Why I Write Narrative Nonfiction by Deborah Heiligman
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 Deborah Heiligman. Thank you, Deb. I’ve written a lot about why and how I write narrative nonfiction. I write nonfiction because I love truth and facts, and am passionate about research, especially […]
Why I Write Expository Nonfiction by Traci Sorell
Happy Indigenous Peoples Day! 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 Traci Sorell. Traci has generously offered to giveaway a copy of 5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children’s Books, which I co-wrote […]
Your Best Work Is Ahead of You
During school visits, students often ask me how many books I’ve written. Before answering, I ask for clarification. Do they want to know how many books I’ve published or how many books I’ve written? That’s right. The two questions have different answers. So far, I’ve published 194 books, but I’ve written about 30 more that are […]
It’s a Book!
Hip, hip hooray! After 10 years and who-knows-how-many drafts, I’m so excited to announce that Summertime Sleepers: Animals that Estivate entered the world yesterday. A few weeks ago, I described the 10-year story behind the book on Shay Fan’s wonderful new blog First Draft to Final Book. Be sure to check it out. What I didn’t fully […]
Writing Is Sharing: Young Writers Need an Authentic Audience
Rachel Carson considered herself a scientist first and a writer second. In fact, she often said that the natural world gave her something to write about. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been enamored with the wildlife and wild places since I was 8 years old, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a career that allows […]
Fiction or Nonfiction? What Kids Really Like to Read
On December 11, 2020, the article “Will My Grandkids Still Love Me If I Buy Them Nonfiction?” by Jay Mathews appeared in the Washington Post. Author Cynthia Levinson posted it on the NF Fest Facebook forum, sparking a lively discussion. When Cynthia returned to the conversation a few hours later, she wrote, “I posted this in the hopes that we could respond. Anyone […]
Chalk + Ink: A Podcast
Kate Narita, a children’s book author and fourth grade teacher in Massachusetts, has recently started a terrific podcast called Chalk + Ink. It’s intended for Teachers Who Write and Writers Who Teach. Not long ago, I sat down with Kate for a fascinating conversation that included: –tips and tools for teaching informational writing –the lie I told […]
Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep
There are SO many reasons, I love writing nonfiction for children. One of them is my colleagues. I’m so grateful to be part of such a vibrant, supportive community. Many people warned me that overseeing an anthology featuring fifty award-winning writers with busy schedules was an act of insanity. But despite their many priorities, my colleagues […]
Happy 10th Anniversary, Celebrate Science!
It’s hard to believe, but I began this blog 10 years ago this week. I’ve been posting three times a week (during the school year) ever since. That’s more than 1,100 posts in all! Over the summer, I took a look at many of my earlier posts. There are some topics that I’ve written about […]
Nonfiction Authors Dig Deep by Carole Boston Weatherford
Today we conclude the Nonfiction Authors Dig Deep series with a powerful essay by Carole Boston Weatherford. Thank you, Carole. Celebrate Science will be back in September. Since the debut of my first children’s bok in 1995, I have mined the past for family stories, fading traditions, and forgotten struggles. I do so because when I […]