Write a Mystery in 5 Simple Steps

November 1, 2012

Gr 5 Up-Quotations and examples from authors such as J.K. Rowling, Christopher Paolini, Stephen King, Stan Lee, and others make this series stand out. Separated into five chapters, each volume begins with a section about inspiration and ends with information about getting published. Lists of contemporary and classic literature, as well as movies, give readers plenty of models to help them create their pieces. The organizational strategies and writing exercises are user-friendly. The books are narrated in such a way that readers are treated like real writers no matter their age. Sidebars tackle additional topics. Unfortunately, there are no illustrations, only the occasional design element. Resources specific to each genre and places for writers to look into publishing are given. The age-level appropriateness varies by title; Romance and Horror contain disclaimers at the top of their recommended genre reading lists.

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2013
Most suitable for upper-elementary and middle-school aspiring authors, this series straightforwardly introduces writing in various genres through chapters on inspiration, preparation, organization, composition, and publication; [cf2]Graphic Novel[cf1] includes a chapter on illustration. Readers will find useful starting advice, writing techniques, famous examples of the genre, as well as questions and prompts to foster engagement with their own work. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)