Author at Work
A Writing Lesson in Every Book! — Students can learn by example the art of writing from authors whose lives are as interesting as their books!
UNIQUE and INSPIRING Author Memoirs for Upper Elementary and Middle School Students in Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Grades.
Each book offers students valuable, inside information about writing and the writing process, the challenges and the rewards of writing from the perspective of the authors and their work, with rare colorful pictorial and illustrative glimpses into the private life of each author.
Through rich text, these 64-page, softcover books reveal how and why successful authors write. Students gain useful, practical knowledge from examples of the writing process.
Each author emphasizes those aspects most important to him or her. Some may focus on topic selection, others will dig into drafting, and other authors might put more energy into revision. In each case the reader is provided multiple opportunities to directly apply the author’s experience to their own writing.
F/P Level: S, T, W, R
Grade Level: 4-7
Page Count: 64
Single Copy = $10.00
4-Book Package = $36.00
(For younger children, see: Meet the Author Collection)
Item#: 601
Margaret E. Mooney is an internationally renowned and respected educator, author, and editor. Her editing skills have enabled her to produce a vast array of books for children and for teachers.
Margaret spends many days each year in schools and classrooms working with students and teachers on the use of books and strategies for successful reading and writing. She has had a profound and lasting impact on education. With Essentially M your students will learn about writing, editing, and revision from the expert.
Margaret E. Mooney is the author or co-author of:
A Book is a Present, A Matter of Balance, Caught in the Spell of Writing and Reading: Grade 3 and Beyond, Text Forms and Features
Featured in this package:
A few examples of the great features of this book are shown on pages 52 and 53 (see this double-page spread. Click image to enlarge.)
On page 52 Margaret E. Mooney:
- Addresses the importance of writing every day
- Reveals how she makes this happen by structuring and organizing her day/time
- Tells readers how she, too, a real writer, has to allow for intrusion of other demands yet continue to strive to improve
On page 53
- The picture shows the many and various kinds of books written by the author
- The text speaks to the challenges of choosing the right words
- It encourages readers with the message that it’s ok if some things never get published, just keep writing and honing your skills
From Essentially M
pages 52-53
Click image to enlarge
Item#: 603
Jane Yolen, who is known as the Hans Christian Andersen of America, is the author of over 325 books, from picture books to poetry to nonfiction to fantasy novels to historical novels, including How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? Waking Dragons, and Last Laughs: Animal Epitaphs.
She is also a poet, a teacher of writing and literature, and a reviewer of children’s literature.
Jane Yolen’s books and stories have won many awards, including the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, two Christopher Medals, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards, the Golden Kite Award, the Jewish Book Award, and the Association of Jewish Libraries Award.
Featured in this package:
Six colleges and universities have given her honorary doctorates for her body of work.
Author of
- Briar Rose
- Commander Toad
- The Devil’s Arithmetic
- Owl Moon
- A Letter from Phoenix Farm
From On The Slant
pages v-vi
Click on each page image
to enlarge
REVIEW:
“On the Slant takes every age reader to a place where imagination and hard work meet. The organized format and straight forward voice keep readers turning each page to learn more about Jane“
—Ruth McNally Barshaw: 2nd and 3rd Grade Books
Item#: 602
Nikki Grimes is the recipient of the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children.
Her distinguished works include ALA Notable book award What is Goodbye?, Jazmin’s Notebook, Dark Sons, and The Road to Paris (Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books).
Creator of the popular Meet Danitra Brown, Ms. Grimes lives in Corona, California. Nikki Grimes does not consider herself a bona fide storyteller, but, as she told an audience at the Library of Congress, she is happy to own the title Poet.
Born and raised in New York City, Nikki began composing verse at the age of six and has been writing ever since.
Featured in these packages:
“I had to beat back a lot of darkness in my life to find my way to the light–my pen was a secret weapon in that battle.”
Author of
- A Pocket Full of Poems
- Bronx Masquerade
- The Road to Paris
- When Gorilla Goes Walking
From Out of the Dark
pages 26-27
Click image to enlarge
Item#: 600
Ralph Fletcher is a well-loved author of many valuable books, including books about how to write in various genres. His books help teachers inspire students to become eager and proficient writers; and his school visits are a celebration of reading and writing.
With Reflections you can have a visit from Ralph Fletcher in book form.
New! Read how to use Reflections as Mentor Text
Ralph Fletcher is the author of:
- Boy Writers: Reclaiming Their Voices
- Fig Pudding
- Flying Solo
- How to Write Your Life Story
Featured in this package:
A few examples of the great features of this book are shown on pages 28 and 29 (see this double-page spread. Click image to enlarge.)
On page 28 Ralph Fletcher —
- Tells how he uses a notebook to record his inner feelings and thoughts
- And it shows (rather than tells) an authentic example of this
On page 29
- Addresses the value of recording “sensory impressions, odd things that happen, thoughts, dreams, and reactions”
- The text notes the importance of revisiting, self-rejecting, and selecting
- It tells how ideas or jottings can be the source of worth while, meaningful writing
From Reflections
pages 28-29
Click image to enlarge
AAW REVIEW:
“I have just finished reading the Author at Work books. I love Nikki and Jane’s books and can’t wait to use them with students in a Unit of Study entitled “Writerly Life”, and so much more.
I’ve known Ralph for over twenty years and REFLECTIONS is HIM! They are the smartest and most honest books that I know for children about the lives of writers. They are so well crafted because the writers themselves are talking about their craft. You can feel the love in every word!
What incredible knowledge for young writers and readers these books are. I have a fourth grade class where Ralph Fletcher is king of writing. I can’t believe how much his book is like having a good conversation with him up close and personal.”
—Isoke Titilayo Nia All Write Literacy Consultants
Need a custom quote? Contact us directly to get an estimate, place an order, or receive more information.
Richard C. Owen Publishers, Inc.
800/336-5588
M-F 9:00-5:00 EST
PO Box 585
Katonah, NY 10536
Email: RCOstaff@rcowen.com
