Challenge: Author John Grisham advises people who want to become writers to read and read and read some more. Does he mean read everything novels, poems, magazine articles, movie reviews? What type of reading will most help a young person who intends to become a writer?
Outcome: Conduct a survey of teachers, adult friends and family members, and friends your own age. Ask them to identify five novels or other works that young people should read to help them prepare for a career in writing. Ask them to explain why they recommend each of the works they mention. When you have collected input from at least ten people, analyze the information and create a report based on the survey results. Make a list of "must reads" to share with your class.
The basics of grammar and vocabulary are very important, and you tend to take it for granted until you start trying to write. It is terribly important to read extensively. All writers I know -- virtually all writers I know -- are voracious readers. And that is preparation: The more you read the more you know. The more your imagination works, the more you read, and those are the tools of a good writer.
