Special Collection: Top Stories for Teaching Author’s Craft

A fascinating nonfiction article explores the terrifying and historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The article is paired with an interview with author Lauren Tarshis.

Writing techniques explored in this teaching package: setting, mood, point of view, word choice, simile, metaphor, imagery, onomatopoeia 

In 1952, the deadliest environmental disaster in England’s history changed our ideas about the air we breathe. It's paired with an article about smog in Beijing.

Writing techniques explored in this teaching package: mood, sensory details, word choice, imagery

Based on the classic story by Saki.

Writing techniques explored in this teaching package: situational irony, symbolism, tone, mood, character development

A ship in deep space. A mysterious warning. And a choice that will change everything.

Writing techniques explored in this teaching package: setting, text structure, character development

This delightfully creepy play, based on the classic horror story by W.W. Jacobs, is paired with an informational text about how to make wishes come true.

Writing techniques explored in this teaching package: mood, character, text structure, inference, setting, dialogue

A delightful poem by Jennifer Dignan about learning from our experiences. 

Writing techniques explored in this teaching package: stanza, rhythm, word choice, pattern, expression