New Releases by Ralph Fletcher

Writing test scores indicate that boys have fallen far behind girls across the grades. In general, boys don''t enjoy writing as much as girls. What''s wrong? How can we do a better of job of creating boy-friendly classrooms so their voices can be heard? In Boy Writers: Reclaiming Their Voices Ralph Fletcher draws upon his years of experience as staff developer, children''s book author, and father of four boys. He also taps the insights from dozens of writing teachers around the US and abroad. Boy Writers asks teachers to imagine the writing classroom from a boy''s perspective, and consider specific steps we might take to create stimulating classrooms for boys. Topic choice emerges as a crucial issue. The subjects many boys like to write about (war, weapons, outlandish fiction, zany or bathroom humor) often do not get a warm reception from teachers. Fletcher argues that we must widen the circle and give boys more choice if we want to engage them as writers. How? We must begin by recognizing boys and the world in which they live. Boy Writers explores important questions such as: What subjects are boy writers passionate about, and what motivates them as writers? Why do boys like to incorporate violence into their stories, and how much should be allowed? Why do we so often misread and misunderstand the humor boys include in their stories? In addition, the book looks at: how handwriting can hamstring boy writers, and how drawing may help; welcoming boy-friendly writing genres in our classrooms; ways to improve our conferring with boys; and more. Each chapter begins with a thorough discussion of a topic and ends with a highly practical section titled: "What can I do in my classroom?" Boy Writers does not advocate promoting the interests of boys at the expense of girls. Rather, it argues that developing sensitivity to the unique facets of boy writers will help teachers better address the needs of all their students.

Do you have students whose nonfiction writing is formulaic, devoid of energy and voice? In Making Nonfiction from Scratch bestselling PD and children''s book author Ralph Fletcher offers a candid critique of how nonfiction writing is often taught in schools and gives teachers the inspiration and strategies they need to help their students write authentic nonfiction. Skilled nonfiction writers draw on strategies, techniques, and craft found in other genres: poetry, comedy, even mystery. Without those elements, nonfiction would be dry and dull. Making Nonfiction from Scratch helps bring all of those aspects together and shows how each genre can enrich nonfiction writing. Ralph emphasizes the power of choice, mentor texts, and nonfiction read-alouds in making nonfiction an everyday part of classrooms. Classroom Connection- sections throughout the book suggest immediate, practical strategies for putting the ideas in the book to use. Two case studies and a chapter on the dos and don''ts of nonfiction writing instruction round out this short, practical book. Any informational writing should be insightful, accurate, and well organized - but it doesn''t have to be boring. Ralph invites you to make your classroom a place where students can create delicious nonfiction full of passion, voice, and insight.

Since its publication in 1998 Craft Lessons has become a staple in the writing classroom of both new and experienced teachers. Authors Ralph Fletcher and JoAnn Portalupi recognized the need for a succinct resource and teamed together to write the second edition of Craft Lessons: Teaching Writing K-8 . Teachers pressed for time will appreciate the practical lessons and instructional language geared to three grade level groupings: K-2, 3-4, and 5-8. This edition includes: 17 brand new lessons; mini lessons designed from teachers’ comments about what is observed students’ writing Revisions to other craft lessons and the resource materials sections have been expanded New ways to approach teaching using elements of craft and the reading-writing connection A subject index to find specific craft lessons with ease The authors’ thoughts about how craft lessons fit into their newest thinking about the qualities of writing: Ideas, Design, Language, and Presentation The 95 lessons in this book provide a wealth of information for teaching leads, character, endings, stronger verbs, and much more. This new edition reestablishes Craft Lessons as the crucial desert island book for harried writing teachers everywhere

A chorus of essays from a variety of voices, backgrounds, and experiences, exploring what it means to be human and true to yourself. What does it mean to be yourself? To be born here or somewhere else? To be from one family instead of another? What does it mean to be human? Collected by Lori Carlson-Hijuelos, A Path to the World showcases essays by a vast variety of luminaries—from Gary Soto to Nawal Nasrallah to Ying Ying Yu, from chefs to artists to teens to philosophers to politicians (keep your eyes peeled for a surprise appearance by George Washington)—all of which speak to the common thread of humanity, the desire to be your truest self, and to belong. Contributors include: Lori Marie Carlson-Hijuelos, Joseph Bruchac, Jacinto Jesús Cardona, William Sloane Coffin, Pat Conroy, Mario Cuomo, Timothy Egan, Alan Ehrenhalt, Shadi Feddin, Ralph Fletcher, Valerie Gribben, Alexandre Hollan, Molly Ivins, Geeta Kothari, Jeremy Lee, Yuyi Li, Emily Lisker, Kamaal Majeed, Madge McKeithen, Nawal Nasrallah, Scott Pitoniak, Anna Quindlen, Michael J. Sandel, Raquel Sentíes, David E. Skaggs, Gary Soto, Alexandra Stoddard, KellyNoel Waldorf, George Washington, and Ying Ying Yu.

