Brave the Page

Starred review from May 1, 2019
A NaNoWriMo primer for young writers. This instructional guide begins with an introduction from Jason Reynolds and an inspirational chapter assuring kids that their stories matter and are needed by the world. The following chapters provide step-by-step instruction to get a writer at any level ready to tackle the blank page. The chapter "Determine What Type of Writer You Are" provides a quick tutorial that affirms a diversity of writing habits that can be tamed to fit each individual's writing practice. Once the writer is primed to begin, the next set of chapters helps lay the groundwork to write the novel: crafting the story plan and fleshing out characters as well as deconstructing the mechanics of plot and worldbuilding. Many chapters offer a "Dare Machine," a series of writing exercises so varied that a young writer at any stage can easily engage with confidence and excitement. Once the writer is ready to tackle NaNoWriMo--to write a novel in four weeks--to fend off discouragement, each week's guidance is prompted by a "PepTalk" written by different bestselling authors, including Daniel José Older, Celia C. Pérez, and Jennifer Niven. Though specifically targeting young writers, this upbeat handbook is a wonderful instruction guide for writers of any age as well as a perfect text for any creative-writing classroom. (Nonfiction. 10 & up)

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July 1, 2019

Gr 5 Up-Every November, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) provides an excellent opportunity for young people to flex their creative muscles. However, writing a novel in a month is pretty overwhelming, especially for those new to the craft. Fortunately, this title will motivate aspiring authors. The book's strength lies in its humorous and conversational reassurance. When learning writing techniques in school, students are often given clear, even strict parameters related to outlining and research. While these parameters can help students understand expectations, not everyone intuitively responds to the same methods. This book gives writers permission to figure out what works for them and acknowledges that writers are hardest on themselves, with an aptly named "Inner Editor" nitpicking every little mistake. Wonderful pep talks from well-known writers such as Scott Westerfeld and Marissa Meyer inspire an even bigger boost of confidence. In addition to offering emotional support, the book has enormous practical value. Fun writing exercises, ideas to expand setting and characterization, suggestions for keeping track of word counts, and strategies for approaching the editing process help to keep the writing on track while breaking it into manageable components. VERDICT This book is a fantastic reminder that writing is fun. A must-have for anyone participating in National Novel Writing Month.-Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH

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