Every writer needs some encouragement when it comes to writer’s block and fears. Learning from other authors can help, as we can all learn from each other’s mistakes to find our strengths. Teaching kids young gives them the benefit of time to try new genres and mediums. To help kids find their inspiration, look at these six book recommendations for young writers.
A Squiggly Story by Andrew Larsen, Illustrator Mike Lowery
A Squiggly Story by Andrew Larsen and Illustrator Mike Lowery is intended for young writers ages 4 to 6 who are looking for the right words to start their stories.
When a little boy sees his big sister writing a story, he is inspired to write his own, but he only knows his letters, not words. With his sister’s guidance, he starts with one letter and learns to grow his story as one letter turns into another. Larsen tells a meaningful story with Lowery’s fun illustrations to show writers that their story is important to tell, even if they have yet to find their words.
Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Illustrator Tiffany Rose
Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Illustrator Tiffany Rose is intended for young writers ages four to eight who need some inspiration to understand that it is okay to make mistakes. It’s part of the process!
Abdul loves to tell stories, but he finds himself having a rough time writing them when his letters keep ending up backward, and the words are harder to find than he thought they would be. With eraser marks taking up most of his paper space, he finds himself on the brink of giving up, but with the help of a class visitor, Abdul may find that mistakes are the most common part of the writing process that he’ll be able to overcome. Thompkins-Bigelow’s storytelling, with Rose’s colorful illustrations, brings Abdul and his struggles to life in this uplifting book, showing writers that mistakes are a part of life — we need to embrace them to write our stories.
Write Your Own Story Book by Louie Stowell, Illustrator Katie Lovell
Write Your Own Story Book by Louie Stowell and illustrator Katie Lovell is intended for young writers ages five to seven who need tips and resources to start their writing journey.
This write-in book gives kids a bundle of storytelling tips and a toolkit full of resources to inspire writers. With fictional journals, comic strips, and prompts to work with writers’ creative minds, writers will learn from multiple genres and mediums to find the tools needed to write their own storybooks. Stowell’s tips and resources, combined with Lovell’s illustrations, make this a fun workbook that teaches important skills for writing a story that young writers will be proud of.
Write! Write! Write! by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater, Illustrator Ryan O’Rourke
Write! Write! Write! by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater and illustrator Ryan O’Rourke contains 22 poems intended for young writers ages 5 to 9 who are seeking motivation to get started.
These poems offer relatable reasons for the writer’s uncertainties and fears, creating a safe space for readers to face their own obstacles as writers. Readers will also find advice on starting and ending a story, as well as tips for writing. Vanderwater’s imaginative poetry, paired with O’Rourke’s storytelling illustrations, leaves writers feeling confident to write their stories and equipped to do so.
Creative Writing Book (Write Your Own) by Louie Stowell
Creative Writing Book (Write Your Own) by Louie Stowell is intended for young writers ages eight to ten, looking for an outlet to unleash their creativity in their stories.
This workbook offers a variety of activities and resources to help readers craft their stories. With different media to explore, from genre stories to journalism, writers will be able to discover styles that will work their imaginations. Stowell’s activities and advice are well-given to advance readers’ abilities and help them explore mediums they may have never looked at before.
Secrets of Storytelling: A Creative Writing Workbook for Kids by Natalie Rompella
Secrets of Storytelling: A Creative Writing Workbook for Kids by Natalie Rompella is intended for young writers ages eight through eleven and is filled with writing prompts to help them practice their skills.
This creative writing workbook will allow writers to practice what they have learned and create stories that express who they are as writers. This includes quotes, tips, and activities to give the audience the full experience in practicing the craft. Rompella’s creativity shines through this book as she encourages writers to work outside their comfort zone and make mistakes along the way.
Every writer can use advice when crafting their stories, as there is so much knowledge to share about the craft and how we tell our stories. Encouraging young writers motivates them to practice their skills and grow stronger in their writing. I hope these recommendations are helpful to writers who are starting out, and hopefully, you can bring your imaginations to life.
Want to find more books for young writers? Click here.
Want to find more books for writers? Check out our Writer Inspiration – Tips, Tricks, and Book Recs on Becoming a Better Writer bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
