While I think all these books are worth owning, I’m also a strong proponent of utilizing your local library. You should be able to find all of them there. All of the titles are all linked.
Lesson 1: All About You
These are books based on true stories to spark your imagination. After you read, think about which of your own experiences you can turn into a short story or book. What unique things about you, your story, and your environment might others find interesting?
Picture Books:
Lovely Beasts: The Surprising Truth
On Wings of Words: The Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson
Over and Under the Snow (This is a whole series and I recommend all of them!)
Chapter Books:
The War that Saved My Life (historical fiction, has a sequel, too!)
Graphic Novels:
I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy (Another great series)
Lesson 2: Writing Genres + Careers
Which genres do you love reading most? Sometimes, when we try a new one, we enjoy it more than we expect.
Poetry:
Sing a Song of Seasons: A nature poem for every day of the year
Fantasy:
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
Historical Fiction:
Non-Fiction:
Lesson 3: Becoming an Observer
My favorite kinds of children’s books for slowing down and noticing are picture books. No matter your age, you’re never too old for picture books.
Lesson 4: Writers are Readers!
These are some of my family’s favorite books! Notice the way these writers pull you in to the world of their stories. How did they do it? Did they use humor, entertainment, mystery, a problem to solve, unforgettable characters?
Picture Books:
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
Chapter Books:
Graphic Novels:
Real Friends (I recommend reading this series with your kids because as the books progress and the main character gets older, some of the normal adolescent things she experiences may bring up more mature conversations. In a good way, I think.)
Lesson 5: Brainstorming a Story and Setting
These books either provide you with story-stimulating prompts or have rich, unique settings. See what you can learn and apply to your own writing.
Workbooks:
642 Things to Write About: Young Writers Edition
Promptly Journals for Kids (I had so much fun helping create these!)
Chapter Books:
Alone (written in verse)
Mr. Popper’s Penguins (makes a great read-aloud!)
Lesson 6: Characters You Care About
Who are some characters you’d love to be friends with in real life? What about those characters makes you like them so much? Notice the way the author creates memorable characters in these books.
Picture Books:
Elephant and Piggie: Can I Play Too?
Chapter Books:
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Graphic Novel:
Lesson 7: The Map of your Story
There are many paths a story can follow, but the best ones have a few key ingredients that keep a reader engaged in the story. What commonalities do you notice among these stories that make them work? Also note the pacing of the stories—how slowly or quickly they move.
Picture Books:
The Incredible Book Eating Boy
Chapter Books:
From the Mixed-Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler
Graphic Novels:
Allergic (A new favorite of mine! Sadly, I’m allergic to animals with fur and this sweet book resonated with me. My kids loved it too.)
Lesson 8: Your Writing Life
Never stop reading and writing! I hope these stories inspire you to keep telling your stories.
Picture Books:
Chapter Books:
I Am Malala: Young Readers Edition
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (A fun movie, too)
Graphic Novel:
More reading resources:
