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Word After Word After Word Audiobook
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(3.04) - 724 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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.
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"In an author's note at the end of the book, Ms. MacLachlan explains that she wrote this small novel in answer to requests about what it is like to be a writer. She says she appears in the book both as her child-self and as her adult author self. This sweet little book allows us to spend six weeks in a fourth grade classroom while the well-known author, Ms. Mirabel, leads the class in a writing seminar. We see how a little group of five friends responds to Ms. Mirabel's writing assignments and to the flamboyant Ms. Mirabel herself. Each of these children has some sort of problem, countering the notion that childhood is carefree. With Ms. Mirabel's guidance, each is able to use writing to work through the issue. Their regular teacher, Ms. Cash, is the ordinary sort of teacher who wants outlines for writing projects and who requires order. Ms. Mirabel is the artist. I loved the description of her: "Ms. Mirabel had long, troubled hair and a chest that pushed out in front of her like a grocery cart." When the children ask her why she writes, she answers, "I, myself, write to change my life, to make it come out the way I want it to...But other people write for other reasons: to see more closely what it is they are thinking about, what they may be afraid of. Sometimes writers write to solve a problem, to answer their own question...." This slender little novel is packed with insight. Ms. MacLachlan is a true master of her craft."
— Caren (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Showing great respect for both her readers and her craft, Newbery Award winner MacLachlan makes every word count in Lucy’s smooth-flowing, economical narrative. Though a number of characters cry along the way, the story is anything but sad, and even poignant is too soppy an adjective for the swift, subtle depiction of characters’ realizations, revelations, and connections. A memorable chapter book.”
— Booklist -
“The author has put much of herself and her belief in the power of art in this charming fictional account.”
— Audiofile -
“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.”
— Publishers Weekly
Awards
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A Selection for the 2010 Summer Indie Next List for Kids
Word After Word After Word Listener Reviews
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" Wonderful short book by the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall. Meant for children in grades 3-5, but great for adults, too. The characters learn from a visiting author that all of them have the ability to express themselves through writing. As they reveal their feelings about the events in their lives, they grow closer to their classmates and to their parents/teachers. "
— Lisa, 2/10/2014 -
" Endearing and inspiring little book on writing for elementary age children. I read in one half hour setting at the breakfast table. Upon completion I wanted to promptly take out a wide-ruled notebook and pencil and WRITE! Awe, to be so open and sweet and willing again. Maybe. "
— Missy, 2/8/2014 -
" I was expecting something else from this book. Although I enjoyed the short read, I was hoping for more information about working with children who love to read and/or write. I am developing a curriculum for 8-12 year old kids on the love of reading, writing and perhaps illustration. "
— Mary, 2/8/2014 -
" Great kids book - I'm going to read this to my students to start the school year! "
— Laura, 2/1/2014 -
" In Word After Word After Word, Patricia MacLachlan teaches us about the power of words, of writing, by showing us the impact it has on five children's lives. This is a short, simple chapter book, only 120-some pages. I think kids will enjoy it and get something out of it too, especially those who already lean toward writing and making up stories or journalling. It makes me want to write my own story. "
— Carol, 1/17/2014 -
" A group of kids learn more about themselves as writers as they respond to a writer who comes to their class to teach them. OK, just didn't get all that into it, and I haven't seen kids get that excited about it either. "
— Carol, 1/7/2014 -
" MacLachlan has a wonderful way of making meaningful stories with such simple writing. This had believable characters and beautiful language. "
— Michelle, 11/10/2013 -
" Kind of a fun book that you could use to encourage young writers. "
— Mar, 10/21/2013 -
" When poet Ms. Mirabel visits a fourth-grade class, friends come to know the power of words and the depth of friendship. Another short but sweet MacLachlan classic. "
— Marsha, 10/21/2013 -
" this is a self-important little book...nice message, about the power of words as conveyed to a group of 4th graders by a visiting writer...but these 4th graders seem too wise for their age. "
— Ramarie, 10/10/2013 -
" Great book for the writing teacher "
— Morelandmama, 9/17/2013 -
" thought it was a wonderful simple book about words and the importance of them. "
— Virginia, 9/16/2013 -
" fast-paced story with great characters in this book about writing "
— Linda, 4/27/2013 -
" Patricia Maclachlan never dissapoints. I aspire to be like Ms. Mirabel! I think I will read this book to my class of 4th graders when I return from Christmas break. We all need to be reminded that writing is so much more than for a TAKS test! "
— Tenille, 2/8/2013 -
" A great book about writing in the context of a classroom learning from a visiting poet. Middle school teachers could easily read this book aloud to students to convey key writing c oncepts (write what you know!), and younger ones will glean special skills from a good story!!! "
— Susan, 7/17/2012 -
" Fantastic read-aloud--especially for 4th grade. "
— Amianne, 6/7/2012 -
" A lovely story by MacLachlan that is a must read if you teach writing. The importance of looking deeper at what we write and choosing what we write. "
— Karen, 2/18/2012 -
" So so good. This book brought tears to my eyes. "
— Shannon, 5/9/2011 -
" A group of kids learn more about themselves as writers as they respond to a writer who comes to their class to teach them. OK, just didn't get all that into it, and I haven't seen kids get that excited about it either. <br/> "
— Carol, 4/29/2011 -
" A group of fourth grade friends learn about writing when a guest author comes to teach their class. Each has a special reason for wanting to learn how to be a good writer. "
— Mary, 4/25/2011 -
" A must read for any teacher or student of writing! "
— Mary, 4/19/2011 -
" Fantastic read-aloud--especially for 4th grade. "
— Amianne, 4/7/2011 -
" I sent this book over to my son's 4th grade teacher. I just love that MacLachlan uses writing as the catalyst for student interest. This would be a fantastic read aloud before beginning a writer's workshop. Each chapter lends itself to a lesson about poetry, writing, and life. "
— Megan, 4/6/2011 -
" thought it was a wonderful simple book about words and the importance of them. "
— Virginia, 3/15/2011 -
" Great read aloud for the kids. "
— Stephanie, 2/19/2011 -
" Excellent book to use a resource with kids who are learning about writing. But otherwise, a bit didactic (for my tastes) to read purely for enjoyment. "
— Miriam, 2/16/2011 -
" I really enjoyed this book...if I had read this as a child I would have been inspired to write. "
— Margy, 2/4/2011 -
" Excellent choice for use with a classroom of potential writers! "
— JeNeal, 2/2/2011
About Patricia MacLachlan
Patricia MacLachlan is the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal.
About Jenna Lamia
Jenna Lamia is an actress and award-winning audiobook narrator. She has won the prestigious Audie Award, as well as more than a dozen AudioFile Earphones Awards. Her narration of The Book of Polly was named a 2018 Outstanding Audiobook Narration by RUSA. She narrated Mary E. Pearson’s The Adoration of Jenna Fox, which won a YALSA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults award, and Carol Lynch Williams’ The Chosen One, for which she received the 2010 Audie Award for Best Female Solo Narration. She has appeared on and off-Broadway, and her acting credits include appearances on Oz, Law & Order: SVU, and NYPD Blue. She has attended Amherst College, New York University, and the Sorbonne in Paris.