From Reader to Writer: Teaching Writing Through Classic Children's Books [Paperback]

Sarah Ellis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 9, 2001

As a child, Sarah Ellis made up plenty of stories but could never think of any when called upon in school. As an adult, she discovered a way to encourage children to express their creativity. The result is From Reader to Writer, a trove of suggestions and activities that use classic children’s literature to inspire and liberate kids’ imaginations. Each of the 17 chapters consists of an intriguing anecdote about an author, from Louisa May Alcott to Susan Cooper, that describes their childhood, what they read, and the sources for their books. Each anecdote leads into a writing activity, which can range from simple to sophisticated and can be adapted to different classroom situations. Letter and journal writing, wordplay, fantasy and riddles, and “story-starter” ideas are among the entertaining and original techniques for encouraging a young person to take up a pen and start writing.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

The title does not adequately describe the wealth of information and inspiration included here. Yes, the book will certainly be useful for creative-writing activities; however, librarians will be thrilled with the connections that can be made from the books cited and unique ways to introduce their authors, ranging from C. S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll to Katherine Paterson and Monica Hughes. Beginning with endpapers that illustrate "The Book Wide Web," Ellis invites her audience to "inspire reading, writing, and/or talking" about books. Each chapter focuses on a specific writer. Through anecdotes, the personalities and events that helped shape these authors' professional lives are revealed. Librarians will be able to use the information for booktalking. All of the activities can build toward writing projects, but they also create interest in the books. Be certain teachers know about this title; they will make good use of the variety of ideas.
Mary Lankford, Texas Education Agency, Austin
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ellis is one of the best children's literature critics. Smart and funny, she writes without condescension or pedantry. Her prose is a delight: plain, witty, practical, wise. The focus here is on British classics, including works by Beatrix Potter, Lewis Carroll, Robert Louis Stevenson, and C. S. Lewis. She also writes about some contemporary Canadian writers, including Jean Little, Monica Hughes, and Paul Yee, and about U.S. writers Katherine Paterson, Susan Cooper, and Virginia Hamilton. With each classic book, there's a "sneak preview" (i.e., booktalk), a suggested read-aloud, exercises to help students and adult writers find their own stories, and a short annotated bibliography of related children's books. Ellis also talks about the writers' personal lives, including what they read as children, where they found their stories, and what they continue to say to us. Ellis does what she says ("Write as if you are talking"), and she makes you want to go back and read the books again. Librarians and teachers who talk books with young people will want this. So will those who write for children. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Groundwood Books (April 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0888994400
• ISBN-13: 978-0888994400
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #732,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiration, June 19, 2010

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This review is from: From Reader to Writer: Teaching Writing Through Classic Children's Books (Paperback)

Easy to read, great fun, and I have a list of books to read and re-read for the summer.