Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street by Roni Schotter

Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street 
by Roni Schotter

This book reminds us to 
view the world around us as writers!

Setting: 

New York City (urban neighborhood) 

Eva sits on the stoop, bored

Plot: 

• Eva has a writing assignment, but she feels there is nothing to write about because she thinks nothing ever happens on 90th Street
• Eva gets advice from various neighbors!
• She eventually envisions a dramatic event happening in her neighborhood
• Turning point in the story was when Eva begins to wonder, "hmm.. what will happen next on 90th Street?"
• Sondra Sonderson, soap opera star appears on 90th St. to visit Mr. Simms (action! on 90th St.)
• Eva learns to ask, "what if?"
• At the end of the story, she says, "It will be even better, once I rewrite it." 

Characters:  

Mr. Simms (actor, dramatic, felt fedora hat, "the world is your stage")

Mr. Morley ("try to find the poetry in your pudding")

Alexis (dancer, doesn't smile, "stretch and use your imagination, stretch the truth for a better story")

Mrs. Martinez (likes soup, "add a little action, like spices in a soup!")

Mr. Freedman 

Mrs. Sonderson

Others: Mr. Chang, 

Author's craft: 

My connections:

My students often say there is nothing to write about -- until they learn to view the world as writers! 

I always deeply appreciated the action on the streets of New York city. I often miss that action now, living in the suburbs, and wish I could be transplanted back to the active city streets.    

Deeper understanding/my thinking: 

To me, this book epitomizes the value of living our lives as writers! When we open our eyes, open our hearts, and see the small and seemingly insignificant moments around us we are open to the active life around us!  I think this book also emphasizes the importance of imagination.  My teacher friend, Kelsey, always says "never let the facts get in the way of a good story."  Eva learns to fill in the events around her with creative and imaginative details.  The world around us holds many great stories, both real and imagined.  

Revision! Good writers always make changes! Even Eva learns that her story will be "even better, once I rewrite it." Her changed perspective on the life around her has instilled a sense of wonder that drives her to want to make changes to her story!