You have continual suspense, unfolding letter by letter. You have all these ups and downs in your characters' fortunes. Success or failure is only seconds away, and it's in their own hands. You have character and action built right in.

195

Aristotle said that the essence of drama is fear and pity. Where do you feel more fear and pity than when you look at a kid in a spelling bee?

190

They didn't know what to make of it in Melbourne. They loved it, and they made it their own. But they did not fully have a sense of competitive academics.

182

I found it incredibly inspiring, and I would leave her class with all these ideas in my head.

174

This is the chance for the non-athletic kids to have their moment. It's the kids who don't get picked first in gym who are up there.

19