"A book, too, can be a star, 'explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly,' a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe." - from Madeleine L'Engle's Newberry Medal Acceptance Speech

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Writing the Author's Note (Foreword or Afterword)


Name: _______________________________  Class: ________  Crafting and Planning the Foreword/Author’s Note

For your picture book, you will write an author’s note; it is a foreword if it goes before the story, and it is an afterword if it goes after the story. Your author’s note should include the following:

1.       Background on the issue:
a.       Explain the social issue/problem – why is it a problem, what are its effects, and what can be done about it?
b.      Incorporate at least 2 sources to explain the issue well
c.       Show how research has deepened your thinking on this topic

2.       Personal connection:
a.       Show why you chose this topic and why you care about it
b.      Include your personal experience, knowledge, feelings, opinions, etc.
c.    Show process for writing and illustrating the book

3.       Hope for the story:
a.       What do you want readers to get out of this book? What is the purpose of this book?
b.      What suggestions do you have for your readers? What is your call to action?

4.       Writing elements:
a.       Organization: use purposeful paragraphs organized in a smooth, effective way (at least 3 paragraphs)
o Effective and intriguing lead
o Fully developed body paragraphs
o Effective and thought-provoking conclusion

b.      Elaboration:
o   Provide relevant examples, facts, solutions, etc. from research (go back to lessons and notes from writing the argument essay)
o   Incorporate and unpack quotations and/or paraphrases (at least 2)
o   Include personal opinion, anecdote, feelings, etc.
o   Powerful and specific language
o   use sophisticated vocabulary
o   avoid clichés and overly general statements such as: “Racism is a really big issue.” “Bullying is happening everywhere.”   
o   Variety of meaningful details: simile, metaphor, sensory details, etc.

c.       Grammar and mechanics – include correct:
o Sentences with varied sentence structure
o Capitalization, spelling, and punctuation
o Quotations and cite sources
o  Works Cited page

Activity: 1) Read mentor texts in class and annotate the above elements. 2) Review and evaluate your research; highlight important excerpts that you can quote or paraphrase in your author's note. Determine if you need more research, and find more sources if necessary. 3)Plan your author’s note. In your notebook, write an outline, web, or chart to plan out each paragraph. Include the research you will use. 1st draft of author’s note due: Friday 1/10.




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