Write Up a Storm with the Polk Street School

I've been an elementary school teacher for 10 years and I have seen lots of books about writing. This is, quite simply, the best. Patricia Reilly Giff is writing a book on how to write a book. Each chapter tells the reader the steps she uses. At the end of each chapter, she says "can you see how I did it?," giving the reader sections of her books where she developed a character, setting etc. The final thing in each chapter is the "now it's your turn" section, showing children how to take the information she has given to help children develop their own story. The writing is casual, child-friendly and extremely useful. Even though this book is out of print, there are copies available second hand (although they can be expensive). I hope someone from Random House realizes how valuable this book is and puts it back in print. If you find one, grab it.

Ms. Giff gives insight on where she gets ideas on all of her books, primarily her Polk Street School and Casey Valentine series. She makes her characters seem so real! I loved how she talked about her cat, too. You really get to know Ms. Giff and you feel like she is the lady next door, an aunt, maybe, or a best friend. WAY TO GO, GIFF!