For young readers exploring how characters express themselves, this collection of short stories celebrates the many ways we 'act out' our feelings and dreams.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is exploring how to express big feelings, or is testing the boundaries of who they are and who they want to be. This collection of six short stories, written by some of the biggest names in children's literature, explores the many meanings of 'acting out'. From a boy trying to direct a chaotic class play to a girl finding the courage to speak up, each story presents a different scenario where kids navigate their emotions, friendships, and sense of self. It's a wonderful choice for ages 8 to 12 because the anthology format provides multiple, easy-to-digest entry points into conversations about creativity, identity, and finding your voice in the world.
Katherine Paterson's story, "The Perfect Life," touches on a grandparent's past trauma from living in a war-torn country. The approach is indirect and handled gently through the granddaughter's discovery of old letters. It is a secular approach, and the resolution is hopeful as it leads to greater family understanding. Other stories touch on bullying and social exclusion, but the treatment is realistic and focuses on the protagonist's empowerment.
Ideal Reader
A 9 to 11-year-old who is beginning to think more deeply about their own identity and how they fit in with their peers. This book is perfect for a child who loves theater and performing, but it is equally valuable for a quieter child who struggles to express their feelings and could use models for finding their voice. The short-story format makes it highly accessible for reluctant readers.
Parent Prep
The collection can be read cold without much preparation. However, a parent might want to preview Katherine Paterson's story, "The Perfect Life," to be ready for potential questions about war, refugees, or why family members might keep painful secrets. The content is not graphic, but it has more emotional depth than the other stories. A parent has noticed their child is being called "dramatic" or is struggling to manage big emotions. Or, the parent sees their child is passionate about performance and wants to encourage that creative outlet. Alternatively, the parent might be looking for a way to talk about standing up for oneself or others.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect most with the humor, the school-based scenarios, and the clear plot lines, like the chaos of putting on a play. An older reader (10-12) will appreciate the more subtle emotional layers: the nuances of social dynamics, the bittersweet feeling of uncovering a family secret, and the complex internal journey of building self-confidence.
What Makes It Special
The primary differentiator is the powerhouse lineup of award-winning authors. It serves as a fantastic sampler of different literary styles. Unlike a single-narrator novel, this anthology provides six distinct perspectives on a unified theme, showing that the challenge of self-expression is universal but the experience is unique to each individual.
Read plot summary
This is a thematically linked anthology of six original short stories by prominent middle-grade authors. The theme, "Acting Out," is interpreted both literally (about theater and performance) and metaphorically (about expressing one's true self, emotions, or standing up against injustice). Stories include a boy's disastrous attempt to direct a class play (Avi), a girl who finds her voice to challenge a classmate's cruelty (Susan Cooper), and a girl who uncovers a hidden, painful story from her grandmother's past (Katherine Paterson). Each piece offers a self-contained narrative focused on a moment of personal growth and expression.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In Avi's story "The Goodness of Matt," Matt tries to direct a play and things get very messy. Do you think he was a good leader? What makes someone a good leader when working with friends?
2
The book's title is "Acting Out." This can mean performing on stage or misbehaving. Which characters do you think were 'acting out' in a positive way? Were any acting out in a negative way?
3
In Katherine Paterson's story, Turnie learns about her grandmother's difficult past. Why do you think her grandmother kept it a secret for so long? How does learning the truth change how Turnie sees her family?
4
In "Stretching" by Sharon Creech, the main character feels pulled in many directions by her family. Have you ever felt that way? What did she do to find her own space and voice?
