But I'll Be Back Again

By Cynthia Rylant

Book Overview

In this straightforward autobiography, Newbery medalist Cynthia Rylant describes some of the most profound influences on her life: her grandmother, a tiny town called Beaver, the Beatles (especially... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0531058069
• ISBN13: 9780531058060
• Release Date: May 1989
• Publisher: Orchard Books (NY)
• Length: 54 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.9" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Wow

My English class just read this wonderful autobiography of Cynthia Rylant as a class assignment. I truly enjoyed this autobiography; usually I am not such a fan of people telling me about themselves. Ms. Rylant presents her life story in a way that makes her more accessible to her audience. I think that an interesting factor that she incorporated was the quote from the Beatles songs at the beginning of each chapter. I am a fan of the Beatles myself, so that was a strong connection that I was able to establish with Ms. Rylant. Another quality of this autobiography was the way that she laid out the story. She did not write it so it read "First I did this, then this then that." She made it a very good read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Cynthia Rylant, or to anyone who is looking for a good read. Also, for any of you who have read "The Giver" this autobiography might be an interesting read for you.

You don't have to be young to appreciate this book

I teach reading, and I like Rylant's work. For me, BIBBA was personal. Rylant grew up near where my father's family lived for generations. My Dad left to escape the poverty-- he didn't want to be a miner like his Dad. As I grew up in Utah, I knew very little about my Dad's early life. BIBBA was a wonderful read, especially since Rylant is only a few years older than me. I vividly remember Bobby Kennedy's charisma, and the shock of his death. There are many places in BIBBA to cry-- when Rylant's father dies just before she is to see him for the first time in many years, for example. There is also the simple joy of that first kiss, and all those little moments of growing up. Read this book!

A Special Gift for Older Readers

If you loved sharing Cynthia Rylant's Henry and Mudge books with your kids, do yourself a favor and read this memoir of growing up in Appalachia. I was delighted to find Ms. Rylant's talent for telling tales of simple magic at work again in this personal story. You might also enjoy reading Missing May, and CYnthia Rylant's other books for older children and young adults. She is a very special writer whose writing for kids is clearly not her only gift.

a fine writer's childhood

Focusing almost exclusively on her childhood and adolescence, Rylant describes growing up in the small town of Beaver, West Virginia. She was abandoned by her beloved father, an alcoholic, at age three, and sent to live with her grandparents between the ages of four and eight, while her mother went to nursing school. The heartbreak of losing her parents so young is the reason she became a writer: to help her make sense of life. Rylant discusses her passion for the Beatles, Bobby Kennedy, and kissing. A sensitive, often humorous piece of self-revelation by a fine writer. Includes personal photos and drawings that evoke the Beatles era in a scrapbook style.

Simply a great read

Any young person who admires Cynthia Rylant's books should treat themselves to this book. Anyone who writes, or who wants to write, should read this story of a young girl who becomes a writer. Full of wonderfully detailed stories and snippets of her life; this book is a joy.