In Text Structures from Nonfiction Picture Books, Kayla Briseño and Gretchen Bernabei unlock one of the secrets to teaching students to write well: make text structures visible, and invite students to try them. This practical book is jampacked with lively, high-engagement lessons that use beautiful and powerful picture books as a launchpad for excellent, well-crafted writing.

Carl Anderson, Writing consultant K-12, and author of Teaching Fantasy Writing: Lessons that Inspire Student Engagement and Creativity K-6 and How to Become a Better Writing Teacher (with Matt Glover).

Text Structures from Nonfiction Picture Books is an enlightening professional text that awakens wonder and curiosity for teachers and students. This easy-to-navigate (and implement!) resource invites classrooms to playfully explore high-quality texts while simultaneously scaffolding high-impact experiences where students deeply analyze texts. Kayla Briseño and Gretchen Bernabei share countless ideas for delving into the content of reading and writing, while weaving in just-as-essential “heart work” and human connection. I look forward to recommending this resource to all the wonderful teachers in my life!

Pam Koutrakos, Instructional coach, consultant, and author of Word Study That Sticks and Mentor Texts That Multitask

Finally!! Teachers finally have more tools at their fingertips to tackle nonfiction. Text Structures from Nonfiction Picture Books is a must-have resource for teachers. The book’s approach seamlessly integrates reading and writing instruction into a cohesive framework and should be a staple in teachers’ lessons.

Lesley Sallee, 5th grade ELA, San Antonio Academy

Bernabei and Briseño eschew the sage-on-the-page approach and invite educators of all grade levels to choose our own adventure in this compendium of non-fiction picture books and strategies. They provide structure and then encourage us to change their lessons to meet classroom needs. By empowering educators to take ownership of lessons, Bernabei and Briseño remind us to empower students to take ownership of their writing.

Kathrine Sullivan, English Teacher, Essex High School, Essex Jct., VT

A good professional book should feel fresh and inspiring —this one is both! I learned about an array of nonfiction picture books, snappy approaches to jump starting essays, and clear, organized lessons to help students grow. Right from the first page the book gave me a good check-in with the principles of excellent literacy instruction at any level.

Brett Vogelsinger, English Teacher

Not only does this book introduce its readers to powerful nonfiction picture books, it offers practical and engaging strategies to help our students better understand the abundant craft opportunities available in the world of nonfiction. This book invites us all to engage more deeply and intentionally with nonfiction picture books so that we can better understand our world and add our own stories to the rich tapestry of experience that nonfiction helps us weave.

Erin Vogler, English Teacher and Literacy Coach, Keshequa Central School, NY

Teach nonfiction like never before! Kayla Briseño and Gretchen Bernabei have packed Text Structures from Nonfiction Picture Books with innovative techniques that transform picture books into springboards for quick writes, kernel essays, and theme exploration—all while uncovering the craft and structure of informational texts. With this resource in hand, your students will be inspired to write alongside talented creators while deepening their understanding and sparking curiosity about the world around them.

Maria Walther, Ed. D., Traveling Teacher, Author, Literacy Consultant

My ninth graders had so much fun working with these texts. Bringing picture books into my secondary classroom allows us to examine craft moves and the organization of less complex texts as a way to prepare students to do more complex tasks. Using these lessons allows me to see who gets it and who needs more support before we move on. The Craft Moves prompted them to write insightfully and the Kernel Essays guided them to write structured yet personal pieces. What a powerful tool for high schoolers!

Amy Watkins, English teacher, Novi, Michigan