The book offered a well balanced combination of research and classroom practice that puts children at the heart of a teacher's decision making. Poignant research from a variety of sources is interspersed with 'real' examples from 'real' teachers - practical ideas that can be implemented into the everyday classroom and reflection points that bring children's writing to the forefront of your thinking. The author recognises the demands of the new curriculum, but the book's high quality research and evidence-based practice allows teachers to explore the importance of using purpose, audience and context in writing, while acknowledging the relevance and impact that writing has on children's lives. I know this book will be one that I frequently return to, looking for advice, reminding me of the track I want to travel on with my children and inspiring me so that I can, hopefully, inspire others. -- Kate Atkin
This book is written with infectious enthusiasm and is a must-read for student-teachers and all those looking for ways of inspiring the young writers they work with. A wonderful counterpoint to skills-based frameworks for literacy, this very readable book explores what it means to be a writer, and provides vivid examples, models and activities that highlight the importance of purpose, audience and context in writing classrooms and acknowledge the relevance of writing to the lives of children. -- Cathy Burnett
This is an empowering book, written with verve and enthusiasm. It succeeds in reconciling the demands of the new National Curriculum with a deep understanding of the dynamics of becoming a writer and a powerful knowledge of how to draw children into the process. The central metaphor of writing as travelling carries the excitement of discovery, which is enhanced by the author's direct communication with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own first-hand experience and challenging them to make writing a more engaging activity in their classroom. The text is studded with arresting examples of children's writing - of truly exciting writers at work.
I really like the suggestion that the readers invite their children to create their own lists of 10 rights of the writer, then see how some of these might be incorporated in their teaching. The motifs that thread through the book- 'backpacks of practice', 'teachers' toolkit' and 'take your bearings' - provide a practical signposting and also remind the reader that every writing experience has a pre-history, comes from somewhere, and the richer the background the stronger the writing.
-- Henrietta Dombey
For me, this is the perfect combination of research and practice in one book that puts young writers' voices at the heart of the book. If you are a teacher looking for a rich stimulus for writing in the classroom then this will be the book for you too...
I can't praise this book highly enough. I for one will be using this in my writing seminars with the PGCE students and recommending to all my teacher friends. -- Jo Bowers
The overall impression the book gives is of a positive, encouraging and empowering theme which gives all teachers, new and experienced, the confidence to deliver top-quality teaching. -- Sarah Brew
This is a book that skilfully blends writing theory and class-room practice, ensuring its wide appeal and making it ?zz with energy. The text itself is attractively laid-out and illustrated, with re-current motifs, such as 'Teachers' toolkit' and 'Backpacks of practice', and the mix of research-informed advice and innovative teaching ideas make this an empowering book. -- Helen Lines