A heartfelt middle grade companion to Marshfield Dreams that captures the boyhood years of twelve-year-old Ralph Fletcher in relatable episodes of everyday disappointments and triumphs. As the oldest of nine kids, Ralph was often cast as another parent to his siblings rather than as an older brother; teetering between these two conflicting roles, Ralph longed to be home alone on a sick day, but hated the emptiness of feeling left behind. He loved to play sports with his neighborhood friends but resented the skillful victories of his younger brother. Thrust into the expectations of impending adolescence, Ralph was curious about girls, but embarrassed to take part in the school square dance. This satisfying memoir offers a snapshot of those pivotal moments between grade school and high school, all while tracing the roots of Ralph Fletcher’s acclaimed storytelling. Christy Ottaviano Books

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

"A writer needs wide latitude so she can bring all her intelligence to the task," Ralph observes. "Assigning a particular format -- a hamburger essay, for instance -- would curtail this play, if not eliminate it entirely." That''s why, instead of teacher-driven assignments, Joy Write shares the whys and the how of giving students time and autonomy for the playful, low-stakes writing that leads to surprising, high-level growth. First Ralph makes the case for carving out classroom time for low-stakes writing, despite pressure to focus on persuasive essays and test prep. Then he shares five big ideas for choice-driven, authentic, informal writing -- deeply engaging work that kids want to do. He also provides numerous suggestions for helping students build and flex their writing muscles, increase their stamina, and develop passion for expressing themselves with the written word. -- Provided by publisher.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

It''s easy to make one, lying on your back in the newest snow. You move your arms like wings. Later you forget about your creation, go inside for a mug of hot chocolate. That''s when she rises from the snow takes a feathery breath, tries out her wings. So begins a poem about making a snow angel, but it might also refer to the mysterious way that a poem comes into being and takes on a life of its own. In this new collection, Ralph Fletcher shows us how you can write a poem about almost anything: a baby sister, a Venus''s-flytrap, a failing grandmother, a squished squirrel, grammar homework, and more. These poems take us inside the creative process as they reveal both the playfulness and the power of poetry. More than anything, they invite us to pick up pen and paper and write some poems of your own.

Clifford Allyn Abernathy III (just Cliff, for short) is the oldest of six kids in a family that does everything—fighting, laughing, playing, eating, telling stories, and celebrating the holidays—in a big, often outlandish, and sometimes poignant way. Taking the family from Christmas to Christmas, the chapters of Fig Pudding, narrated by eleven-year-old Cliff, are complete short stories in themselves. Read together, they tell the tale of life in a large, loving family. Besides a fresh look, this edition includes a brand new story.

It''s no secret that many guys dread writing assignments. But writing doesn''t have to be "boring nerd-work." Writing is about power; it''s about fun; it''s about spoofs, humor, sports, blood, farts, superheroes, giant monsters tearing down the city, and serious subjects, too. Ralph Fletcher, a guy writer himself and the author of forty-one books, discusses every tip needed to find the sweet spot in writing: the place where everything except the words stands still. With advice from favorite authors like Jon Scieszka, Jarrett Krosoczka, and Robert Lipsyte, this hands-on book will make a writer out of any guy.

Stories Of Certain Settlements, Roads, Taverns, And Experiences Encountered When Traveling In The Early Days.

Tap into your inner writer with this book of practical advice by the bestselling author of How Writers Work and the ALA Notable Book Fig Pudding. Writers are just like everyone else—except for one big difference. Most people go through life experiencing daily thoughts and feelings, noticing and observing the world around them. But writers record these thoughts and observations. They react. And they need a special place to record those reactions. Perfect for classrooms, A Writer’s Notebook gives budding writers a place to keep track of all the little things they notice every day. Young writers will love these useful tips for how to use notes and jottings to create stories and poems of their own.

A practical guide for how to make your writing come alive, by the bestselling author of A Writer’s Notebook and the ALA Notable Book Fig Pudding. What is “live writing”? It’s the kind of writing that has a current running through it—energy, electricity, juice. This book is a young writer’s toolbox for bringing writing to life. But instead of awls and hammers, this toolbox contains words, imagination, a love of books, a sense of story, and ideas for how to make the writing live and breathe. Perfect for classrooms, Live Writing is full of practical wisdom for young writers, from bestselling writer Ralph Fletcher. Aspiring writers will devour these tips for how to make their words jump off the page!

Unlock the secret to being a writer! Turn to this practical and enjoyable guide by the bestselling author of A Writer’s Notebook and the ALA Notable Book Fig Pudding. Surprise! There is no secret to being a writer. But there is a process. Good writing isn''t forged by magic or hatched out of thin air. Good writing happens when you follow certain steps to take control of your sentences—to make your words do what you want them to do. This book lifts the curtain on how writers work and helps aspiring writers discover their own writing process. Perfect for classrooms, How Writers Work is full of practical wisdom. It''s tailored especially for young writers, but aspiring authors of all ages can benefit from bestselling writer Ralph Fletcher''s tips. Everyone can struggle with the writing process at times. Unlock your potential by reading How Writers Work!

