doubt and pursued what made him happy. He wanted his life to be driven by passion.
5. River’s Run is about a group of wild friends who seem to end up in trouble.
I thought these stories were really great. Sahara Shipwreck is very realistic and helps you see things through the eyes of the slaves.
Uni-verses was very witty and gave really solid definitions for some scientific terms that often seem vague. I would recommend it to students who are studying these scientific terms.
Pack of Brothers was also a good eye-opener and helps you see a different perspective. I felt like the way it was set up helped you see how parts of her life are very distinct in her eyes.
Cartoonists’ Course was a motivator to chase after what you really love. I think this one was written alright.
River’s Run was my least favorite. The boys frustrated me with their silliness.
All in all, I feel like all these stories would appeal to guys, hence the title. They are great for everyone, but if you are in need of a recommendation of a book to a boy, this may catch their attention.
October 19, 2017
Guys Read: True Stories has a number of short stories. Each of them are different and interesting. One story tells the tale of a ship's captain and his crew. With their ship wrecked off the coast of West Africa, they are forced to land on the edge of the Sahara desert, where there is no water for thousands of miles.
Another short story is about the life of a little girl in Vietnam. All she wants is to run wild with her brothers and to be able to do everything they do. Sometimes this gets her into trouble.
A Cartoonist's Course is about the path a young artist took to become his dream. You don't always know what you're doing, but being passionate about something means you keep going, even when the going gets tough.
The last story called, The River's Run is about the adventures of a young man and his friends on the many rivers of the North Americas. River waters can be dangerous, but the best fishing comes after a crazy section of rapids, and that's what they want.
I do enjoy reading short stories simply for the reason that it's similar to a TV show where you can get a good story but not get too invested. It was also interesting to read such a wide variety of short stories. Each were about something different and new that perhaps I had never considered before.
The one thing I did not like about the short stories was how little information was usually given about the person who was telling the story. One example was from A Pack of Brothers. If it weren't for the name of the author at the beginning of the story, I would have no idea who was telling the story. That was slightly odd. River's Run was similar to that, with little to no information being given about the main character. This characteristic reminded me of dreaming. You suddenly find yourself in a situation with no background, with a story being laid out in front of you.
Another short story is about the life of a little girl in Vietnam. All she wants is to run wild with her brothers and to be able to do everything they do. Sometimes this gets her into trouble.
A Cartoonist's Course is about the path a young artist took to become his dream. You don't always know what you're doing, but being passionate about something means you keep going, even when the going gets tough.
The last story called, The River's Run is about the adventures of a young man and his friends on the many rivers of the North Americas. River waters can be dangerous, but the best fishing comes after a crazy section of rapids, and that's what they want.
I do enjoy reading short stories simply for the reason that it's similar to a TV show where you can get a good story but not get too invested. It was also interesting to read such a wide variety of short stories. Each were about something different and new that perhaps I had never considered before.
The one thing I did not like about the short stories was how little information was usually given about the person who was telling the story. One example was from A Pack of Brothers. If it weren't for the name of the author at the beginning of the story, I would have no idea who was telling the story. That was slightly odd. River's Run was similar to that, with little to no information being given about the main character. This characteristic reminded me of dreaming. You suddenly find yourself in a situation with no background, with a story being laid out in front of you.
February 28, 2018
In this book there are 10 nonfiction short stories by different authors. I read 5 stories: Sahara Shipwreck, Hugh Glass: Dead Man Crawling, A Jumbo Story, Uni-verses, and Mojo, Moonshine, and the Blues. Sahara Shipwreck is about a captain and his crew who get stranded and put into slavery in the Sahara Desert and their journey throughout that leads to eventual freedom. Hugh Glass: Dead Man Crawling is a graphic illustrated story about a man in a fur trade who was attacked by a bear and left for dead by his company and lived. A Jumbo Story is about an Elephant in the first circus and his fame and relationship with his trainer. Uni-verses is a collection of poems about scientific terms. Mojo, Moonshine, and the Blues is about Muddy Waters and his journey to and throughout fame in his Blues music.
I really enjoyed these reads. The stories were short and caught my attention. I loved how nonfiction stories were adapted to be an easy to read and entertaining story. I think this book is a great idea for students, because it allows differing perspectives to be explores and shows that real life events can be interesting, entertaining, and worthwhile. I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it, especially to students.
Content Warnings
Sahara Shipwreck can be quite gruesome at times, as the description of the men are very detailed in the sufferings they experience in the desert. It also describes two characters attempting to kill another man.
A Jumbo Story describes the death of the elephant and discusses the taxidermy process, which could be unsettling to some readers.
