Making Nonfiction from Scratch

Do you have students whose nonfiction writing is formulaic, devoid of energy and voice? In Making Nonfiction from Scratch, professional development 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 brings all of those qualities together and shows how each genre can enrich nonfiction writing. Ralph emphasises 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 organised – 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.