Word After Word After Word

Gr 2—5—When a writer spends six weeks in a fourth-grade classroom, Lucy begins to understand the power of the written word. Colorful Ms. Mirabel introduces the students to the idea that writing can change their lives and inspires them to find their own stories and to write them. Lucy doesn't believe her life is interesting enough to write about, but Ms. Mirabel insists that everyone has an important tale to tell. She begins by reading passages from famous pieces of literature that eloquently describe places, characters, and moments in time. After school, Lucy and her friends Evie, Henry, and Russell discuss the tumultuous events that have shaped their own lives, including Lucy's mother's cancer, Evie's parents' divorce, and the death of Henry's dog. MacLachlan creates marvelous characters, children who can empathize with and support one another and who produce amazing poetry that captures their sadness and courage. The result is a tale that draws readers into a dichotomous world that is serious and lighthearted, sad and happy, real and unreal. Children will enjoy the lively characters and warm friendships depicted in this early chapter book, and it will make a memorable read-aloud to help teach the important story elements that will encourage young readers and writers to explore the world of words as they find their own voices.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY