Shabby Sunday: Bittersweet – Stories and Poems from Scholastic Writing Awards 1926-1960 – Jerome Brondfield – 1962

On By MischenkoIn Poetry, Reads, Shabby Sunday, Short Stories, Vintage Books

Shabby Sunday

I have a lot of old vintage books and one of my plans when I first started blogging was to do a post every week or so that shared one of my cherished vintage books. Then I thought there might be other book bloggers out there that have some vintage books, heirlooms, or maybe some old books from childhood that they might want to share. I decided to start a weekly meme titled ‘Shabby Sunday’ for those who would like to participate and share some of their old vintage books. Do you have some shabby books you’d like to share? If so, please feel free to participate as anyone can join. Feel free to use the picture I’ve provided if you’d like to. If you decide to do this meme, please consider linking back to me so that I can see the book you’re sharing.

Today’s Shabby Share is:

Bittersweet: Stories and Poems from Scholastic Writing Awards, 1926-1960

by: Jerome Brondfield

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This is a book from my childhood that I know I’ve mentioned before on tags but haven’t shared for Shabby Sunday. I’ve had this book since I was in 5th grade.

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This book was given to me in elementary school by one of my English teachers. We had been writing some poetry for a writing project, and for some reason, she thought I wrote poetry well and wanted me to continue writing. She was such a good teacher and inspired me greatly.

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She mentioned to me that she would like the book back when I was done reading it. Something happened and she ended up leaving half way through the school year. I never did see her again and didn’t get to return the book.

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This edition is the first printing from 1962, as you can see above. It’s packed full of short stories and poems written by students from all over the United States. The writings are all organized in sections beginning with the 20’s and ending with the 50’s.

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This copy has definitely seen its better days. It’s loosing pages and the cover has been taped multiple times. I still keep it on my shelf and read from it every now and then. Here’s one of my favorites from the book.

The Kiss

by Dorothy Emerson

Morgantown (West Virginia) High School 1926

I lay--a thing as calm and cool
As a limpid, evening pool,
Pale, as the late moon's silver wing,

Mute as hushed harp's silent string;
Yet--you changed all this
By just a kiss--one kiss.

I lay--a thing of passion wrought,
Turmoiled with love, each move and tho't,
Exotic as purple velvet's splendor,

Warm as full lips, soft and tender;
Yet--you made all this
By just a kiss--one kiss.

Find this book on Goodreads and Amazon:

  • Paperback – 310 pages
  • Language: English
  • Publisher: Scholastic (1962)
  • ASIN: B001V0IDIY

Other blogs who have participated in Shabby Sunday:

Nicky@ An Introverted Bookworm

TheOrangutanLibrarian

Claire@ Brizzle Lass Books

Author Didi Oviatt

Sassy Brit@ Alternative-Read

Brittany @ PerfectlyTolerable

Shari @ Sharisakurai.com

Jennifer @ Jennifertarheelreader.com

Thanks for checking out Shabby Sunday. Do you have any Shabby books to share? Feel free to share your thoughts below or participate in Shabby Sunday if you’d like! ❤

45 thoughts on “Shabby Sunday: Bittersweet – Stories and Poems from Scholastic Writing Awards 1926-1960 – Jerome Brondfield – 1962”

  2. I was printed the same month as this book! I remember Scholastic books as being a very big deal in my school career, but I don’t recall this one specifically. It’s great when books and teachers meant something to us.

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        2. ahahaha! Oh well–you figured it out eventually. I’m like that sometimes and just try to understand what the person means, and it can take ma a while–

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  3. I haven’t read it or heard about it.
    Please forgive me for this diversion
    Can we have…. Ummmm can I have pics where your nail paint is also well seen. You wear the most fab colors. I keep on tilting my phone hoping I see more of the color… 🤦🏻🤷🏻

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Nina. 😉 She was inspiring to me and really believed in her students. I wish all of my teachers were like that, especially in elementary when you really pick up a love for learning. This is one I’ll keep forever. 💙 Thanks for checking out my post. I appreciate it so much!

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  8. Oh, I love this one, favorite M! I love that your teacher gave it to you and due to unforeseen circumstances you kept it- and took such good care of it. Even if it is a little shabby. Also that poem you shared- wow, that’s alluring. Great share, M! The day got away from me today, so I am playing catch up tonight! Hope you have a great week ahead! 💗 xo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. starjustin

    I always like hearing good memories from your childhood. I guess I was so busy working etc.that I never realized that you as pent so much time reading. Makes me happy to know. 🙂 📚

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. Pingback: Shabby Sunday 3: Kittens Are Like That by Jan Pfloog (1976) #shabbysunday #kittensarelikethat #booktag – Jennifer ~ Tar Heel Reader

  15. Pingback: Shabby Sunday 4: All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque (1928) #shabbysunday #allquietonthewesternfront #bookmeme – Jennifer ~ Tar Heel Reader

  16. Pingback: Shabby Sunday 5: I Can Do It Myself by Emily Perl Kingsley (1980) #shabbysunday #icandoitmyself #booktag – Jennifer ~ Tar Heel Reader

  17. Leila Wilson

    Loved all of this Mischenko especially the poem. It took me back many years to a kiss like that Mmmmm. One of my oldest ‘shabby books’ is ‘Babar the Elephant’ bought for me by my Mother during the early years of the war There were so few about at that time and how I treasured it. I would be about eight. I will try to find your shabby book that your teacher passed on to you. I am beginning to feel better now so hope to be in touch. Thank you for this… Love Leila xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Leila! I’m so excited to hear from you and glad you’re doing better. You’ll have to keep in touch via GR or here. I miss chatting with you and wonder how you’ve been. ❤

      Thanks for checking out the post. Babar is one of our favorites as well! What a gem! I just loved hearing your story about it. Thank you for sharing it. ❤💕xoxoxo

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  18. Pingback: Shabby Sunday 6: Who Lives Here by Sara Jeffrey (1979) #shabbysunday #wholiveshere #booktag – Jennifer ~ Tar Heel Reader

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