The Horn Book Guide

LITERATURE

Bentley, Nancy , Guthrie, Donna

Writing Mysteries, Movies, Monster Stories, and More

80 pp. | Lerner/Millbrook | March, 2001 | Library ISBN 0-7613-1452-0 $$23.90

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau. This guide for beginning writers explains the basic structure and story elements of a variety of genres including short stories, screenplays, and humorous essays. The book overreaches its scope, and the modest prose and amateurish black-and-white illustrations lack energy or enthusiasm. A chapter on marketing lists online publishers and e-zines that are particularly receptive to children's writing. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta