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Each day we have new writing -- and new selections on the front page. An important part of this project is to give each other positive, constructive feedback. So add your comments to the writing. Read as a writer. Help out your fellow young writer!

GMBA -- Forum guidelines

Submitted by ggevalt on October 23, 2007 - 11:42.

The Young Writers Project is partnering with the Green Mountain Book Award Committee to create a live review/discussion group for the GMBA selections for 2007/08 and to assist in the selection of the GMBA winner.

YWP has set up a forum for each of the GMBA 15 finalist books. Those forums can be accessed through the YWP Book Forum links on the long or short booklists or by going to this link: Green Mountain Book Award Forums.

We have several ways for you to learn more about each book. First, we have a thorough list of the 2007-08 GMBA books with summaries, links to authors, publishers, individual forums and more.

We also have GMBA created study guides for each of the books.

YWP has a simple set of suggestions for these forums:

  • Use complete sentences -- these are not chat rooms but areas to express what you think about the books;
  • be civil and respectful; and
  • comment on each other's observations.

Here are some suggested guidelines from the GMBA committee for writing reviews in the forums:

  • Book reviews can be between 200 and 1,000 words in length;
  • Each review can include a brief descriptive summary but should outline why the book is appealing; and
  • Since YWP is all about writing, students should talk about the author's style and effectiveness and plot and character development.

Reviews and discussion on the forums also should touch on the quality of the following features:

For Nonfiction:

  • Authority and responsibility of the author
  • Organization
  • Writing style
  • Illustrations
  • Design
  • Documentation of sources

For Fiction:

  • Plot
  • Integration of background material
  • Pacing
  • Mood
  • Characterization
  • Point of view
  • Setting
  • Writing style
  • Theme

For Poetry:

  • Sound (rhyme, meter)
  • Imagery
  • Ideas

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