I’m a Writer, so Let’s Write
Inspiration Book:
Word after word after word by MacLachlan, Patricia - Katherine Tegen Books, p2010, c2010--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 3.5. A visiting poet, Ms. Mirabel, teaches five friends in grade school about the power of words and writing.
Rationale: Nothing motivates student writing like publishing their work. About every three years my small private school works on a writing and publishing project resulting in commercially bound hardcover books. The library (or classroom) gets the original copy of each book and students/parents may purchase additional copies of the book for souvenirs.
The primary grades do picture books based on a theme and each student does one page. Several are ABC books, I can do, or I like to do, or my favorite food, etc. The third grade does a book about positive characteristics, the fourth graders write a Native American tale, the fifth graders write a research report about a state, the sixth graders research Christmas around the world, and the seventh and eighth graders make a poetry book. Other years, and this method is more effective, students collect all of their writings, choose the best, and word process or print for publication.
All books are illustrated and reproduced in full color. I have listed several student/school publishers in the Teacher Resource section. I place the library copies in an easily accessible place for browsing and check-out. There is always a crowd around the area during book selection time.
At some of my schools, I have also been able to encourage the PTO/PTA to sponsor a Writer in Residence program. Sometimes the writer merely does a presentation, sometimes he/she works with each of the classrooms in the writing process. When I have been at a small school that can’t afford full payment, I’ve tried to find other librarians who would like to share the costs. If you have a local author, you save the costs of transportation and lodging. A picture book author or illustrator is a good choice for all grades K-8. For upper elementary and middle school, a poet, a non-fiction author (allows for the research process), or a creative writer are suitable.
For Grades K-3, check out the blog posting for Plot Chickens which has the same introduction as this entry and features books by Mary Ann Auch to encourage lower elementary students to write.
The Inspiration Book serves as an introduction to the whole book publishing process grades 4-8. Read it aloud a chapter a day, for it is a little too slow for the contemporary reader on its own, but has valuable insights when read aloud and discussed. Try out some of Ms. Mirabel’s techniques and the questions suggested in the HarperCollins lesson plan. This could be an excellent first book study of the school year and provide the basis for great writing throughout the year.
Since originally writing this blog post for my original blog site, the topics of creative writing and authorship have appeared in many, many books. Consequently, the entire Related Books list has been updated to include only titles between 2010 and 2018 and only titles that have been favorably reviewed five or more times. Several of the titles are suggestions for writing by established authors. I omitted poetry writing and graphic novels and most nonfiction writing, and will cover them in another post at a later date.
Related Books:
Inside this book : (are three books). by Saltzberg, Barney — Abrams Appleseed, 2015. Dewey: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.6. Given blank books by their mother, Seymour, Fiona, and Wilbur let their imaginations fly, then put their stories, poems, and pictures together in a single, shared book.
Word builder by Paul, Ann Whitford — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009. Dewey: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.6. Text explains how putting letters into words, words into sentences, sentences into paragraphs, and paragraphs into chapters ends up creating a book.
How this book was made : based on a true story by Barnett, Mac — Disney Hyperion, 2016. Dewey: 002; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.4. Text and illustrations look at the process of making a book.
The best story by Spinelli, Eileen — Dial Books for Young Readers, 2008. Dewey: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.7. When a contest at the local library offers a prize for the best story, a girl tries to write one using her family's suggestions, but her story does not seem right until she listens to her heart.
Ideas are all around by Stead, Philip Christian — Roaring Brook Press, 2016. Dewey: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.7. In search of writing ideas, an author takes a walk with his dog around the neighborhood.
Rocket writes a story by Hills, Tad — Schwartz & Wade Books, 2012. Dewey: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.1. Sequel to: How Rocket learned to read. "Rocket writes a story about a new friend, the owl. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.
Little Red Writing by Holub, Joan — Chronicle Books, 2013. Dewey: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.4. Once upon a time, in pencil school, a brave little red pencil sets out to write an exciting story with nouns and adverbs and everything--but first she has to face the ravenous pencil sharpener, the Wolf 3000.
Snappsy the alligator (did not ask to be in this book!) by Falatko, Julie — Viking, 2016. Dewey: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.5. Snappsy's ordinary day is interrupted by a meddling narrator.
Once upon a baby brother by Sullivan, Sarah — Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2010. Dewey: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.5. Lizzie, who loves to tell and write stories, is surprised to discover that much of her storytelling inspiration comes from her messy baby brother.
Ava and Pip by Weston, Carol — Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2014. Dewey: -Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.6. When ten-year-old Ava uses her writing talents to help her older sister overcome her shyness, both girls learn the impact their words and stories can have on the world around them. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.
Billy's booger : a memoir by Joyce, William — Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2015. Dewey: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.9. Billy's wild imagination gets him into trouble at school, but a creative writing contest could be the perfect opportunity for him to shine.
Been there, done that : writing stories from real life — Grosset & Dunlap, an imprint of Penguin Random House, 2016. Dewey: -Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.7. This anthology looks at the process of taking real-life experiences and turning them into works of engaging fiction. The collection features award-winning and bestselling middle-grade authors who provide both original fictional short stories as well as the nonfiction accounts that inspired them.
Spilling ink : a young writer's handbook by Mazer, Anne — Flash Point/Roaring Brook Press, 2010. Dewey: 808.3; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.0. Authors Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter offer advice for aspiring young writers, discussing finding a voice, character development, plot, revisions, and other related topics. Includes writing prompts.
Writer to writer : from think to ink by Levine, Gail Carson — Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2015. Dewey: 808; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.2. In this lively nonfiction book for young readers, bestselling author Gail Carson Levine shares her secrets of great writing.
Writing radar : using your journal to snoop out and craft great stories by Gantos, Jack — Farrar Straus Giroux, 2017. Dewey: 808.02; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.3. Provides a guide for young readers on how to write using the everyday world around for inspiration.
Guy-write : what every guy writer needs to know by Fletcher, Ralph J — Square Fish/Henry Holt and Company, 2014. Dewey: 808.06; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.9. A guide to writing for boys, including tips and advice from established authors.
Teacher Resources:
Six Trait Gurus Lesson Plan
Interview (written) about Word
Publishing Resources:
UBuild a Book http://www.ubuildabook.com/childrens-book-publisher.html?gclid=CPTAoYH6x7UCFahDMgodSkQA9w
Student Treasures Publishing http://www.studentreasures.com/
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