The Write Thing - 2nd Edition by Kwame Alexander (Paperback)

About the Book

The Write Thing is a practical guide for creative writing instruction. Written by Newberry medalist Kwame Alexander, it emphasizes poetry as an accessible entry point for all students, particularly those who may be reluctant to write. Educators will find lessons, tips, and examples to engage students in writing and publishing their work. The Second Edition features guidance on transitioning from poetry to other forms of writing, updated research on writing instruction, and advice on the classroom use of AI tools. Part how-to and part inspiration, The Write Thing supports educators in taking a student-centered approach to writing.

Book Synopsis

Empower students with lessons that promote authentic self-expression and a love for writing

In The Write Thing, Newbery Medal-winning author Kwame Alexander shows you how to inspire students and make writing engaging and fun. With this book, you'll empower students to discover their voices through writing and publishing. By combining creative expression with the real-world experience of producing published works, this resource nurtures confidence, literacy skills, and a sense of ownership in young writers.

Organized into three sections--Writing, Publishing, and Presenting--The Write Thing emphasizes poetry as an accessible entry point for all. It offers an inspiring look at the practice of writing along with a practical framework that includes more than 25 step-by-step lessons and mini-lessons, student writing samples, and teacher reflections. You'll also find QR codes linking to online videos--some designed to help educators and others for classroom use with students. With these valuable resources, you can build a writing culture that helps students find their voices.

This Second Edition features guidance on expanding beyond poetry to other genres; new approaches, success stories, and tips from experts; and Share Your Story writing ideas for today's classrooms. Part how-to and part inspiration, The Write Thing supports educators in promoting self-expression and a love of writing. This book:

• Includes more than 25 step-by-step lessons and mini-lessons for different forms of poetry
• Features easy-to-use content such as Quick Tips, success stories, publishing templates, and videos (via QR codes)
• Provides guidance for engaging reluctant writers and supporting English language learners
• Centers student publishing as a core instructional element to motivate learners

Use Kwame Alexander's classroom-tested and student-approved workshop model to guide students as they develop creativity, confidence, and a love of writing.

Review Quotes

"As a teacher educator, I am deeply committed to preparing future teachers who create classroom spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued. The Write Thing?brings that vision to life by offering a powerful roadmap for helping students find their voice, build confidence, and experience the joy of writing in authentic and meaningful ways."--Ocheze Joseph, Director, Undergraduate Teacher Education Program, American University School of Education

"This book saunters with the joy and jazz of poet Kwame Alexander. This book has ENERGY and soul. And resources! So many great poems and ideas. You must put your hands on The Write Thing and then hide it from your colleagues who will surely want to 'borrow' it."--Penny Kittle, Author and Speaker

About the Author

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, publisher, Emmy(R) Award-winning producer and a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 45 books, including Why Fathers Cry at Night; Black Star; The Door of No Return;J vs. K, an illustrated novel penned with Jerry Craft; the motivational primer for graduates, creatives and professionals entitled Say Yes; Becoming Muhammad Ali (co-authored with James Patterson); and The Undefeated, a Newbery Honor and Caldecott Medal-winning picture book illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

Kwame is also the executive producer of the Emmy(R) Award-winning Disney+ TV series The Crossover, based on his Newbery Medal-winning novel of the same name. The series was produced in partnership with LeBron James' Springhill Company and Big Sea Entertainment, Kwame's production company. Big Sea is dedicated to creating innovative, highly original children's and family entertainment. Other Big Sea projects include Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band, and Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams, a PBS KIDS special and series of shorts based on his beloved children's book, as well as America's Next Great Author, a groundbreaking reality TV series for writers.

He regularly shares his passion for literacy, books and the craft of writing around the world at events such as Aspen Ideas, the Edinburgh Book Festival, and the Global Literacy Symposium in Ghana, where he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic. A recipient of a 2025 NAACP Image Award, Kwame is also the Artistic Director of Literary Arts for the Chautauqua (pronounced shuh-TAH-kwuh) Institution and the founder of the literacy non-profit One Word at a Time.