________________ CM . . . . Volume XV Number 18. . . .May 1, 2009

cover

Descriptive Paragraphs. (Learning to Write).

Frances Purslow.
Calgary, AB: Weigl, (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2009.
24 pp., pbk. & hc., $9.95 (pbk.), $22.95 (hc.).
ISBN 978-1-55388-433-0 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55388-432-3 (hc.).

Subject Headings:
Description (Rhetoric)-Juvenile literature.
English language-Paragraphs-Juvenile literature.
Composition (Language arts)-Juvenile literature.

Grades 5-8 / Ages 10-13.

Review by Harriet Zaidman.

**** /4

   
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Expository Paragraphs. (Learning to Write).

Frances Purslow.
Calgary, AB: Weigl, (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2009.
24 pp., pbk. & hc., $9.95 (pbk.), $22.95 (hc.).
ISBN 978-1-55388-437-8 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55388-436-1 (hc.).

Subject Headings:
Exposition (Rhetoric)-Juvenile literature.
English language-Paragraphs-Juvenile literature.
Composition (Language arts)-Juvenile literature.

Grades 5-8 / Ages 10-13.

Review by Harriet Zaidman.

**** /4

   
cover

Narrative Paragraphs. (Learning to Write).

Frances Purslow.
Calgary, AB: Weigl, (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2009.
24 pp., pbk. & hc., $9.95 (pbk.), $22.95 (hc.).
ISBN 978-1-55388-435-4 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55388-434-7 (hc.).

Subject Headings:
Narration (Rhetoric)-Juvenile literature.
English language-Paragraphs-Juvenile literature.
Composition (Language arts)-Juvenile literature.

Grades 5-8 / Ages 10-13.

Review by Harriet Zaidman.

**** /4

   
cover

Persuasive Paragraphs. (Learning to Write).

Frances Purslow.
Calgary, AB: Weigl, (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2009.
24 pp., pbk. & hc., $9.95 (pbk.), $22.95 (hc.).
ISBN 978-1-55388-439-2 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55388-438-5 (hc.).

Subject Headings:
Persuasion (Rhetoric)-Juvenile literature.
English language-Paragraphs-Juvenile literature.
Composition (Language arts)-Juvenile literature.

Grades 5-8 / Ages 10-13.

Review by Harriet Zaidman.

**** /4

   

excerpt:

A narrative paragraph is a group of sentences that tells what happens, how the action happens, and in what order the events occur. Authors use narrative paragraphs to share a story with readers. A narrative paragraph may be complete by itself, or it may be part of a longer piece of writing.

The following is an example of a narrative paragraph. It tells about an event that happened early in the life of one of Canada's prime ministers, Pierre Elliot Trudeau.

 

"Learning to Write" is a carefully conceived and well executed series that explains the mechanics of writing to children in grades 5-8, using Canadian history and culture as the framework for its lessons. Each book is divided into 2-page chapters, each one about the different challenges a writer faces in building a paragraph. In Descriptive Paragraphs, the Table of Contents lists some of the following chapters: What are Adjectives, Using the Senses, Parts of a Descriptive Paragraph, Understanding Unity, Creating Coherence, etc. The first page explains the concept and provides an example from Canadiana in highlighted text. Children get precise guidance as to how to practice the skill and learn about important national events and people at the same time. The second page in most chapters offers a writing exercise, also based on a Canadian issue or event.

     The text suggests websites a student can consult to find further information about the topics discussed in the chapters. Pictures, charts and appropriate illustrations decorate the pages, providing motivation and information for the young writer. The text and pictures are set on white pages while bands of colour rim some pages. The layout is appealing and not too burdensome of content. The final page includes a glossary and brief index.

      These books can be used as part of a unit on writing in combination with lessons about Canada, its history and people. A child would also be able to use these books as a personal challenge to improve his or her writing skills.

Highly Recommended.

Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364
Hosted by the University of Manitoba.
 

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