A Dead Man Crawling has mentions of a hanging.
Mojo, Moonshine, and the Blues mentions that Muddy Waters cheated on his wife and had multiple girlfriends and children. It also mentions alcohol and the use of it.
I really enjoyed these reads. The stories were short and caught my attention. I loved how nonfiction stories were adapted to be an easy to read and entertaining story. I think this book is a great idea for students, because it allows differing perspectives to be explores and shows that real life events can be interesting, entertaining, and worthwhile. I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it, especially to students.
Content Warnings
Sahara Shipwreck can be quite gruesome at times, as the description of the men are very detailed in the sufferings they experience in the desert. It also describes two characters attempting to kill another man.
A Jumbo Story describes the death of the elephant and discusses the taxidermy process, which could be unsettling to some readers.
A Dead Man Crawling has mentions of a hanging.
Mojo, Moonshine, and the Blues mentions that Muddy Waters cheated on his wife and had multiple girlfriends and children. It also mentions alcohol and the use of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2017
I read only a few selections of this book for my class, including the first (Sahara Shipwreck), fifth (Universes), seventh (A Pack of Brothers), ninth (A Cartoonists Course), and tenth (The River Runs) stories. All of the stories are non-fiction based on historical events or events from the life of the various authors. Sahara Shipwreck follows the unimaginable occurrences of a Shipwrecked Captain and his crew's enslavement, and their hope for rescue. Universes is a collection of poems all about the universe and the science that makes it what it is. A Pack of Brothers tells the story of the author as a young girl living in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. She longs to be one of boys and spends her time trying to hang out with her brothers, who prefer not to have the five year old girl following them around. A Cartoonists Course is the inspirational story of how the author got his start as a Cartoon artist, and how he has found success in his chosen career. Finally, The River Runs tells about one mans near death experiences on his beloved fishing trips with his buddies.
In all honesty, the only story I enjoyed reading out of the five I did read was the first. It was engaging and entertaining, and was one of the most exciting non-fiction pieces I have read. After that, everything else just felt like I was reading non-fiction, while it may be exciting and preferable to some, I try to avoid it at all costs. I have always found it very difficult to be entertained by non-fiction literature. I would recommend reading this book if you love non-fiction literature or if you are just looking to get some experience reading non-fiction.
Content Warning: Some minor graphic images in Sahara Shipwreck.
In all honesty, the only story I enjoyed reading out of the five I did read was the first. It was engaging and entertaining, and was one of the most exciting non-fiction pieces I have read. After that, everything else just felt like I was reading non-fiction, while it may be exciting and preferable to some, I try to avoid it at all costs. I have always found it very difficult to be entertained by non-fiction literature. I would recommend reading this book if you love non-fiction literature or if you are just looking to get some experience reading non-fiction.
Content Warning: Some minor graphic images in Sahara Shipwreck.
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February 20, 2018A great work of non-fiction, this book contains a plethora of topics sure to entertain as well as inform. From history to science, and much in between, this work is sure to have at least one story for everyone. These tales start with the harrowing journey of captain James Riley across the Sahara to the north to get home after a shipwreck, all while enduring slavery, the elements, and starvation. There is also the historical yarn about Hugh Glass, written in the form of a graphic cartoon. With a larger than life backstory, Hugh Glass survives a bear attach and drags himself across the wilderness. When fully healed he sets out to find the men who left him for dead and take back his property. And, to add to your knowledge of the English language, the story of Jumbo the African elephant will surely delight as it explains how jumbo came to mean gigantic in our vocabulary. Like music? Look no further than the brief biography included about Muddy Waters, the man whose blues would inspire none other than the Rolling Stones. And let’s not forget the poets and future scientist for they will find great enjoyment in the verses about the laws governing the universe.
I love history, so I adored specifically the history stories in this book. I never thought non-fiction could be entertaining but alas, my mind was changed. I must admit, the first story was gorier than I would have expected but I appreciated how the tone was more factual than celebratory. As an English major, I loved the story of Jumbo the elephant. Not only did I get to learn a cool lesson about a word’s origin but I also discovered where my values lie when it comes to death.
Content Warning:
• Graphic Gore
• Death
• Animal cruelty
• Infidelity
• References to alcohol
• Violence
I love history, so I adored specifically the history stories in this book. I never thought non-fiction could be entertaining but alas, my mind was changed. I must admit, the first story was gorier than I would have expected but I appreciated how the tone was more factual than celebratory. As an English major, I loved the story of Jumbo the elephant. Not only did I get to learn a cool lesson about a word’s origin but I also discovered where my values lie when it comes to death.
