All Write: A Student Handbook for Writing and Learning
BevK July 7th, 2006
http://eclectichomeschool….asp?revid=2165
All Write is styled a writing and learning handbook, although it focuses most heavily on writing. In fact, the first two hundred pages cover the forms and process of writing. The essentials of getting started, revising, and writing in different formats are all thoroughly covered with excellent explanations, examples, and tips to help the student writer. Those who have difficulty with putting their thoughts into a format that can be written will appreciate the step-by-step approach to the writing process. Any young writer would benefit by reading this book, which could be done in random order as the student’s need for a particular section became apparent or his interest led him there.
The next hundred pages cover the tools of learning such as thinking clearly and creatively and developing study, reading, and other skills required of students. Information is included on word roots, literary terms, how to problem solve, and reading symbols and charts.
The following Proofreader’s Guide covers the basics of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage. If the student has a question about comma usage, the index will point him to the section on commas in the Proofreader’s Guide. Examples are given to help the student sort through the nuances that account for most grammar and usage problems.
The book closes with a 65 page Student Almanac and the index. The Student Almanac contains maps, math facts, a US history timeline, an overview of the US Constitution, computer tips, conversion tables, and all kinds of other facts that are nice to have in easy reach.
This is a bright and appealing handbook that most junior high students will find useful as a writing and studying reference tool. For those parents who are tired of re-answering questions like, “Now what was a thesis statement again?” this is a great place to point their child.
Publisher: Great Source Education Group
Author: Dave Kemper and Patrick Sebranek
List Price: $16.75
Reviewed By: Beverly Krueger
