Word after Word after Word

by Patricia MacLachlan

Overview

An inspirational short novel for young readers about the power of writing by Newbery Medal–winning author Patricia MacLachlan.

Every school day feels the same for fourth graders Lucy and Henry and Evie and Russell and May. Then Ms. Mirabel comes to their class—bringing magical words and a whole new way of seeing and understanding.

From beloved author Patricia MacLachlan comes an honest, inspiring story about what is real and what is unreal, and about the ways that writing can change our lives and connect us to our own stories—word after word after word.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062080172
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	01/18/2011
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	7 MB
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Patricia MacLachlan (1938-2022) was the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal. She was also the author of many beloved picture books, a number of which she cowrote with her daughter, Emily.

Editorial Reviews

MacLachlan (Edward's Eyes) delivers a strong, spare novel about the power of writing to transform. When a famous writer visits a fourth-grade classroom, she helps five friends discover how writing can help make sense of their lives. Many of the most humorous scenes emerge in contrast, such as when Russell asks about outlines and the author dismisses them, advice that clearly contradicts that of the frowning teacher ("Miss Cash closed her eyes as if her head hurt"). The writer's flamboyant enthusiasm appeals, but the five friends and their quiet, realistic journeys are the star, including Lucy, who "doesn't think her life is very interesting," except for sadness about her mother's cancer, and Evie, who longs to set up her newly separated father and invents a flirtatious character for a new neighbor, only to learn the woman is a nun. Fans of MacLachlan will recognize her work among the excerpts read by the visiting author. The writing produced by the characters effectively complements their development, and the novel's message that everyone has a story in them should inspire readers to explore that idea firsthand. Ages 8–12. (May)

Publishers Weekly

Gr 2–5—When a writer spends six weeks in a fourth-grade classroom, Lucy begins to understand the power of the written word. Colorful Ms. Mirabel introduces the students to the idea that writing can change their lives and inspires them to find their own stories and to write them. Lucy doesn't believe her life is interesting enough to write about, but Ms. Mirabel insists that everyone has an important tale to tell. She begins by reading passages from famous pieces of literature that eloquently describe places, characters, and moments in time. After school, Lucy and her friends Evie, Henry, and Russell discuss the tumultuous events that have shaped their own lives, including Lucy's mother's cancer, Evie's parents' divorce, and the death of Henry's dog. MacLachlan creates marvelous characters, children who can empathize with and support one another and who produce amazing poetry that captures their sadness and courage. The result is a tale that draws readers into a dichotomous world that is serious and lighthearted, sad and happy, real and unreal. Children will enjoy the lively characters and warm friendships depicted in this early chapter book, and it will make a memorable read-aloud to help teach the important story elements that will encourage young readers and writers to explore the world of words as they find their own voices.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

School Library Journal