Two Writing Teachers: A Holiday Buying Guide

Image of gifts with the title "Holiday Gift Guide"

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes 15 seconds (651 words)

Target Audience: Educators and Those who Love Them

Every year, the holiday season takes me by surprise. One moment I’m planning my Halloween costume, and the next I’m trying to manage all that needs to be done before year’s end. That includes seeking out gifts for fellow teachers. I can’t be alone in wanting to do something special for the colleagues who make my days brighter.

This year, I’m featuring work created by members of our Two Writing Teachers community. The teachers in my life will gain some wisdom, and I get the chance to support good people doing good things. It’s a win-win! Today’s post features a “wish list” of books that our co-authors have written, along with a call for publications written by you, our TWT readers! I’ll update this article with any of your submissions (see details below).

From Our Co-Authors

Cover of "Make the School System Work for your Child with Disabilities"

Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future by Stacey Shubitz. This book, slated for release in January 2026, is the guide parents of students with disabilities never knew they needed. Stacey uses her own experience to help families navigate the special education system, communicate with teachers and schools, and support children in and out of school. Reserve your copy now!

Day by Day: Refining Writing Workshop Through 180 Days of Reflective Practice by Ruth Ayres and Stacey Shubitz. This book gets right to the “brass tacks” of writing instruction, exploring key elements of writing instruction such as routines, choice, conferring and assessment. There are activities and challenges teachers can do and reflect on. Their advice is simple, clear, and effective for a range of teachers.

Cover of "Day by Day" by Ruth Ayres Stacey Shubitz

Book Cover of Craft Moves by Stacey Shubitz

Craft Moves: Lesson Sets for Teaching Writing with Mentor Texts by Stacey Shubitz. My colleagues often ask about mentor text: what’s the best thing to use, and how can they use it well for their writers? Stacey delivers over 180 lessons to analyze mentor text, establish writing routines, and prepare students for small-group and independent writing time.

Welcome to Writing Workshop: Engaging Today’s Students with a Model That Works by Lynne R. Dorfman and Stacey Shubitz. Whether it’s a teacher who’s just starting out, trying to understand the basics of writing workshop, or a veteran teacher looking to reinvigorate their teaching, this book provides the groundwork for a productive, student-centered writing workshop that sparks joy.

Cover of Welcome to Writing Workshop by Lynne Dorfman and Stacey Shubitz

Every Child Can Write, Grades 2-5: Entry Points, Bridges, and Pathways for Striving Writers by Melanie Meehan. Melanie invites readers to consider kids who “keep us up at night,” using the book as a resource to learn more about them as writers: what they love, what they do well, what may be holding them back. She offers an array of practices and tools to support striving writers.

The Responsive Writing Teacher, Grades K-5: A Hands-on Guide to Child-Centered, Equitable Instruction by Melanie Meehan and Kelsey Sorum. Our classrooms are shaped by the lives and experiences of our students. Melanie and Sorum guide teachers through writing instruction that is responsive to children across four domains: academic, linguistic, cultural, and social-emotional. It’s an important tool for helping our students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Cover of Melanie Meehan's "Responsive Writing Teacher"

Answers to your Biggest Questions about Teaching Elementary Writing by Melanie Meehan. I’m a big fan of “grab and go resources” as I plan writing instruction. Melanie’s book fits the bill, with ideas for building and maintaining community, key instructional practices, assessment and building student agency. It’s a good book for newer teachers, but it’s also great for veterans like me looking to brush up on teaching practices.

Would you like your published work featured in this gift guide? Click below to access the form by Saturday, December 13.