Saturday, March 17, 2018

Gourley, Catherine, ed. Journeys: Young Readers’ Letters to Authors Who Changed Their Lives.

Gourley, Catherine, ed.   Journeys: Young Readers’ Letters to Authors Who Changed Their Lives.     Candlewick Press  2017    226p $9.99     ISBN 978-0-7636-9578-1    ms/hs  Letters  E-BN         

This fabulous book is a compilation of letters written by elementary, middle,and high-school students to authors, both living and deceased. The letters express the ways in which these individual authors’ books touched the students in a profound personal manner.
    
The book is divided into three parts: elementary, middle, and high-school literature and letters. The three parts are then further separated into chapters that each relate to one primary literary theme. Each letter is prefaced by a quotation by the author of the book being addressed in the letter, a brief description of the author’s intent in writing the book, and a brief summary. Each letter expresses the ways in which the student was profoundly affected by the book and the difference the book made in his or her life. The organization is consistent and effective. All genres of fiction are represented, as well as nonfiction literature including poetry and graphic nonfiction.
    
This book is appropriate for readers ten years of age and above, and it will appeal to readers for various reasons. It is truly an inspiration for those who love reading, as well as for reluctant readers. It is also recommended for teaching professionals and could definitely be used in lessons as a mentor text.  It is highly recommended as a basic book for all libraries to own.   


Literature, Letters                           --Virginia McGarvey

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