abigailbat's review
4.0
The three blind mice from the nursery rhyme are here to demonstrate and explain a host of literary terms, styles, and tools. From plot to perspective to unreliable narrators, this literary dictionary has it all and explains things in basic terms and using examples that make the terms easy to understand.
I'd press this into the hands of any teen who wants to be a writer.
I'd press this into the hands of any teen who wants to be a writer.
thepoemreeder's review
4.0
A very witty and entertaining way to explain various writing terms and strategies.
wendylioness's review against another edition
4.0
Lots of different writing techniques and ways of writing briefly covered in this little book.
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Useful; a creative way to explain literary concepts to young readers.
toad_maiden's review
4.0
This is a fantastic reference book for literary-minded teens. The premise is simple: the author has compiled an encyclopedia of literary terms and explained each of them using an extended version of the nursery rhyme "Three Blind Mice." Lewis's examples are clear and humorous, and she even tackles more collegiate terms like metafiction and intertextuality, which was delightfully surprising. Given the juvenility of the subject matter, i had expected this book to be appropriate for middle grade readers, but there is enough "PG-13" material here to rule out readers younger than twelve or so. Overall, this is a book I wish I had had during AP English classes; a real gem.
ashleyreadstoomuch's review against another edition
4.0
This was a recommendation from my coworker, and I really liked it. It was funny and educational in the best way possible. It was all a lot of the things that I already knew, but I liked the accessible way that they passed along the terms.
leavesofgrass's review against another edition
4.0
This is a humorous nonfiction title for teens that discusses the DOs and DON'Ts of writing. I found it to be insightful, accurate, honest, and inspiring. Lewis takes us on a journey through a wide number of topics including transitions, expletives, sex in the story, subplots, the list literally goes on and on...
While I think that all the topics that get covered are necessary and helpful, there were several moments when I thought that the manner in which one was dealt with was a bit brash, considering it's intended to be read by a middle/high school audience. I was considering using it with my middle school writers group, but might just stick with the high school group. I think that it's a bit much for some of the younger teens to handle. As an example, here is a line from the book in the section that deals with a character cursing in your story:
Do you see how it's bringing up a very fair point, but in a way that isn't exactly appropriate for the intended audience? Yeah, they hear those words. Yeah, they're probably not completely unfamiliar with "bedroom talk" (not that they use bedroom talk, but I'm sure they would at least know what I'm talking about). The point is not that I think it's over their head -- it's that I think the author could make the point without bringing up uncomfortable scenarios.
Use your best judgement. I simply think it was a bit crass at times.
While I think that all the topics that get covered are necessary and helpful, there were several moments when I thought that the manner in which one was dealt with was a bit brash, considering it's intended to be read by a middle/high school audience. I was considering using it with my middle school writers group, but might just stick with the high school group. I think that it's a bit much for some of the younger teens to handle. As an example, here is a line from the book in the section that deals with a character cursing in your story:
"Cursing is not only about anger. I see you know that. Having your character talk dirty to her partner is in the bedroom can be an intimate thing and tells us not only about her, but also about the relationship. But jeez, Oscar, every other word is an F, S, or GD. And I hate the C word."
Pee Wee's ears twitched. He looked up from his paper.
"What's the C word?"
"Cooties. Go back to writing."
Do you see how it's bringing up a very fair point, but in a way that isn't exactly appropriate for the intended audience? Yeah, they hear those words. Yeah, they're probably not completely unfamiliar with "bedroom talk" (not that they use bedroom talk, but I'm sure they would at least know what I'm talking about). The point is not that I think it's over their head -- it's that I think the author could make the point without bringing up uncomfortable scenarios.
Use your best judgement. I simply think it was a bit crass at times.
jwells's review
Cute little book of writing advice that goes down easy but didn't rock my world. I might be a bit old for the target audience.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review
5.0
This is a handbook, though you could read it cover to cover. Lewis uses the "Three Blind Mice" rhyme to illustrate various terms and styles used in writing and reading. The rhyme is adapted to illustrate the term. It is well done and a useful handbook for a student.
mandajoyful's review
5.0
The best way to learn, with witty and easy to understand lessons! Great book about the fundamentals of writing
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