Research tells us that the most effective way to build students’ writing skills and confidence is through direct, explicit, and systematic instruction.
Graham, Steve; Perin, Dolores (2007) Writing Next: Effective Strategies to Improve Writing of Adolescents in Middle and High Schools, New York: Carnegie Corporation.
Graham, S., and Hebert, M.A. (2010). Writing to Read: Evidence for how writing can improve reading. A Carnegie Corporation Time to Act Report. Washington, DC: Alliance for Excellent Education.
Books in this list — both fiction and nonfiction — present personal stories of soldiers who fought on both sides of World War II. These books are an excellent complement to World War II history units.
One morning before school, someone tells Piddy Sanchez that Yaqui Delgado hates her and wants to “kick her ass.” Piddy doesn’t even know who Yaqui is, never mind what she’s done to get her attention. But as the harassment escalates, avoiding Yaqui and her gang starts to take over Piddy’s life. Is there any way for Piddy to survive without closing herself off or running away? In an all-too-realistic novel dealing head-on with bullying, Meg Medina draws upon her own experiences to portray a sympathetic heroine who is forced to decide who she really is. Winner Pura Belpré award.
