Today's interview holds a host of insights into the way in which Megan Jean Sovern, author of The Meaning of Maggie, develops characters, brings themes to the fore, and plans plot trajectory. Suffice it to say, I came away more than a little inspired.
Category: interview
Interview with Susan VanHecke + a Giveaway
I'm always looking for exemplary informational mentor texts. When Under the Freedom Tree crossed my desk, I knew I found one I wanted to share with you. It's the story of the first contraband camp during the Civil War. Even though my college minor was American History (with most of my coursework focused on the Revolutionary… Continue reading Interview with Susan VanHecke + a Giveaway
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Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 4 of 5)
An interview with Author Germano Zullo + a giveaway of his new book, Line 135.
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Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 1 of 5)
Amy Krouse Rosenthal provides insight into her new word play book. Chronicle Books offers a giveaway of the book to one reader who comments on this post.
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Q&A with Patricia MacLachlan + a Giveaway
Like you, I read lots of books. One of my favorite authors has long been Patricia MacLachlan, who I believe is one of the most exquisite writers of our time. Her newest book, Nora's Chicks, with illustrations by Kathryn Brown is yet another book filled with the kind of writer's craft we'd like young writers… Continue reading Q&A with Patricia MacLachlan + a Giveaway
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Chatting with Leigh Hodgkinson + a Giveaway
Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved books about bears. Therefore, when I picked up Goldilocks and Just One Bear, which feels like the sequel to "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," I was giddy. Leigh Hodgkinson's new book helped me to envision what became of some of my favorite fairy tale characters after… Continue reading Chatting with Leigh Hodgkinson + a Giveaway
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The Secret Ingredient to Creating Engaged Writers
I’ve been thinking about student engagement in writing workshop for the past couple of weeks. I started thinking about it as I was reading Guy-Write, Ralph Fletcher’s new book. My thoughts about engagement continued as I sat in Maggie Beattie Roberts’s class about technology and media at the summer Reading Institute. Everything came to a… Continue reading The Secret Ingredient to Creating Engaged Writers
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Guy-Write: Chatting About Male Writers with Ralph Fletcher
Anyone who has ever read Ralph Fletcher's books for young writers (e.g., A Writer's Notebook, How Writers Work, Live Writing), will find his newest book, Guy-Write: What Every Gut Writer Needs to Know (Holt), to be a welcome addition to a classroom's writing center. Fletcher writes this book for boys who love to write who… Continue reading Guy-Write: Chatting About Male Writers with Ralph Fletcher
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Deeper Thinking About Notebook Work
This week I had the opportunity to interview author John Claude Bemis. This is is latest book: I asked him about notebook work and his response led me to a deeper understanding of the importance of notebook work. John said: I jot ideas down in the notebook, not because I’m worried I’ll forget them, but… Continue reading Deeper Thinking About Notebook Work
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Talking with Taylor Mali + a Giveaway
On a tough day in the classroom, all of us have turned to Taylor Mali's poem "What Teachers Make" for some solace. Last month Taylor published a book, What Teachers Make: In Praise of the Greatest Job in the World, which is the kind of book you want to have around when a tough day… Continue reading Talking with Taylor Mali + a Giveaway
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A Book About a New Sibling + a Giveaway
I fell in love with Chloe, instead instantly! I loved it for many of the same reasons Ruth did. In addition, as an only child, I love stories of siblings since it allows me to gain a greater understanding of what life with a brother or sister is like. That being said, it’s a look… Continue reading A Book About a New Sibling + a Giveaway
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Want to hear some thoughts about celebrations?
Recently Franki Sibberson interviewed me about the importance of writing celebrations. It was posted on Choice Literacy this week and you can listen here. While there, sign up to receive the Choice Literacy newsletter. Choice Literacy is one of my go-to sources to stay up to date with the current thinking in literacy education, as… Continue reading Want to hear some thoughts about celebrations?
