In the Classroom: 12 Techniques for Writing Nonfiction
Recently, I came across this terrific visual aid created by the clever folks at the Teachers College Reading Writing Workshop (@TCRWP). I think your students will find it helpful.
In the Classroom: Should I Go Deeper? Making Decisions About Nonfiction Reading
Franki Sibberson Not long ago, author Laura Purdie Salas brought this great article to my attention. I’m grateful to Franki Sibberson for writing it because it made me think about how I write books in a whole new way. I love it when that happens! While narrative nonfiction is all the rage these days, more […]
Behind the Books: What the Heck Is Creative Nonfiction?
The term “creative nonfiction” was first used by Lee Gutkind in the 1980s as a synonym for “narrative nonfiction.” Gutkind wished to convey the idea that nonfiction wasn’t always dry and utilitarian. By employing such elements as character, dialog, scene building, strong voice, innovative structure, point of view, and literary devices, writers could craft nonfiction […]
I Wonder Why
2009 Every year my husband and I try to figure out whether the leaves on our trees are changing earlier than, later than, or at the same time as previous years. After we make our guesses, I pull out the photos I took in 2009 documenting the annual cycle of the sugar maple tree […]
Behind the Books: On the Cutting Room Floor
If you’ve seen the Revision Timeline I created for No Monkeys, No Chocolate, then you have a good idea of the path I took as I wrote and revised the manuscript and what information did and didn’t make it into the book. During school visits this spring, students have asked me about my revision process […]
Behind the Books: School Visit Wrap-Up
Now that the school-visit season is mostly behind me, it’s time to look back and reflect. I’ve had more school visits than ever before in 2013-2014, which is great. I love getting out and talking to the young readers of my books. This year my most popular program was probably Bringing Science to Life, which […]
Behind the Books: Curriculum Connections
Behind the Books: Curriculum Connections A few weeks ago, three children’s book-loving organizations—Lesley University Department of Education, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators–joined forces to present a full-day workshop for educators, and it was a huge success. One of the eleven featured books was […]
Friday Fun: Teachers and Librarians Are Soooo Clever!
We all know how overburdened teachers and school librarians (teacher-librarians) are these days, and yet, they somehow manage to find the time to share my books in ways that really make a difference. I’m constantly amazed. Here are two great examples: Harriet LaPointe, teacher-librarian extraordinaire of Colt Andrews School in Bristol, RI, created this awesome […]
Behind the Books: It’s School Visit Season
For the last few weeks, I’ve been crisscrossing New England to visit school after school. Here are some of the highlights. When I arrived at Falmouth Elementary School in Maine, I was greeted by this beautiful poster. It’s a visual montage based on some of my books created by the four talented third-grade students shown […]
Behind the Books: Feathers
Yesterday was the official publication date for my new book, Feathers: Not Just for Flying. I am especially excited about this book because it has already received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and because was illustrated by my friend Sarah S. Brannen. Sarah is a member of my critique group and first saw the […]