Guys Read: Your Question for Author Here

Joe’s got a problem.

He has to write to an author for a school assignment and get her to answer a bunch of questions. But the author he’s chosen, Maureen O’Toople, just doesn’t want to play along.

Instead of answering questions from Mrs. Bund’s board, she demands answers of her own. Facing a C– and a grounding that would cost him his baseball playoffs, Joe has no choice but to negotiate.

Before long, the standoff turns into a wacky trade of secrets, from arachnids in sock drawers to the phases of the moon.

Jon Scieszka and Kate DiCamillo collaborate on a hilarious and heartfelt short story from the acclaimed collection Guys Read: Funny Business, edited by Jon Scieszka.

• Epistolary Story: The entire tale unfolds through snappy, back-and-forth letters between a desperate student and an obstinate writer.
• School Assignment: Joe must produce answers to four class questions from Mrs. Bund.
• Quid Pro Quo: Maureen refuses to give up author secrets until Joe reveals what he keeps hidden in his sock drawer beside his wolf spider and Civil War bullet.
• Also by This Author: Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken.