Fletcher, author of many books for adults and children, works with student writers and writing teachers in schools. Here, he collects 24 short readings (stories, poems, memoir, picture books, and excerpts from longer stories and novels) to use as prompts to inspire middle school students to write original pieces. Each reading is paired with notes on the writing process, editing and revising, and instructions for student exercises. The readings and notes illustrate elements of writing such as point of view, sentence construction, parody, poetry, metaphor, personification, and combining fiction and nonfiction. Each reading includes a b&w photo or illustration. An appendix offers suggestions for using the book in the classroom. The author has written other books on teaching writing. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)