School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-These titles provide youngsters with the steps to follow to produce a well-written report, story, or piece of narrative nonfiction. Each title begins with a note from a character with important terms in bold font. Report finds Rick and Rachel learning to write a research paper using note cards to organize information. Frank and Fiona create a story as part of a contest at school in the second book. In Nonfiction, Neil and Nan brainstorm; use a graphic organizer to sort through the beginning, middle, and end of their work; and learn about descriptive and linking words, and using a hook to get readers' attention. Each title ends with a spread that outlines the creative process the characters followed in the narrative. The children are the same ages as the target audience, and the many ideas will encourage young scribes. The text and illustrations (many full page) are nicely balanced. Solid additions for libraries with gaps to fill.-Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
These five installments introduce fictional duos of kids tackling various writing projects. Though the series' solid information and writing tips are mostly suited to middle graders, they may not appreciate the childish framing stories and illustrations (unattractive in some books). Concise, helpful step-by-step instructions for building the titular piece of writing conclude each volume. Reading list, websites. Glos. [Review covers these Writing Builders titles: Rick and Rachel Build a Research Report, Frank and Fiona Build a Fictional Story, Jesse and Jasmine Build a Journal, Nell and Nan Build Narrative Nonfiction, and Olivia and Oscar Build an Opinion Piece.] (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
