Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook

There are many books out there about writing, including some decent ones for young people.  I especially like Ralph Fletcher's How to Write Your Life Story.  When I read this book, though, I knew it was the winner.

Two funny, successful authors of young reader novels have teamed up to write this excellent guide for writers of any age, filling it with wisdom born of their own experiences.  The writing is down-to-earth and easy-to-read, and the authors' passion for their subject and the way they approach the difficulties of writing with both humor and humility make this not only a useful, but an enjoyable book to read.

It's split into helpful chapters, so it's easy to pick out just the sections you are interested in, but it's also fun to read straight through, as I did.  There are enough ideas and bits of inspiration in this book to send any curious writer scooting along on their way to their own first book.  If you are a young writer or know somebody who just needs a nudge, or perhaps a good book to spark their interest, call the bookstore or go online and find one of these at the library.  You'll probably have to special request it, since not everyone is as aware of its awesomeness as you and I.