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Five Books for Kids

Painless Poetry
by Mary Elizabeth Podhaizer, Laurie Hamilton (Illustrator), Mary Elizabeth - 2001
Ok -if you guys laugh at me, I won't play anymore. I picked this book up simply because metric verse and form are beyond me at times (I'm a free verse person). I need painless reminders on A, B, C's of rhyme, and this book does it for me. It's written for a middle- and high-school level, which is perfect for my limited time. Easy, concise reference that's perfect for preteens. This is part of Barron's "Painless" series which includes writing and spelling.

Once Upon a Time: Creative Writing Fun For Kids
by Annie Buckley, Kathleen Coyle, Cathy Law (Illustrator) - 2004
Fifty "cards" offer ideas for your preteen (and maybe for you as well!). This book is a creative well, and the bonus is a booklist with books for all ages that may spark a reading splurge! Great activities for the entire year.

My Life According to Me
by Klutz Press (Editor) - 1999
This book is spiral-bound with plenty of blank space for young writers. But, it's not all blank - plenty of questions to spark ideas about journaling. What I like about this book is that it isn't the "fluffy pink" or brilliant yellow which abounds in young girls' journals or diaries. This book appealed to my wanna-be-goth daughter, and it also appeals to young men. You think young men don't write? Ha! This is a winner of the Parents' Guide Media Award.

Through My Eyes: A Journal for Teens
by Linda Kranz - 1998
This journal is ideal for teens, whereas the one above is perfect for ages 9-12. This journal is a bit more sophisticated, as it asks teens to explore questions about their relationships with family, teachers, and friends. The answers help build teen confidence and knowledge about themselves and others. Perfect gift for guys and gals, as the artwork is fairly gender-blind.

Wipe Clean: Learn to Write Your Letters: 26 Wipe-Clean Pages of Letter-Writing Fun (Wipe Clean)
by Roger Priddy - 2004
Forget computers, hand-held devices, and gadgets that are too awkward and expensive - let your child teach herself with this easy-to-use letter tracer. There were complaints that the pen dried out, but erasable pens can be bought at any local drugstore. That means that unless your child flushes this down a toilet, it should last a while.