It’s Time for the Sibert Smackdown!
The Sibert Smackdown is an activity intended to build enthusiasm for the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, which is given each year as part of the American Library Association’s annual Youth Media Awards. It focuses on picture books because they are more manageable to read in a school setting. Here’s how it works. Students in grades 3-8 read the […]
Why I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Anika Aldamuy Denise. Thank you, Anika. Author-illustrator Kelly Light once said, “Picture books are like an IMAX movie to a little kid. Think about it. Picture books fill their field of vision. […]
Why I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Lori Alexander
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Lori Alexander. Thank you, Lori. Narrative nonfiction can bring young readers the best of two worlds: an engaging, fast-paced story that is 100% verifiable and true. These vibrant stories can […]
Why I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Laurie Wallmark
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors disscuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Laurie Wallmark. Thank you, Laurie! I’ve loved math and science, ever since I was a little girl. I’d check books out from the library that were way above my level […]
The Low Down on Our Smackdown by Patti Francis
In the past, I’ve written a #SibertSmackdown Wrap-up post with tidbits from some of the classes and schools who participated. But this year, I decided to invite teachers to share a reflection of their class’s experience. It was a great decision. It’s exciting to find out exactly how educators integrated the activity into their curriculum and […]
How I Write Biographies by Jen Bryant
Today I’m welcoming Jen Bryant to the blog. She’s written a fascinating essay that’s a bit of a departure from the topic of this year’s Monday series. As Jen points out, sometimes it’s important to break the rules. Before I was an author, I was a high school French and German teacher and cross-country coach. […]
Two Nonfiction Writing Styles by Kristian Bucknor
Recently, teacher-librarian Kristian Bucknor read 5 Kinds of Nonfiction and tried an activity that introduces the two nonfiction writing styles—expository and narrative—with her students. I was curious to know how it went, so Kristian generously offered to write this blog post summarizing her experience. Thank you, Kristian! It’s wonderful to see how your students responded to […]
Why I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Patricia Newman
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors compare the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Patricia Newman. Thank you, Patricia Stories connect us. I’m drawn to science stories that connect us to each other and our world. Behind discoveries in magnetism, mechanics, and mammals are […]
The Lowdown on Our Smackdown by Galiah Morgenstern
In the past, I’ve written a #SibertSmackdown Wrap-up post with tidbits from some of the classes and schools who participated. But this year, I decided to try something a little bit different. I invited some of the participating teachers to share a reflection of their class’s experience with the activity, and it was a great […]
Why I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Anita Silvey
Today we continue the series in which award-winning nonfiction authors discuss the joys and challenges of writing narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction with an essay by Anita Silvey. Thank you, Anita. I grew up near farm country in Indiana. Except for public library visits with my grandmother, I depended on a tiny school library for all […]