Dear Great American Writers School

by Sherry Bunin

Seeing an advertisement for a writing course that promises to turn aspiring young writers into money makers, Bobby Lee Pomeroy becomes convinced that her daily scribblings can be made into a serious venture.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens

168 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 1995

Reviews

[Karol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little piece of history shared through letters written by an observant 14 year old girl with high aspirations and critical thinking skills.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1944, fourteen-year-old Bobby Lee Pomeroy longs to break free of the small Kentucky town she lives in and dreams of being a famous writer. She observes people in the town and writes down her thoughts in a notebook. She is particularly fascinated by Sylvia, the only Jewish girl in town and Thelma, an older girl whose mother is an invalid. When Bobby Lee comes across an ad for The Great American Writers School, a correspondence course for would-be writers, she thinks it's a dream come true and immediately sends a writing sample filled with the observations from her notebook. She's thrilled when the return letter says she has talent and is not daunted by the requests for money for the future lessons. Soon Bobby Lee begins writing regular letters to the wife? daughter? (she's not sure) of the editor at the Great American Writers School. During the year of writing, Bobby Lee learns some important things about writing, friendship and herself. Though Bobby Lee seems naive and immature for her age, she has led a sheltered life in a more innocent time so I found her voice realistic and honest for a girl her age. Bobby Lee's letters are funny and sweet as she reflects on life in a small Kentucky town. I enjoyed reading Bobby Lee's letters and seeing the world through her eyes. This is a good read for young teens and aspiring writers!

[Megan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The flow was great, the characters were charming and unique, and the protagonist's voice was solid throughout the entire novel. There were a few genuinely funny parts to this book, which is always a bonus. Definitely recommend it.

4/5 on here, 9/10 for myself

[Iris Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading it, and I remember liking it, but that's about it.

[Ann Tran · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember finishing this in one day, but not because it was good. The plot was pretty confusing, and the characters were too....I don't know what's the word to describe them.