creative nonfiction

Thomas Jefferson is one of the most famous founding fathers, but did you know that his mind was always on science? This STEM/STEAM picture book tells how Jefferson's scientific thinking and method battled against faulty facts and bias to prove that his new nation was just as good as any in the Old World. Young Thomas Jefferson loved to measure the natural world: plants and animals, mountains and streams, crops and weather. With a notepad in his pocket, he constantly examined, experimented, and explored. He dreamed of making great discoveries like the well-known scientific author, Count Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon. But when Buffon published an encyclopedia of the natural world, Jefferson was furious! According to the French count, America was cold and swampy, and filled with small and boring animals, nothing like the majestic creatures of the OId World. Jefferson knew Buffon had never even been to America. Where had Buffon gotten his information? Had he cherry-picked the facts to suit his arguments? Was he biased in favor of Europe? How could Jefferson prove Buffon wrong? By using scientific inquiry, of course!.

Offers tips and guidance to writing creative nonfiction, examining an approach to writing a memoir, researched essays, and investigative reporting, and providing writing exercises on memories, seeking material outside the self, ethical issues to consider when writing about other people, how to approach background research and avoid clich?s, and related topics.

A collection of writing exercises designed to help nonfiction writers improve their skills, with exercises from top writers and teachers.

Profiles everyday life in the settlement of Annawadi as experienced by a Muslim teen, an ambitious rural mother, and a young scrap metal thief, illuminating how their efforts to build better lives are challenged by religious, caste, and economic tensions.

"Introduces and defines essential elements of writing nonfiction accompanied by...writing prompts for practicing new skills. Real-life author bios and excerpts enhance skills and understanding"--Provided by publisher.

"Not only will Writing True be valuable in the classroom, but it will be indispensable for anyone drawn to trying his or her hand at creative nonfiction...a great choice for classrooms, writing groups, and the desktops of writers exploring the genre on their own."--Lynn Powell, Oberlin College.

The writers discuss prose and nonfiction, with emphasis on essays, narratives, and memoirs, while drawing from their own personal experiences.

"Neil and Nan write a nonfiction narrative about roller-coaster rides at a local amusement park. Their article includes facts and pictures about the best rides. Additional concepts include: hooks, sensory details and main ideas. Activities in the back help the reader write their own narrative nonfiction"--Provided by publisher.