Never less than entertaining and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, [this is] a focused, fun, and uncommonly useful guide for young, aspiring writers.” —Booklist, starred review
“An excellent guide for aspiring authors . . . And while the book is directed at serious writers in the making, there's enough exaggeration and grossness to keep readers laughing.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A must for aspiring writers.” —School Library Journal, starred review
"Gantos’s journey as a young writer learning his craft and the stories he actually wrote in middle school, all told with his characteristic humor, will appeal to fans of his novels whether or not they aspire to a writing career. Teachers will also find Gantos’s breakdown on the creation of a story valuable for teaching critical reading as well as writing skills." —VOYA, starred review
“A standout among writing guides, valuable for its sage and friendly encouragement and for the sheer fun of hanging out with Jack.” —Kirkus Reviews
“With humor and swift pacing, the author of the “Joey Pigza” books and “Dead End in Norvelt” spills all of his writing secrets about making stories out of everyday life. [Writing Radar] will probably make you want to read Gantos’s stories as well as to create your own.” —Washington Post
“Oh man! Do NOT read this book. Unless you want to become a real writer. Gantos has given up almost every hard-earned writing secret in his trademark sharp, funny, crazy, and brilliant way.” —Jon Scieszka, Inaugural National Ambassador for Young People's Literature
“When I was a kid, Jack Gantos visited my classroom and gave me encouragement that I'll never forget. Now, with this book, young writers everywhere will be able to learn from this master storyteller. What a gift Mr. Gantos has given to the world by taking us through his creative process.” —Jarrett J. Krosoczka, New York Times–bestselling author/illustrator of the Lunch Lady series
“This is my Book of the Year. I can't think of one I’d rather put into kids’ hands. It is laugh-out-loud funny, poignant in spots, and it will teach young people how and why to write. It will be a life-changer for kids and for those of us who teach them.” —Lucy Calkins, Director of the Reading and Writing Project, Teachers College, Columbia University
2017-07-02
Advice on writing from one of the best writers around. "I'm a writer and I'm on your side," Gantos says, as if he's putting an arm around a young writer's shoulder and guiding them through a door to a new life. With a snappy voice, his own funny ink drawings, and expertise drawn from a career full of great books, he covers just about everything: where to find ideas and characters, how to structure a story, why to keep a journal, and even what to write with. Every step of the way he includes examples from his own writing. As humorous as he is, Gantos is authoritative and serious about his craft, careful to include every building block for constructing a good story—characters, setting, problem, action, crisis, resolution, and the need for a double ending (physical and emotional). Chapter 2 ("Getting Started") ought to be read by all teachers and parents: it's a manifesto on how to raise a reader (and writer) by reading aloud excellent picture books to young children and placing good books in the hands of children as they get older, and he offers a handy list of just what some of those books should be. While his list of picture books is not a particularly diverse one, the middle-grade titles suggested are nicely inclusive. A standout among writing guides, valuable for its sage and friendly encouragement and for the sheer fun of hanging out with Jack. (Nonfiction. 10-14)
With conspiratorial enthusiasm, author Jack Gantos assures kids that they can write great stories—the secret is being a good listener, tuning in to all the interesting stuff happening in the world around you, and writing it down in a journal. Kids will find in Gantos a funny, inspiring, supportive, and confiding teacher. Gantos's passion and excitement are infectious as he offers advice on mining daily life and interactions for story ideas and shares examples of his own stories from when he was a young writer. An accompanying PDF includes illustrations, word lists, and writing exercises. This audiobook is a valuable tool to use in classrooms and is welcome encouragement for any budding young writer. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine