Stuck in the Stone Age (Story Pirates #1)

"Funny, and entertaining....A must for young writers...and a fab, fun writing manual for writing teachers everywhere." --Kirkus Reviews

Inspired by a story idea from real-life kid Vince Boberski, "presented" by performing troupe the Story Pirates, and written by Rodkey (the Tapper Twins series), this madcap tale also serves as an instruction manual for children thinking of writing their own books. As the story unfolds, readers are invited to check out tips in the "Story Creation Zone" at the back of the book to learn about character development, plot twists, and other components of storytelling. Rodkey begins at a mysterious lab where Marisa, a shy scientist, and Tom, a janitor with scientific aspirations of his own, accidentally trigger a time machine that sends them back to the Stone Age. There, they befriend cavemen, defeat a saber-toothed tiger, and try to figure out how to return to the present. Jam-packed with both writing advice and jokes, including a great running gag in which the cavepeople's unintelligible language is translated into erudite English, this two-for-one tale is as smart as it is entertaining. Art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: for the Story Pirates, Stephen Barbara, Inkwell Management; for Rodkey, Josh Getzler, Hannigan Salky Getzler. Illustrator's agency: Bright Group. (Mar.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-6--A scientist wannabe and an introverted genius are stranded in 12,000 BC when their time machine leaves them behind. Now they must outwit not only the local cavemen but a saber-tooth tiger and other dangers. Meanwhile, back in the 21st century, the villainous CEO of CEASE (the Center for Extremely Advanced Science Experiments) is working to steal Dr. Morice's revolutionary solar cell technology. Rodkey's simple story, based on an idea supplied by an 11-year-old reader, is presented by the Story Pirates and accompanied by a guide for student writers placed at the back of the book. The guide is frequently referenced throughout, so interested readers can get an idea of the story-making techniques being employed. It's an interesting concept, and the writing guide, although basic, is snappy and just right for a middle grade audience. The only disconnect is the story itself, which would actually appeal to a younger crowd than the intended audience for the writing guide. However, given the ongoing popularity of other stories illustrated with stick figures, this may not be a deal breaker. VERDICT Buy where Greg Heffley is popular, or where a group of aspiring writers awaits.--Elizabeth Friend, Wester Middle School, TX

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Funny, and entertaining....A must for young writers...and a fab, fun writing manual for writing teachers everywhere." —Kirkus Reviews, **STARRED REVIEW**

"Jam-packed with both writing advice and jokes... this two-for-one tale is as smart as it is entertaining." — Publishers Weekly, **STARRED REVIEW**

"What an amazing read, full of bizarre kid logic and fun, and brought to life with the usual care & empathy that the Story Pirates always show to young writers!
— Patton Oswalt, Emmy and Grammy award winning actor and stand-up comedian

"Do you want to laugh? Or get yanked into a nonstop, page-turning adventure? Or be inspired to write your own story? Or maybe you want to eat a double stack cheeseburger with onion rings? Okay, if it's any of the first three, then this is the bookfor you. If it's the last one—sorry, we can't help you there."
— Adam Gidwitz, best-selling author of A Tale Dark and Grimm and the Newbery Honor-winning The Inquisitor's Tale

"So zany and imaginative, it's no surprise an actual kid inspired it. You'll laugh a lot—and learn a lot, too."
— Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever