Coming of Age

Curriculum· — Introduction to this Stone Soup Writing Activity This excellent story gets to the heart of why lying is wrong. Lying destroys trust between people. And when people don’t trust each...

Spoken Word· — A very strong reading of “A Far Away Place,” first published in Stone Soup Magazine. This, and other stories read by their authors can serve as a model for a...

Curriculum· — This is a wonderful interview. Its biggest strength may be Wendelin Van Draanen’s discussion of the importance of persistence. Her own story of having her books rejected for ten years...

Curriculum· — This interview inspires two projects: write a story based on a photograph and illustrate a story with photographs. This is a great interview by Ransom Riggs. He starts out talking...

Curriculum· — A strong interview with Renée Ahdieh. The interview focus is on her writing process. • Writes books based on the theme of “choice and consequence” with her goal being to “explore the gray...

Spoken Word· — Poetry is meant to be recited. Recited poetry has its own cadence, one that is a little different from spoken English. These two children recite poems that each, in their...

Curriculum· — Reading is the best preparation for writing. We are fortunate that through the internet it is possible to keep in touch with living authors through their blogs, twitter feeds, and...

Curriculum· — This writing project explores the idea of captivity in many forms helping young authors think about different ways characters might not be free to do as they like. Introduction to...

Curriculum· — Introduction to this Stone Soup Writing Activity This story by Vivek Maru is a moral tale. It is about personal integrity and the “right” way to live. “Homemade Crop Duster”...

Curriculum· — Introduction to this Stone Soup Writing Activity “A Ride With Fate” is an emotionally powerful story about a boy who makes a couple of wrong decisions. The mistakes he makes...