I’ve just been introduced to a new (to me) blog. Rosalyn Schanzer, author of What Darwin Saw (National Geographic) told me about her recent post. And she’s in the company of lots of other talented writers.
The blog is called I.N.K., short for Interesting Nonfiction for Kids.
Authors of nonfiction, like Roz, provide insight into the research that goes into writing a piece of nonfiction, including what goes into creating accurate illustrations. Roz describes how she followed — literally — in Darwin’s footsteps and took thousands of photographs to assure the accuracy of her visuals.
Not only can this kind of insight encourage close examination of nonfiction books by young readers and adults alike, I think it encourages critical thinking. Readers also gain a deeper appreciation of books and what goes into them.
Writers should be willing to share where they got their information. I think it’s worth looking for the inclusion of sources used — for both words and pictures. It indicates a respect for the material, the process, and the potential audience.
On the same site, author April Pulley Sayre has a post that suggests concrete ways of encouraging young authors. She provides adults with some concrete ideas to support the process of research and writing while upholding the need for a child’s privacy.
I think we should have the highest expectations in nonfiction for children and young people. Not only should they be accurate, but engagingly presented.
After all, books of information can not only inform but inspire — and maybe even intrigue to the point that lays the foundation for future historians or scientists or even writers and illustrators.
About the Author
Reading Rockets’ children’s literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Publication Date
February 27, 2009