True stories are the way we have always communicatedculturally, professionally, and personallyfrom cave drawings to computers and the Internet. Books, blogs, dialogues, and debates all rely on the stories we tell and how effectively we tell them. This is why Jason Griffiths book is so useful and important: it stresses the necessity of narrative/creative nonfiction and provides teachers and their students with the theory and the craft that will help them use true stories to inform and inspire themselves and others. Lee Gutkind, Editor and Founder, Creative Nonfiction Magazine
"From Me to We will serve as a guide for teachers and teacher educators who recognize the value of narrative nonfiction but arent sure how to incorporate it into their current curriculum. Jason unpacks why and how to invite narrative nonfiction reading and writing into English language arts and humanities classrooms in a compelling and friendly manner. All who read this book will realize the exciting possibilities. Shanetia Clark, Associate Professor of Literacy, Salisbury University, Maryland
Drawing on the rich tradition of student-centered pedagogy, From Me to We: Using Narrative Nonfiction to Broaden Student Perspectives makes the much-needed assertion that our secondary English curriculum has room to grow to be more responsive to our students, new standards, and trends in media and publishing. In this thoughtful debut, Jason Griffith provides a wealth of accessible strategies for using narrative nonfiction to deepen student experiences with reading and writing in heartfelt and insightful ways. Christopher Lehman, Founding Director of The Educator Collaborative
As a veteran teacher and impeccable scholar, Jason Griffith brings a wealth of experience to the table. The heart of this book resides in Griffiths synthesis of two sides of the literacy coin, moving from critical reading to critical writing that both tells a story and invites the reader to share in the meaning-making. The whole package is here, a complete toolkit, including the key standards, grade-appropriate mentor texts, student samples, and step-by-step lesson scaffolding. All English language arts teachers should have this book in their professional libraries.--James Blasingame, Professor of English, Arizona State University
"From Me to We is an innovative and invaluable resource. It will help teachers integrate nonfiction reading and writing units that lead students to understand how their stories fit into the beautiful patchwork of humanity that is our world. This profoundly satisfying resource offers lessons, activities, and guidance for new and veteran teachers who are passionate about helping students find their voice. Griffiths genuine enthusiasm for his students and devotion to his craft are woven into every page."--Monica Boone-Rice, 7th Grade English Teacher, Carlisle Area School District, Carlisle PA
