I'm sorry, but 6+1 equals 7. Just kidding- I understand why she called her book that. This is the best writing book I have come across for primary grades. Easy to use lesson plans, examples of student work, and book title suggestions all make this the perfect writing resource. If you want to purchase the titles referenced in the book, there is a website that I found that sells them in a set, plus a lot of other stuff: www.whoossmart.com. Check them out!

We are a K-3 public school with about 400 students. We purchased a book for each staff member and are using it as a "book study" reading and discussing a chapter a week as a staff. It has been very helpful in assisting us to improve student writing.

I have found that implementing strategies and lessons from this book have helped my students better understand what is expected of them. It breaks down 7 elements of writing into teacher and kid friendly lessons.

"Ruth Culham masterfully unlocks the magic of writing for teachers and students alike. She's created an invaluable resource for primary teachers to use in guiding children as they begin the journey of learning to write. Included are suggestions on what to say to young writers, teaching ideas, examples of student work, scoring guides to assess primary students' writing and much, much more! Ruth's book will touch your heart and leave you excited about writing. Voice in non-fiction? You bet! Anything's possible, once you know the traits."

--- Libby Jachles , Instructional Specialist, Council Rock Primary School, Brighton Central School District, Rochester, NY

If ever there was a book that a teacher could take off the shelf and use, this is the one. Ruth Culham has written a book that should be on every teacher's desk. The format is very easy to follow with lots of GREAT ideas that can be used immediately with your students. Not only is it the perfect writing guide for primary teachers, it gives a scaffolding for intermediate teachers to understand how primary students come to be writers.