ABC and 123: A Learning Collaborative: Author Jeff Kinney - The Third Wheel Book Giveaway

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Author Jeff Kinney - The Third Wheel Book Giveaway


leaving school early + take out pizza in the car + a brand new book + meeting and interviewing Jeff Kinney + touring his travel bus...
It all adds up to a 3rd grade dream and the perfect inspiration for his next personal narrative!
Are you familiar with the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series?  On November 13th Jeff Kinney released his 7th book, The Third Wheel. On the 19th he was touring through our hometown in his own amazing wheels.
The following excerpt from my son's journal is a recap of the interview and a glimpse into the man behind the wildly famous series for upper elementary age students.
...
How did you get started in your writing? I always wanted to draw cartoons, but could not find a newspaper who would pick them up. I ended up putting my cartoons into books and they were picked up by a publisher.
How long does it take for you to write each book? About 9 months
How many more books will be in this series?  Hopefully 3
What is your favorite book in the series so far?  This new book.  The Third Wheel is my favorite because it is my best writing so far.
Would you ever consider writing a series about Greg when he was a very young child? Well, have you read this new book yet?  It starts out with Greg as small as a child can be.
In what ways are you most like the main character in the book?  In all the bad ways I guess.  The naughty things he does are most like my childhood.
Do you have an annoying brother? I do have a brother.
What advice would you give to a student who wants to get published some day?  (paraphrased) Find someone who will offer you constructive criticism about your writing even at a young age.  I always heard about how great I was and it made it difficult to grow my talent and accept rejection later in life.
...
As a parent I think the vague answer about the annoying brother is especially hilarious.  
As a teacher I think the advice Jeff Kinney would offer young writers is very important for us to consider.  Are we just teaching writing or are we really training young writers in all areas of the craft?  Our kids need to learn to gracefully accept feedback and use it to grow. Food for thought this Thanksgiving weekend!  

If you have a Wimpy Kid fan in your family, are looking for a silly book for a reader on your holiday shopping list, or you are looking to add a fun title to your classroom library, enter to win a copy of The Third Wheel! A winner will be chosen using Rafflecopter on Tuesday, November 27th!





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3 comments:

  1. We have never read any of these books but I think my son would love them. Thanks for the reminder!

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  2. My son loves cartoons and he loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid. He'd love to read this one!

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  3. We haven't read them YET!

    My favorites so far are the Betsy-Tacy books (classics) and the Mysterious Benedict Society.

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