Who Gets to Write Fiction?: Opening Doors to Imaginative Writing for All Students

The author contends that teaching creative writing in schools opens many doors for young people, including the development of critical academic skills, engagement, imagination, empathy, and personal identity. It should be treated as a center of the curriculum for all children, not as a luxury.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

The current curricular emphasis on analytical writing can sometimes make teaching creative writing in classrooms feel risky. However, the author argues that the opportunity to write fiction in school opens up many doors for young people, which are critical to the development of our students, our education system, and even our democracy.

In her book "Who Gets to Write Fiction?", English teacher Ariel Sacks demonstrates how writing fiction not only strengthens critical academic skills but also engages students' attention and imagination, shifts power dynamics, creates empathy, and provides a creative outlet for students' personal identity development. Sacks presents a powerful argument that the writing of fiction should be treated as a central part of the curriculum for all children, rather than a luxury for some.

Through a teacher-to-teacher narrative that includes practical details about designing lessons and meeting standards, Sacks presents a compelling case for the inclusion of fiction writing in classrooms. She emphasizes that writing fiction can help students develop their critical thinking skills, empathy, and creativity, and that it can also provide a safe and supportive space for them to explore their personal experiences and identities.

Furthermore, Sacks argues that the writing of fiction can have a positive impact on society as a whole. By promoting empathy and understanding, fiction can help to break down barriers and promote social change. It can also provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated.

In conclusion, the current curricular emphasis on analytical writing can make teaching creative writing in classrooms feel risky. However, the author argues that the opportunity to write fiction in school opens up many doors for young people, which are critical to the development of our students, our education system, and even our democracy. By treating the writing of fiction as a central part of the curriculum, we can help to ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop their creative and critical thinking skills and to explore their personal identities in a safe and supportive space.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 177 x 255 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324052487