From School Library Journal
Gr 3-6-- The format, layout, and writing style of this instruction manual for young writers takes a didactic, textbook approach to the creative process. Here is a five-step plan (Pre-Writing, Drafting, Revision, Editing, and Publishing) that, despite repeated exhortations such as ``Enjoy yourself!'' or ``Have fun polishing!'' is laborious to follow and tedious to read. The tone, while seeking to empower potential writers, tends toward condescension (``It is a time to be very proud of yourself'') and overstatement. Included are enough lists of materials, goals, steps, checklists, and forms to discourage even highly motivated students, although teachers seeking a highly structured approach may find it useful. Carol Benjamin's Writing for Kids (Crowell, 1985) and Marion Dane Bauer's What's Your Story? (Clarion, 1992) offer inspiration and instruction more simply and palatably. --Susan H. Patron, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1993 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
