A fresh look at writing /

Graves's text will push one's thinking back to the root of what should inform practice--one's own learning and sense of self as writer. "Actions" embedded throughout the text encourage the reader to take an active role: reflecting, examining, observing, collecting, critiquing. Most refreshing is the attention given to expectations of children as writers. Engaging with children from a stance of high expectation is developed throughout the text. Beginning with an examination of classrooms leads to discussion of improving writing environments. It is clearly evident that Graves's work in classrooms with children informs his views in this new text. His suggestions are rooted in the realities of classroom life yet push our understandings of the possibilities of what can be. Throughout, Graves opens windows through which one may view new possibilities for writing, as well as doors through which one may pass to try new behaviors as a teacher of writing. Upper-division undergraduate through faculty; professional. M. W. Combs; University of Nevada, Reno