Writing Intriguing Informational Pieces (Write This Way) by Sue Hook

Write this way

by Sue Vander Hook

Want to write informative and interesting articles? Learn how to choose a solid subject, perform research, organize facts, get your first words on paper, and more! Whether you're writing about kangaroos, Kansas, kickball, or ketchup, we'll guide you through.

Library Binding

First published October 1, 2015

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for young readers and is a fine example of what it is about. The book is engaging and spare, and will be useful to young people faced with writing their first research based nonfiction. The bibliography of this book shows the authors own shortcuts and reliance on the internet for research. It is a short and superficial treatment of the subject.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title is one of the “Write this way” series and focuses on writing informational pieces or research papers. Conversational text guides readers through the research process: choosing and narrowing a topic, assessing sources, creating an outline, and writing and editing. It offers some first-rate tips on Internet research and evaluating websites and distinguishing between primary and secondary sources. In addition, there are tips from published authors ("Learn from the Masters"), practice exercises ("Write It Out"), and advice about the writing process ("Writers on Writing"). Thankfully, it also addresses grammar and spelling, avoiding plagiarism and citing sources. Colorful fonts and graphics break up the text and add visual interest. Back matter includes source notes, glossary, bibliography, websites and index. I don’t foresee this being checked out by many students, but it is an excellent resource for ELAR teachers at all levels and a worthwhile addition to any library.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sue Vander Hook presents a very useful tool for individual classroom libraries that can be used by teachers to set the stage for writing components of social studies or science unit. Teachers can use this book to help students learn how to use resource materials. The book's layout lends to introducing these research skills as they learn to use the Table of Contents to locate sections, the glossary to understand content vocabulary, and the bibliography and source notes as starting points for additional research.

This is a "how-to-guide" that is reader friendly due in fact to the various text features used. Vander Hook has transformed an otherwise boring topic into one that keeps the attention of middle school students. The colorful fonts, text boxes, tables, and graphics all help readers to digest this information. I liked the way Vander Hook layout the content and the way she uses a conversational tone in presenting this information.

[Serenity · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*

I'm not sure students will check this out for leisure reading, but it is an interesting guide to non-fiction writing. The chapters are laid out clearly, examples are well written, and photographs and quotes of famous authors add interest. This could have use in the classroom, and may provide inspiration and direction for aspiring writers.