May 2026
Books for Writing Teachers
Tapping the Writer Within explores “wri-dentity,” how we can help students come to see themselves as writers. My book includes ten chapters, each with a practical doorway into wri-dentity. One of the most powerful strategies involves reflection, inviting kids to reflect on themselves as writers. Ask them to respond to two things:
I am a writer. (True) (False)
I feel most like a writer when ___________________.
Some teachers ask students to draw a picture of themselves in a writing classroom. These drawings are revealing. Is the student smiling, or not? Is the teacher smiling? How far or close is the student to the teacher? Invite students to write a sentence or two beneath the drawing.
Reflection serves two purposes: it encourages students to claim their identity. But students’ reflections are helpful to us, as well. They let us know what is, and isn’t, working in the writing classroom.
Book Give-away!
Follow my Ralph Fletcher, Author page on Facebook for a chance to win a free copy of Tapping the Writer Within. Every follower is automatically entered into the giveaway. Deadline is May 25 — only one winner, so join today and don’t miss out!
Books for Young Readers
I’ll soon be sharing exciting news about a novel-in-verse that will be published next winter. It’s an intense book! Meanwhile I want to mention my book Marshfield Dreams: When I Was a Kid. The book features short chapters about everyday incidents. It’s the kind of book that will encourage kids to write about events from their own life.
Marshfield Dreams begins with a map of the neighborhood where I grew up:
If kids can’t think of what they might write about, invite them to make a map of their neighborhood. They can use words to mark a place where something happened. Many kids find that drawing is a useful way of prewriting, planning for what they will write.
The Writer's Notebook
The end of the school year is fast approaching and we’re sailing into summer. If you want to keep your kids writing over the summer (and who doesn’t!), A Writer’s Notebook: Unlocking the Writer Within You can help them do just that! It’s written with kid-friendly language and includes many invitations that encourage them to write.
Chapter 10 is titled “Writing That Scrapes the Heart.” Adults often forget that children have an intense inner life; they feel things deeply. A writer’s notebook gives them a safe space to share thoughts/feelings. This chapter includes many examples of kids writing from the heart in their notebooks.
Photography
Focus is important in writing, and just as important in photography. Although I wanted to include the entire wingspan in this photo, I finally decided that those orange talons were the real focus. So, I clipped the wings and zoomed in on the face, body, and talons.
My book Focus Lessons: How Photography Enhances the Teaching of Writing has many craft lessons that connect writing with photography
News
The third annual Quoddy Writing Retreat kicks off on July 25 in Lubec Maine. Georgia Heard and I are excited to work with 26 people who want to go deeper into their writing. The Quoddy Writing Retreat is a rich experience—lots of inspiration, writing, bonding with fellow writers, exploring the area, and time to play. Oh yes, and lobster! This retreat fills up quickly, so let me know if you might be interested. We start taking reservations just after the new year.
Garrison Keillor always ends The Writer’s Almanac with these words:
“Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.” Yes, and KEEP WRITING!