Harry Sue Read online

  Thank you always to Mom and Dad and Marge for all your support, and to Suzie and Johnny for my beautiful Waterman pen, which has written two novels now.

  To my road dog—and dog-loving agent— Wendy: my back has never felt the breeze since we started doing good time in 1993. And, finally, to Nancy Hinkel, my dear friend and editor: meeting and working with you and your colleagues at Knopf is like putting on the green spectacles in the Emerald City. Your wit, sensitivity, and charm—not to mention your keen fashion sense—make everything perfect.

  Oh, and my deepest apologies to L. Frank Baum, whose first name is really Lyman. I have always loved The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, both the book and the movie. It is our most creative and enduring American fairy tale. I love that it is a classic quest story with a girl as the protagonist. During the creation of this book, both Nancy and I felt strongly that we should weave a bridge between Harry Sue’s story and Dorothy’s adventures in Oz. What other word can be made from the letters in Otto’s name, for instance? Why does Mrs. Mead kiss Harry Sue? Who begins the book with the ability to fix everything, but ends up just an ordinary human? We have left countless details for you to discover. There’s even one in the map of Oz. Happy hunting!

  But most importantly, in connecting with the characters from Baum’s story, Harry Sue is doing what librarians and passionate readers have always understood: stories can sustain us in times of great trouble. They comfort and inspire. I hope we never lose sight of the importance of imagination and of stories as a tool for combating despair.

  When The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1900, the New York Times wrote: “The time when anything was good enough for children has long since passed, and the volumes devoted to our youth are based upon the fact that they are the future citizens; that they are the country’s hope, and thus worthy of the best, not the worst, that art can give.”

  My sentiments exactly. Somehow I think Harry Sue’s intense involvement with his story would both flatter and amuse Lyman. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is truly worth reading again and again.

  About the Author

  Sue Stauffacher’s first novel for Knopf, Donuthead, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews, which declared it “touching, funny and gloriously human.”

  In addition to writing children’s books, Sue is a speaker on the issues of literacy, bullying, and creating a more compassionate culture, drawing on her work as a journalist and educator for more than fifteen years. Visit her Web site at www.suestauffacher.com for the Wizard of Oz “cheats,” the map of Oz, and other fun stuff that makes reading come alive. Hint: Toto’s got the Easter eggs. Sue does good time in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, Roger Gilles; her two sons, Max and Walter; her dog, Sophie; and her cat, Fig.

  Also by Sue Stauffacher

  Donuthead

  My name, if you must know, is Franklin Delano Donuthead.

  Try saying that in a room full of fifth graders if you think names will never hurt you.

  And the name is just the beginning. Life for Franklin Delano Donuthead is decidedly unsafe. Marvin Howerton, the school bully with big fists and a small brain, has it in for him. And no one in Franklin’s life—not classmates, teachers, or even his mom—seems to understand the importance of proper sanitation. Not to mention the disturbing fact that his left arm has mysteriously grown eight-tenths of an inch longer than his right.

  Then hygienically challenged Sarah Kervick transfers to Pelican View Elementary, and Franklin’s thoroughly disinfected world is turned upside down. In less than a week, Sarah draws this neatest of fifth graders into the messiest of friendships. Franklin might actually start enjoying himself. That is, if he can just shake the fear that Sarah has head lice.

  ∗ “Touching, funny, and gloriously human.”

  —Kirkus Reviews, Starred

  ∗ “An appealing story with some memorable characters and a lot of heart.” —School Library Journal, Starred

  Also by Sue Stauffacher

  Donutheart

  Life has taken a decidedly dangerous turn for Franklin Delano Donuthead, the world’s most asymmetrical sixth grader. He has to change classes six times! now that he’s in middle school. His mother is dating. And for some odd reason, Glynnis Powell, for whom Franklin shined his milk quarters back in grade school, makes him blush like a tomato. How will all this redirection of blood flow affect his health? And will school bully Marvin Howerton succeed in catching Franklin alone in the boys’ bathroom?

  Like it or not, Franklin needs to rely on the protection of Sarah Kervick, who must save him from disaster almost daily. But as Sarah’s real-life problems threaten to overwhelm her, Franklin is called upon to be stronger and braver than he feels capable of. With help from a quirky collection of friends, Franklin’s about to discover that he just might have what it takes to “step up to the plate.” (In a manner of speaking, of course … he’s really not too fond of sports in general.) Who knew growing up could be so hazardous to your health?

  “Funny and marvelously humane, it’s a worthy follow-up to [Franklin’s] debut, Donuthead.”—Kirkus Reviews

  “A wry, touching commentary on middle-school survival.” —Booklist

  Published by Yearling

  an imprint of Random House Children’s Books

  a division of Random House, Inc., New York

  Copyright © 2005 by Sue Stauffacher

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  eISBN: 978-0-307-53063-9

  v3.0