Write This Book

February 1, 2013
Offering "a book written by you that's already published," "Bosch" follows his own title page with a blank alternative one, then goes on to sketch out a fragmentary plotline filled with options to circle and dotted lines to fill in (guaranteeing that any library copy won't stay unmarked for long). The "story" involves two children, A____ and Z____, who are searching for vanished writer I.B. Anonymous. In fits and starts, the author provides generic arcs for noir, fantasy and gothic stories that all lead in the end to I.B. Anonymous' reappearance to congratulate his supposedly unwitting collaborators. With frequent pauses for technical advice, dubbed "Pseudo-intelligence," writerly "Pseudo-assignments," and forms for creating villains and other characters--not to mention squabbles with a smart-mouthed rabbit typist, off-topic footnotes and distractions for procrastinators--the emphasis is on amusement rather than instruction. Sample jacket-flap word lists give readers a taste of self-marketing. Two features in the appendix--the "Parental Obituary Section" and notable first lines--bridge the gap between theory and practice. Ford supplies accusatory eyes on blank pages and like visual commentary. Would-be wordsmiths will come away with a marginally useful toolkit and, if not "hack writing of the highest order" as promised, at least a finished practice piece. (writing tips, self-awards) (Nonfiction. 11-14)

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July 1, 2013

Gr 4-7-The author has taken it upon himself to teach his readers everything there is to know about the art of writing. He sets forth his proposition early on: "You, the reader of this book, shall be the author of this book." After he shares the basic premise of the plot-two siblings, A - - - and Z - - -, stumble on a mystery involving a missing author-he goes on to provide plenty of substance about the main elements of a story. Through his reluctant and snarky narration, readers learn about all the parts of a book, from the copyright page to "About the Author." An "official character assessment form" allows readers/authors to figure out what kind of person the main character is going to be before proceeding with the story, and a plot map literally shows the way from the inciting incident to the quest to the climax to the denouement. "Write This" directives followed by blank pages allow inspired readers an opportunity to jump in with their own ideas (librarians, beware!). The result is a marvelous tutorial, covering everything from how to write effective dialogue to choosing perspective to genre to world-building. As with other books in the series, PB's long-eared sidekick, Quiche, jumps in from time to time. Ford's whimsical spot art adds to the humor. Writing a book has never been so much fun. A must-have where the "Secret" series is popular.-Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2013
Grades 4-7 After following the adventures of Max-Ernest and Cass in Bosch's Secret Series, it is now time for readers become authors themselves. And Bosch promises that this step-by-step guide will help them create their own do-it-yourself mystery. Banter between Bosch and Quiche, his long-eared sidekick bunny, gives rise to Bosch agreeing to write the first three chapters and provide skeletons for remaining chapters. He constructs the basics for The Case of the Missing Author by identifying the two protagonists, A___ and Z___, and assigning them the mission to find the author, I. B. Though the sorta-narrative classifies this as fiction, the educational element is strong: guiding questions, suggestions, and myriad footnotes (some humorous, some informational) encourage the creativity of budding writers. Although Bosch's characteristic humor permeates the book, in actuality, it could serve as an excellent guide for middle-grade students who struggle with writing fiction. Dedicated Bosch readers might stay with the book to the end, but it likely will find a better audience in teachers who instruct students in the creative writing process.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)