Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep - by Melissa Stewart (Paperback)

About the Book

"Celebrated authors share essays that describe a critical part of the informational writing process that is often left out of classroom instruction, helping students to craft rich, unique prose"--

Book Synopsis

In Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep, some of today's most celebrated writers for children share essays that describe a critical part of the informational writing process that is often left out of classroom instruction.

To craft engaging nonfiction, professional writers choose topics that fascinate them and explore concepts and themes that reflect their passions, personalities, beliefs, and experiences in the world. By scrutinizing the information they collect to make their own personal meaning, they create distinctive books that delight as well as inform.

In addition to essays from mentor authors, the book includes a wide range of tips, tools, teaching strategies, and activity ideas from editor Melissa Stewart to help students (1) choose a topic, (2) focus that topic by identifying a core idea, theme, or concept, and (3) analyze their research to find a personal connection. By adding a piece of themselves to their drafts, students will learn to craft rich, unique prose.

Featuring essays by Sarah Albee, Chris Barton, Donna Janell Bowman, Mary Kay Carson, Nancy Castaldo, Jason Chin, Lesa Cline-Ransome, Seth Fishman, Candace Fleming, Kelly Milner Halls, Deborah Heiligman, Susan Hood, Gail Jarrow, Lita Judge, Jess Keating, Barbara Kerley, Heather Lang, Cynthia Levinson, Michelle Markel, Carla Killough McClafferty, Heather Montgomery, Patricia Newman, Elizabeth Partridge, Baptiste Paul, Miranda Paul, Teresa Robeson, Mara Rockliff, Barb Rosenstock, Laura Purdie Salas, Anita Sanchez, April Pulley Sayre, Steve Sheinkin, Ray Anthony Shepard, Anita Silvey, Traci Sorell, Tanya Lee Stone, Jennifer Swanson, Stephen R. Swinburne, Don Tate, Laurie Ann Thompson, Pamela Turner, Patricia Valdez, Sandra Neil Wallace, Laurie Wallmark, Jennifer Ward, Carole Boston Weatherford, Lee Wind, Paula Yoo, and Karen Romano Young.

Review Quotes

"These essays reinforced the idea that exploring something outside of ourselves, digging deep into the content but also into the emotional response that it elicits within ourselves, is an experience worth revisiting time and time again (if you're a reader) or sharing with others (if you're a writer)." --Katie Carr, elementary ELA curriculum specialist

"Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep is a gift to reading and writing teachers and to students. Fifty children's authors share stories of their process, and the book is organized in a way that makes it a must-have tool for teachers. This collection of essays will give students the mentors they need as writers of informational pieces." --Franki Sibberson, past president of the National Council of Teachers of English

"Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep is ideal for teachers who want to expand and deepen their practice of teaching with and about nonfiction literature. It offers us all a fresh perspective on nonfiction, one that recognizes that behind every book is a passion, a consideration of perspectives, and a palpable sense of purpose." --Mary Ann Cappiello, professor of language and literacy at Lesley University and past chair of the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction Committee

"Each essay in Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep feels like sitting down to have a cup of coffee with a good friend. Each author opens up about their process, their craft, their truth. This book will challenge your every conception about what nonfiction writers do and how they do it. Reading this book will transform what and how you teach nonfiction writing, making it a book you will return to time and time again." -- Shana Frazin, Co-Director of Classroom Libraries and Senior Staff Developer, Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University

"Educators often wonder what's missing in their students' informational writing. We forget that, in addition to sharing facts, nonfiction can be passionate and inquisitive and inspire readers to change the world. The essays in Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep shows teachers how to help students breathe new life into informational writing." --Michele Knott, literacy specialist

"If you write nonfiction for children and/or you teach nonfiction writing, please gift yourself this incredible book! Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep is chock full of honest introspection and tips from a diverse array of wonderful nonfiction authors. You won't be able to put it down." --Jennifer Mary Grolemund, K-2 science teacher and writer for young people

"Whether you teach kindergarteners or college-age students, there is so much useful information in Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep. I planned on reading just a few essays, but I couldn't put it down. I was so moved by what these 'creatives' had to say. Learn about writing from 50 amazing authors, and then share your new knowledge with your students!" --Lesley Burnap, second-grade teacher