{"product_id":"writing-radar-using-your-journal-to-snoop-out-and-craft-great-stories-9781250222985","title":"Writing Radar: Using Your Journal to Snoop Out and Craft Great Stories","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Newbery Award-winning author of \u003ci\u003eDead End in Norvelt \u003c\/i\u003eshares advice for how to be the \u003ci\u003ebest\u003c\/i\u003e brilliant writer in this funny and practical creative writing guide perfect for all kids who dream of seeing their name on the spine of a book.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWith the signature wit and humor that have garnered him legions of fans, Jack Gantos instructs young writers on using their \"writing radar\" to unearth story ideas from their everyday lives. Incorporating his own misadventures as a developing writer, Gantos inspires readers to build confidence and establish good writing habits as they create, revise, and perfect their stories. Pop-out text boxes highlight key tips, alongside Gantos's own illustrations, sample stories, and snippets from his childhood journals. More than just a how-to guide, \u003ci\u003eWriting Radar\u003c\/i\u003e is a celebration of the power of storytelling and an ode to the characters who--many unwittingly--inspired Gantos's own writing career. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eWriting Radar\u003c\/i\u003e: \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eEvanston IL Public Library Best Books of the Year\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCPL: Chicago Public Library Best of the Best \u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"\u003cb\u003eAn excellent guide for aspiring authors\u003c\/b\u003e. . . And while the book is directed at serious writers in the making, there's enough exaggeration and grossness to keep readers laughing.\" --\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003cb\u003estarred review\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"Gantos's journey as a young writer learning his craft and the stories he actually wrote in middle school, all told with his characteristic humor, \u003cb\u003ewill appeal to fans of his novels whether or not they aspire to a writing career\u003c\/b\u003e. Teachers will also find Gantos's breakdown on the creation of a story \u003cb\u003evaluable for teaching critical reading as well as writing skills\u003c\/b\u003e.\" --\u003ci\u003eVOYA, \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003estarred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJack Gantos\u003c\/b\u003e has written books for people of all ages. His works include \u003ci\u003eHole in My Life\u003c\/i\u003e, a Michael L. Printz Honor memoir, \u003ci\u003eJoey Pigza Swallowed the Key\u003c\/i\u003e, a National Book Award Finalist, and \u003ci\u003eDead End in Norvelt\u003c\/i\u003e, a Newbery Award winner. The seeds for Jack's writing career were planted in sixth grade, when he read his sister's diary and decided he could write better than she could. He began to collect anecdotes he overheard, mostly from eavesdropping outside the teachers' lounge, and later included many of these anecdotes in his books. He now devotes his time to writing books and educational speaking. He lives with his family in Boston, Massachusetts. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eNewbery Honor Book\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNewbery Medal Winner\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNational Book Awards Finalist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Square Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50717805510930,"sku":"9781250222985","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_b9e76ad7-0634-47bb-a299-9afa8845a498.jpg?v=1734626926","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/writing-radar-using-your-journal-to-snoop-out-and-craft-great-stories-9781250222985","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}