Writing Radar: Using Your Journal to Snoop Out and Craft Great Stories - Softcover

Jack Gantos has written books for people of all ages. His works include Hole in My Life, a Michael L. Printz Honor memoir, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, a National Book Award Finalist, and Dead End in Norvelt, a Newbery Award winner. The seeds for Jack’s writing career were planted in sixth grade, when he read his sister’s diary and decided he could write better than she could. He began to collect anecdotes he overheard, mostly from eavesdropping outside the teachers’ lounge, and later included many of these anecdotes in his books. He now devotes his time to writing books and educational speaking. He lives with his family in Boston, Massachusetts.

Newbery Honor Book
Newbery Medal Winner
National Book Awards Finalist

“Never less than entertaining and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, [this is] a focused, fun, and uncommonly useful guide for young, aspiring writers.” ―Booklist, starred review

“A must for aspiring writers.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

“A standout among writing guides, valuable for its sage and friendly encouragement and for the sheer fun of hanging out with Jack.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“With humor and swift pacing, the author of the “Joey Pigza” books and “Dead End in Norvelt” spills all of his writing secrets about making stories out of everyday life. [Writing Radar] will probably make you want to read Gantos’s stories as well as to create your own.” ―Washington Post

“Oh man! Do NOT read this book. Unless you want to become a real writer. Gantos has given up almost every hard-earned writing secret in his trademark sharp, funny, crazy, and brilliant way.” ―Jon Scieszka, Inaugural National Ambassador for Young People's Literature

“When I was a kid, Jack Gantos visited my classroom and gave me encouragement that I'll never forget. Now, with this book, young writers everywhere will be able to learn from this master storyteller. What a gift Mr. Gantos has given to the world by taking us through his creative process.” ―Jarrett J. Krosoczka, New York Times–bestselling author/illustrator of the Lunch Lady series

“This is my Book of the Year. I can't think of one I’d rather put into kids’ hands. It is laugh-out-loud funny, poignant in spots, and it will teach young people how and why to write. It will be a life-changer for kids and for those of us who teach them.” ―Lucy Calkins, Director of the Reading and Writing Project, Teachers College, Columbia University