"In readable, accessible language, Sean Ruday covers all the bases for teaching argument writing to middle school students. The Argument Writing Tookit is exactly what teachers need to help students think logically and express themselves cogently about important topics. This is a book that all middle school teachers will want to keep within arm's reach."
--Amy Benjamin, Literacy Consultant and author of thirteen books, including Infusing Grammar Into the Writers Workshop
"Untangling an inherently complex task, Ruday supports middle school teachers in creating authentic argument writing experiences for students. Teachers will appreciate the student-friendly analysis of the attributes of effective argument writing, the concrete strategies for integrating reading and writing using mentor texts, and the thoughtful discussion on assessment--and busy teachers will find a treasure trove in the annotated bibliography. I will be using this book with my pre-service English teachers as it provides easy access into a significant instructional area that can panic the inexperienced!"
--Natasha A. Heny, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English Education, University of Virginia
"Ruday provides relevant, practical strategies that teachers can use to improve students' argumentative writing pieces. With the Common Core era upon us, it is imperative that teachers are able to effectively guide students to improve their writing skills, and Ruday successfully weaves the Common Core standards with interesting, easy-to-implement strategies and lessons."
--Kim Wagner, 6th Grade Honors English Language Arts Teacher, Traughber Junior High School, IL