Writing with Style (Scholastic Guides)

Gr. 4^-6. The latest in the Scholastic Guides series is a slim but sturdy volume divided into four easy-to-read chapters concerned with planning, producing, publishing, and presenting one's work. The text is straightforward, if a bit dry, but the writing samples, from real kids, make the process seem less daunting. Although the four-page table of contents is overwhelming, the two-color text allows for easy and quick reference, and the design is clear and accessible. Young includes advice on using reference tools, such as a thesaurus, and gives sample bibliographic citations. Her third chapter demystifies grammar with a "sounds right/sounds wrong" method, and information about documenting Internet research is included in the final chapter. Some of the explanations may be too vague for the intended audience ("Always try to get at the essence of what you have to say"), but this is still good for quick reference or as supplementary classroom material. Bibliography. Kathleen Squires

Grade 5-8. Young gets readers started in a most creative introduction and keeps them focused on the writing process with ideas, explanations, and a great index that helps them to find the area they want to polish. She offers example after example of different ways to write and rewrite sentences, correct use of subject and verb agreement, assignment planning, bibliographies, writing blank verse, clauses, commas, couplets, rhyming patterns, research, editing, report writing, grammar, genre style?and just about any other questions young people may have on the writing process. The book is easy to comprehend, upbeat, and relevant. A must for library shelves and classrooms.?Marsha Whitney, South Meadow School, Peterboro, NH
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