One of the most popular literary genres, memoir can provide literary and literacy access to reluctant adolescent readers and writers, and help bridge the achievement gap by motivating students to read more critically and write more meaningfully about what matters most to them. The introspective nature of memoir helps students learn about themselves and connect with their environment or community, while also meeting a variety of Common Core standards.
In this way, memoirs and creative nonfiction can provide a bridge between
fiction and nonfiction reading,
narrative and informative writing,
reading and writing, and
can afford a "way in" to literacy for all adolescents.
Special features of the book:
examples of multiple mentor texts in each chapter
teacher examples with think-aloud exercises
a variety of student samples from diverse learners
activities to engage all learners
an appendix of teacher resources
a reference list of over 150 full-length memoirs for grades 5-12 for whole-class, book club, or independent reading
a list of writing resources for students and teachers
12 full-size reproducible materials for teacher and student use
a variety of reading, writing, speaking, and listening strategies and activities
across-disciplines applications and adaptations for diverse learners
daily writing focus lessons in gradual-release-responsibility format
Common Core State Standard connections at the end of each chapter