In this collection of assignments and readings, Gallagher, a high school English teacher, emphasizes that students should read examples of good writing in order to emulate it. The book´s chapters are organized by type of assignments and real-world writing purposes: express and reflect, inform and explain, evaluate and judge, inquire and explore, analyze and interpret, and take a stand or propose a solution. Each chapter provides mentor texts by professional writers and by the author, plus student writing samples, going beyond the five-paragraph essays. The author´s suggestions include creative assignments related to TV shows, movies, and song lyrics. Eight brief appendices offer reading selections and student worksheets. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
