The Way to Stay in Destiny by Augusta Scattergood

Scattergood found the setting for “The Way to Stay in Destiny” in Florida’s Spanish moss, beaches and signs to “shuffle your feet” to keep away the sting rays. Her first book, “Glory Be,” takes place in Mississippi and drew on Scattergood’s own childhood. “It was different than any place I’d lived,” Scattergood said. Scattergood said she started writing the book when she moved to Florida. Students came with prepared questions, asking Scattergood about her life, writing process, the book’s plot and more.

“When we saw her, we got to know why Uncle Raymond is - not so mean - but mean, and we’re able to know who Mr. “We didn’t really see her in person, but we were able to see her,” Ebigail said. “It’s very interesting and it tells a lot about different things like piano and baseball,” Tori said.Įbigail Pela, 8, said it changed her view of the book to actually speak with the author. Tori said she loved the book, especially near the end when readers see Uncle Raymond’s character develop. Tori Mills, 9, answered that Uncle Raymond was “in the middle,” neither too mean nor too nice. Scattergood asked the students if Uncle Raymond was too mean - and if they had envisioned a future for Theo and his friend Anabel after reading the final page. “If you write everybody as happy throughout the whole book it kind of doesn’t make it quite as interesting to read,” she said. While she did not want the book to be sad, she eventually wrote Raymond as the uncle, she said. She told the students about her writing process, how she initially thought Raymond might be Theo’s father. That relationship provided some of the conflict for the book, Scattergood said. A grumpy Vietnam veteran, Uncle Raymond has no idea how to take care of children, Scattergood said. “The Way to Stay in Destiny,” Scattergood’s second book, tells the story of a boy named Theo who has to leave behind his life in Kentucky and live with his uncle in Destiny, Florida.

She also told students that she used to be a school librarian.

“Every one of you could write a book if you really want to and really work at it.”Ī gasp went around the room when Scattergood told the students she had palm trees and real green parrots, just like those in the book, outside her window.

“Don’t give up your dreams,” Scattergood said. Students found themselves transported to a world of palm trees and green parrots Tuesday afternoon in Pope Elementary School’s library.Ĭlustering before a SMARTboard screen, students took turns sitting in a rocking chair where they showed off artwork and asked questions of the author behind “The Way to Stay in Destiny.”Īugusta Scattergood Skyped third, fourth and fifth grade students who had each read an autographed copy of her book.

The Way to Stay in Destiny by Augusta Scattergood