My personal journey into the world of nonfiction has evolved over many years. Of course, as an elementary teacher, nonfiction had an important place in my classroom. But, my early exploration into writing my own children's books tended toward only fiction. In the past few years, however, I have seen so many exciting new, kid friendly approaches to nonfiction with narrative nonfiction, informational fiction, graphic novels and more. It is an exciting world, and I have started my own informational nonfiction called Science in My Pocket.
When I need to know more about what makes a great nonfiction children's book, I go to Melissa Stewart. Melissa Stewart is an award winning author of more than 200 science books for children. She has always been fascinated with the natural world and is passionate to share "its beauty and wonder with readers of all ages." She has a bachelor's in biology and a master's in science journalism. She was also a children's book editor for 9 years prior to dedicating herself to fulltime writing.
HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES INCLUDING NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS, SMITHSONIAN, AND MORE:
HERE ARE SOME FROM HER LAUGH AND LEARN SERIES AND KID FRIENDLY SCIENCE BOOKS:
SHE HAS ALSO WRITTEN A WONDERFUL BOOK ABOUT NONFICTION FOR EDUCATORS AND WRITERS AS WELL AS OTHER CURRICULUM AND ACTIVITY BOOKS FOR KIDS AND TEACHERS TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM OR AT HOME:
As an advocate for children's nonfiction, Melissa Stewart willingly shares what she has learned along the way with:
Tips about how to create nonfiction that "delights you (the writer) as well as it informs," and more.
In her blog, Celebrate Science, "she writes and does interviews about "what teachers and parents can do to nurture the love of nonfiction."
Nonfiction reading resources for classrooms.
Nonfiction writing resources for classrooms.
Curriculum guides.
Activity pages.
Readers theater scripts.
Video mini-lessons and interactive teaching tools.
Virtual and in-person author visits.
I HOPE YOU WILL ALSO BE INSPIRED BY MELISSA STEWART AS SHE DEDICATES HERSELF TO HELPING EDUCATORS BETTER PRESENT SCIENC AND NONFICTION, TO HELPING WRITERS PERFECT THEIR CRAFT, AND MOST OF ALL TO INSPIRING CHILDREN TO LOVE NONFICTION.