For young writers, “a concise, nuts-and-bolts guide to creating poetry” including interviews with published poets (School Library Journal). Poetry matters. At the most important moments, when everyone else is silent, poetry rises to speak. From the bestselling author of A Writer’s Notebook and the ALA Notable Book Fig Pudding, this book is full of practical wisdom to help young writers craft poetry that shines, sings, and soars. It features writing tips and tricks, interviews with published poets for children, and plenty of examples of poetry by published writers—and even young people themselves. Perfect for classrooms, this lighthearted, appealing manual is a celebration of poetry that is a joy to read. Young poets and aspiring poets of all ages will enjoy these tips on how to simplify the process of writing poetry and find their own unique voice. “Peppered with interviews with published poets, [this] accessible volume teaches kids to write poetry from the heart.” —Publishers Weekly “Packs in a wealth of information without a word of jargon. It’s also an introduction to the fun of reading poetry.” —Booklist

Told in journal style that''s ideal for boys and reluctant readers, this novel about a boy with a love of spiders is sure to appeal to arachnophiles and aracnophobes alike.

Mr. Fabiano''s sixth grade class decides to go through a day of school by themselves when a substitute teacher fails to show up to teach the class. Will they be able to follow the schedule? Will they get caught?

This imaginative telling of the legend of the Sandman combines with fantastical, illuminating pictures for a beautiful rendering. Full color.

In New York, fourteen-year-old Matt spends the summer of 1973 digging clams to earn money for his own boat and falling for Jazzy, a beautiful and talented girl from Hawaii who happens to be his first cousin.

This book teaches would-be autobiographers about the style and organization of a biography.

Lies About Writing Your Life Story You have to be a famous celebrity. You must have an amazing life. You can''t write your life story until you''re old and gray. Nobody will read it, so what''s the point?

Twelve-year-old Fletch has a hard time adjusting after his father announces that their family will be moving from Massachusetts to Ohio.

The colorful boyhood of a popular author comes to life in this personal account Imagine learning from a nosy classmate that your mother is having yet another baby. To Ralph''s classmates, news of one more Fletcher baby is just "scuttlebutt." But for Ralph, the oldest of nine, being part of a large family means more kids to join in the fun—from making tripods in the woods and "snicking" up the rug, to raising chicks and even discovering a meteor (well, maybe). It doesn''t feel like there''s life beyond Marshfield, Massachusetts. Then one day Dad''s new job moves the family to Chicago, and there''s so much Ralph has to leave behind. In this humorous and captivating memoir, Ralph Fletcher traces the roots of his storytelling.

JoAnn Portalupi and Ralph Fletcher is a ready-to-use writing curriculum that provides you with the instruction students need to improve the quality of their writing and at the same time develops your ability to read and assess your students'' writing. These hands-on lessons explore the qualities of writing-ideas, design, language, presentation-and show how, when each is infused with voice, the writer''s personality energizes the writing. Teacher''s Guide The 104-page Teacher''s Guide introduces the four qualities of writing and describes the role of voice in effective writing; offers strategies for choosing lessons based on genre cycles or on student and teacher needs and interests; and provides a broad array of assessment and record-keeping forms. An Instructional Challenge Chart matches TQW lessons to your students'' needs and demonstrates the assessment-teaching loop. Lesson Cards A complete lesson is provided on each of the 112 lesson cards. The front of each card provides a straightforward lesson in a concise three-part structure. The back of each card provides exemplar texts and other lesson-specific teaching support. Looking at Student Writing CD-ROM The Looking at Student Writing CD-ROM provides both video and print resources to support your writing curriculum. Through video clips, JoAnn and Ralph provide practical advice on how to organize and teach with TQW. An innovative electronic presentation allows you to listen in and observe JoAnn and Ralph as they analyze 24 samples of student writing. Assessment masters and other reproducibles provide practical support for your writing curriculum

The two videodiscs cover all the practical components necessary for establishing and implementing a successful writing workshop, including the importance of choice, creating a risk-taking environment, the difference between skills and craft, the writer''s notebook, the writing conference, revision, and the role of literature.

Does Rivers have room in his life for two very different fathers? "The truth is Uncle Daddy isn''t either my father or my uncle. He''s actually Mom''s uncle. I was three years old when he came to live with us." Since Rivers''s real father left him and his mom six years ago, Uncle Daddy has been taking care of Rivers in all the ways a dad cares for a son -- even teaching him how to play baseball. Then his real father returns. Rivers is confused and angry. He had always thought that he''d express his anger at his father by socking him in the stomach. Now, face to face with him, Rivers'' feelings are more complicated than he''d imagined. Will the reappearance of his dad affect his relationship with Uncle Daddy? This heart-felt story, told from the point of view of a nine-and-a-half-year-old boy, is filled with insight and touches of humor. "Beneath the wild humor, there are surprisingly subtle messages about responsibility and courage." - School Library Journal