Celebrate Nonfiction

Exploring the Joy of Nonfiction Reading and Writing

Behind the Books: Writing STEM Picture Books, Part 9

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been
discussing the ins and outs of writing STEM picture books, including its key
craft elements. (Scroll down to read earlier posts in this discussion.) Today
I’m going to finish up by talking about point of view.

Traditionally, all nonfiction for children
was written with third-person narration, but in recent years, people have begun
experimenting.

Most life stories still feature third-person
narration, but some do include first-person narration. Many educators worry
that this kind of storytelling could be confusing to young children.

 

Expository concept books may feature first-,
second-, or third-person narration. Here are some examples:

 

 

2 Responses

  1. I think 1st person narration for biographies can be problematic, especially when it's not based on actual quotes. For example, I loved the book, Lift Your Light a Little Higher, but I would have called it historical fiction and not nonfiction as it was labeled by some.

top 25 nonfiction blog award
Return to Blog Archive

Most Popular Posts

Topics
top 25 nonfiction blog award
Return to Blog Archive

Most Popular Posts

Topics

© 2001–[current-year] Melissa Stewart. All rights reserved. All materials on this site may be copied for classroom or library use but may not be reprinted or resold for commercial purposes. This website is COPPA compliant. If you are a child under age 13 and wish to contact Melissa Stewart, please use the email address of a teacher, librarian, or parent with that adult’s permission. Webhost Privacy Policy.