From four award-winning and bestselling middle grade authors comes the writing guide for ages 8-12 that feels like a lively conversation over school lunch.
In Tools, Not Rules: A Writing Guide for Young Creatives, four middle grade authors speak directly to students in grades 3-6, the target audience for their novels. Students will find engaging, short chapters in each of the four authors' unique voices. These are followed by skill-developing and idea-generating writing activities complete with modeling examples.
With advice on everything from finding ideas to actually publishing a book, Tools, Not Rules takes a bite-sized approach to creative writing that both challenges eager writers and heartens hesitant ones. Parents and educators will appreciate the resources to jumpstart their students' imaginations and the mini-lessons built into the pages for classroom use or for fast-finishers. Students will appreciate the personal anecdotes from the authors, candid conversations, and the behind-the-scenes look at how the pros do it.
PJ Gardner has never met a talking animal, but that hasn't stopped her from writing about them. She's the author of the middle grade Horace & Bunwinkle series and The Great Zoodini. She lives in Southern California with her husband and sons, a mischievous cat named Kaiju, and two delightful Boston Terriers named Rosie and Rocky. She also writes under the name PJ Switzer. Find her online at pjgardnerswitzer.com
Celesta Rimington is the award-winning author of THE ELEPHANT'S GIRL and TIPS FOR MAGICIANS. Her books have been on multiple award and state lists and were Junior Library Guild selections. Celesta has presented in assemblies and classrooms around the United States to over 23,000 students, encouraging and empowering them to write their own stories. She also presents to elementary teachers, sharing tools and techniques for fostering creative writing enthusiasm in their students. Celesta's forthcoming novel REACH is set to release from Nancy Paulsen Books and Penguin Young Readers in Spring 2026. She lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and children, where they have a miniature railroad with a rideable steam train. Find her online at celestarimington.com.
Sarah Allen is the award-winning author of What Stars Are Made Of, Breathing Underwater, and The Nightmare House. Her books have been Whitney Award winners, ALA Notable Books, and Jr. Library Guild Selections. Born and raised in Utah, she received an MFA in creative writing from Brigham Young University, and now lives in Orlando. She spends her non-writing time watching David Attenborough documentaries and playing at the Disney parks. Find her online at sarahallenbooks.com and subscribe to her newsletter at https: //sarahallen.substack.com/.
