Writing a Research Paper with Katie Woo
November 1, 2013
K-Gr 2-In this energetic series, a young girl learns about many different kinds of writing. Her friends and family make appearances as she keeps a journal, writes poems, pens letters, and more. Watercolor illustrations capture Katie's personality and give life to the stories. The titles look and read like easy readers. "Katie's Star Tip" sidebars complement the narratives by delivering advice about the kind of writing being highlighted. For example, Facts tells readers, "Brainstorming can help you pick a topic." The end of each book offers activity suggestions for budding writers, such as journal prompts, ideas for research papers, topics for opinion pieces, and suggestions of people to write letters to, such as grandparents. Website addresses lead readers and educators to more information and "downloadables."
Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2014
Katie and friends learn to write poetry, reports, and narratives in this brightly illustrated spinoff of a chapter book series. The thin plots, in which Katie struggles and then succeeds at each kind of writing, serve as vehicles for "Katie's Star Tips" and suggested activities. The installments aren't standalone reading, but the series is an appealing approach for the writing curriculum. Reading list, websites. Glos.
(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)