36 Workshops To Get Kids Writing: From Aliens to Zebras

As libraries strive to create lifelong readers, they may be overlooking a valuable element. Hurtado urges them to pair reading with writing, asserting that "creative writing is a child-driven activity that motivates [students] to learn how to write and makes them better readers." To simplify the process, the author presents 36 "writing parties" revolving around picture books. She includes Common Core State Standards, a "PR Blurb" that discusses each lesson's goals and summarizes the book being used, and all handouts needed. The lessons are blocked into segments ranging from five to 30 minutes, for a total of 60 to 90 minutes. The featured titles are grouped thematically into sections such as "Fractured Fairy Tales," "Animal Muses," and "The Plot Thickens." Making a convincing case for including writing in children's programing, this well-organized work covers all the necessary components to implement these lessons. A chapter on "Books To Feed the Young Author's Spirit" and two appendixes—one explaining how to make blank books and one with story elements organizers—round out the volume.