Writing Radar

If you happen to notice some kid skulking around your neighborhood or apartment complex, eavesdropping on conversations and scribbling in a black notebook, chances are that kid has read Writing Radar: Using Your Journal to Scoop Out and Craft Great Stories by Jack Gantos.Multi-award winning author, creative writing professor of 20 years, and the only author who has ever made me choke with laughter on a sandwich while trying to drive and listen to his audio book, Jack Gantos has the street cred to pull off this hilarious and inspirational writing manual.  Aimed at middle graders, this is for anyone who interested in creative writing.Inspired by Harriet the Spy and the confidence that he could write better than the cheerful, flowery fluff that he found in his older sister’s stolen diary, a young Jack Gantos swore an oath to himself to write a book that would someday appear on the library shelf. He received encouragement from one Mrs. Hammer, a tough-minded librarian who had lost her two previous jobs because of “abusive behavior.” She supported his quest to write and encouraged him to put his writing on the shelf in the school library. Later, his English teacher gave him writing advice that he adheres to today.In this book, packed with practical suggestions, almost unbelievable anecdotes, and just the right balance of support and instruction, Gantos speaks directly to the reader. Kids will be inspired to take their own authorship oaths.Add this to your gift list for the aspiring writers in your life and be sure to include a notebook and a cool pen and pencil to go with it. This book goes on my worth-every-penny list.

In this excellent writing guide for 9 to 12 year-olds, Jack Gantos declares, “I want you to be the best brilliant writer.” That said, he goes on to provide all the necessary tools the aspiring young writer needs to craft great stories. Even though this is a serious guide, Gantos uses his breezy, playful, and humorous style to give both inspiration and practical tips. He encourages the aspiring young writer to use a journal to find stories in everyday lives. Why? “Because when you sit down with a writing journal in your hands, the whole untamed world of your raw ideas and imagination will then curl up snugly onto your lap, like a favorite pet.”He also shares his writing expertise with generosity and humor, using examples from his own life and writing. He encourages reading and explains, “Reading good books turns on the powerful Writing Radar story-finding talent within you.”Even young people who never knew they wanted to write are in danger of being hooked into becoming serious writers. They are sure to be encouraged and drawn in by cool statements like “You need a certain writerly attitude as you walk down the street—a kind of stealthy, snoopy, slinky, shifty, sinister, and silent confidence.”Even though I do not fall within the 9-12 age group, I learned a lot from the lessons Gantos shares so generously. I also laughed a lot and enjoyed the many funny stories sprinkled throughout the book. This is by far the best writing guide for aspiring young writers.

A quick read with lots of great ideas. A bit more for the kiddies than for adults (hence my 4 stars), but solid advice for those who might be a bit shy about keeping a journal. Easy to implement story structure is included. I like the drawings inside the book as well. This gives the book itself a sort of "journal" feel.I especially loved the NaNoWriMo webcast interview with Gantos from Friday, Oct. 20th, 2017. If you can find it on YouTube, you'll have a greater appreciation for this book, and you'll be even more excited about getting started writing and harvesting your journal for buried story treasures!

Writing Radar is a must-have book for teaching writing, especially to middle grade students. In this book, author Jack Gantos shows children how to use their “writing radar” to find stories in their everyday lives. Stories can be found in the classroom, at the dinner table, and around your neighborhood. Gantos uses his own experience, stories, drawings, and journal entries to help young writers develop their writing craft. He includes lists of key words that students can refer to to help with getting ideas for using action and emotion in their stories. He clearly breaks down the basic storytelling elements and provides ideas, such as story mapping, to help improve children’s writing. Every chapter contains writing tips to make children think about their writing. I love how Jack Gantos talks about the “layers of the story” and uses that comparison to make revisions to his writing, focusing on one area at a time. Jack Gantos’ friendly and down to earth writing style in Writing Radar will inspire and excite children about using journals to develop their craft of writing!

I was introduced to this book by Lucy Calkins, who was introducing Mr. Gantos at a conference I was attending. She called it her favorite book of the year, so the expectations were high when I purchased it. Surprisingly, this book did not disappoint. Mr. Gantos offers deeply personal insights on writing mixed with heavy doses of his own writing experience. While this shouldn't be confused with a technical guide to the craft, it approaches the basics of writing in a highly appealing manner. This could and should be shard with young readers and budding writers. It's all that they need to begin the important work of getting comfortable with the craft of writing. Well done.