Content Warning:
• Graphic Gore
• Death
• Animal cruelty
• Infidelity
• References to alcohol
• Violence
Read
October 23, 2017This was a series of nonfiction short stories. They ranged from historical events to personal experiences that the authors have had. “Sahara Shipwreck” was a true story about a ship that crashed into the Sahara and the crew and its captain were sold as slaves and eventually freed. “A Pack of Brothers” and “The River’s Run” were about personal experiences. The first how a girl grew up practically raised by her brothers and endlessly wishing to be one of them. The second was about a man who seeks high thrills by canoeing down not frequently travelled rivers. There was also a science story that was set in verse to tell different aspects of science. The last story I read, “A Cartoonist’s Course,” was about how a man fell into his profession by following an obsession.
This was an interesting collection of stories. I found myself favoring the stories that were told from the author’s personal experience, because I felt like that gave them a personal connection to the story rather than a historical reference point. That being said, I had some trouble with “A River’s Run,” because I kept reading how this man put himself in dangerous situations over and over again, and while that was enjoyable to read, I kept thinking about his poor wife and the anxiety she must go through as he is off putting himself in danger. I also enjoyed the science poetry because I felt like it was good way to get people who like science into poetry as well as introduce science to people who love poetry.
Content Warning:
• “Sahara Shipwreck” – Some mildly uncomfortable moments describing what happens to a starved and dehydrated body
This was an interesting collection of stories. I found myself favoring the stories that were told from the author’s personal experience, because I felt like that gave them a personal connection to the story rather than a historical reference point. That being said, I had some trouble with “A River’s Run,” because I kept reading how this man put himself in dangerous situations over and over again, and while that was enjoyable to read, I kept thinking about his poor wife and the anxiety she must go through as he is off putting himself in danger. I also enjoyed the science poetry because I felt like it was good way to get people who like science into poetry as well as introduce science to people who love poetry.
Content Warning:
• “Sahara Shipwreck” – Some mildly uncomfortable moments describing what happens to a starved and dehydrated body
May 30, 2018
This is a great read aloud book to your 8-12 year olds. I have an 8 and 10 year old--I only had to censor/skip over a couple words here and there. My boys loved it. I recommend this series to others who are trying to get a new series for their boys or are looking for something to read out loud to them.
December 2, 2014
I don't think this is the best book for audio. But there were also stories I couldn't read on my ebook because the font was scrunched together. So I had to do a mixture. I would recommend a good old fashioned hard copy. As I was reading/listening I had to keep on myself to focus, but looking back almost all the stories were really interesting and full of cool things I hadn't known. I think I should have just done one story a night instead of trying to read it through like a novel. There really is a story for everyone's interests inside.
Sahara Shipwreck by Steve Sheinkin: pirates become slaves. Depressing and Long, but overall eyeopeing.
Tarantula Heaven by Sy Montgomery: Spider Scientist.
Hugh Glass by Nathan Hale: Comic strip about surviving a bear attack.
A Jumbo Story by Candace Fleming: If this isn't the inspiration for Dumbo idk what is. Awesome and powerfully moving.
Uni-verses by Douglas Florian: Poems with impressive rhymes on scientific matters.
This Won't Hurt a Bit by Jim Murphy: Crazy cool evolution of Dentistry!
A Pack of Brothers by Thanhha La: Autobiography? Female growing up in Vietnam trying to fit in with her older brothers.
Mojo, Moonshine, and the Blues by Elizabeth Partridge: Trying to make it playing the blues.
A Cartoonist's Course by James Sturm: Inspiring autobiography about how he came to be a cartoonist.
The River's Run by T. Edward Nickens: The adventures of rafting.
Sahara Shipwreck by Steve Sheinkin: pirates become slaves. Depressing and Long, but overall eyeopeing.
Tarantula Heaven by Sy Montgomery: Spider Scientist.
Hugh Glass by Nathan Hale: Comic strip about surviving a bear attack.
A Jumbo Story by Candace Fleming: If this isn't the inspiration for Dumbo idk what is. Awesome and powerfully moving.
Uni-verses by Douglas Florian: Poems with impressive rhymes on scientific matters.
This Won't Hurt a Bit by Jim Murphy: Crazy cool evolution of Dentistry!
A Pack of Brothers by Thanhha La: Autobiography? Female growing up in Vietnam trying to fit in with her older brothers.
Mojo, Moonshine, and the Blues by Elizabeth Partridge: Trying to make it playing the blues.
A Cartoonist's Course by James Sturm: Inspiring autobiography about how he came to be a cartoonist.
The River's Run by T. Edward Nickens: The adventures of rafting.
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