Ryan Standley

Ryan Standley's award-winning debut, To the Top of Greenfield Street (2020), is set in Freeport IL, the author's hometown. The realistic YA novel describes one teenager’s rocky path toward several unforgettable firsts. “I tried to make the book as honest as possible,” Standley says, “We all make bad decisions, but that doesn’t make us bad people."

His follow-up novel, When To Fire (2025), is a YA sci-fi-western about a gunslinger that gains psychic visions. "While largely fantasy driven,” Standley says, "the emotional honesty and vivid character development still shines through."

His latest novel, What I Did After I Died (2025) is a ghost story about a mountainside treasure hunt. "Major themes involve family dynamics, Good vs Evil, and confronting dangers of the past," Standley say, "Alongside poignant truths and some laughs."

Ryan Standley, a high school teacher north of Boston, recently taught 'To the Top of Greenfield Street' to Freshmen. Here is a sampling of student reflections of the novel:

1) A big theme in To the Top of Greenfield Street is that personal growth comes from empathy and facing challenges, having self-awareness, and stepping outside your comfort zone. This message has impacted me because it made me realize the importance of being more aware of others’ feelings and perspectives. It taught me that maturity comes not just from overcoming challenges, but also from listening, reflecting on past experiences, and growing through difficult situations.

2) To the Top of Greenfield Street teaches the reader about learning to take care of yourself and just be yourself when making friends. Eric also learns to defend himself, and although he's insecure about his body, he always seems to carry self-respect. These are definitely lessons that I can relate to in life and in school. It's good to meet new people but always have boundaries and respect yourself.

3) In To the Top of Greenfield Street, Eric begins to understand the importance of self-worth. Rather than falling apart to bitterness or withdrawing from the world, Eric uses his pain and turns it into personal growth. He realizes his priorities, and focuses on building genuine relationships and improving himself.

For more information, contact Ryan at ryanstandley[numeral-one at G mail dot com] or on social @RyanPStandley