Applying the approach of ‘reading-as-a-writer’ to the craft of writing for young people, this textbook combines critical analysis, unique author-insight and practical application of ideas to give writers the skills to create successful fiction for youth audiences. Under the guidance of children’s author Elen Caldecott, compelling close readings dig deep into the construction of modern classics and contemporary middle grade, YA, picture books and more to explore how paragraphs, sentences and words engineer specific reader responses. Interviews with the author of the extracted work follow before each chapter rounds off with writing exercises that prompt writers to engage with techniques and ideas discussed.
Accessible and equipping writers with the valuable knowledge and skills to write in one of the fastest-growing fields in creative writing, Writing for Young People draws upon the works of prominent writers such as Jon Klassen, Patrick Ness, Liz Kessler, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and more. It also features:
- Author interviews covering topics such as their writing and editing process, their perspective on the analysis made of their work, and the book’s origin
- Discussion of vital craft techniques in novel-writing and editing including language, plotting, character construction, narrative time, worldbuilding, dialogue, cultural history, tropes and conventions
- Coverage of key contemporary issues that students, teachers and professional writers of fiction for youth audiences will encounter from archetypes, class and race, and transnational writing, to conceptions of childhood, environment, colonialism, power, coming-of-age and social justice
- Consideration of the role of wider literary and community landscapes in creating compelling texts
Light-hearted but intellectually rigorous and rewarding, the field of writing for youth readers has been waiting for this book.
By:
Elen Caldecott
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 236mm,
Width: 162mm,
Spine: 18mm
Weight: 460g
ISBN: 9781350413122
ISBN 10: 1350413127
Pages: 200
Publication Date: 05 February 2026
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Primary
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Permissions Introduction Cited Works Chapter One Section 1: This Is Not My Hat written and illustrated by Jon Klassen, A Critical Discussion.................................................................................... Cited Works Section 2: An Interview with Jon Klassen Section 3: This Is Not My Hat, Writing Exercises Chapter Two Section 1: Dave Pigeon, written by Swapna Haddow and illustrated by Sheena Dempsey, A Critical Discussion Cited Works Section 2: An Interview with Swapna Haddow Section 3: Dave Pigeon, Writing Exercises Chapter Three Section 1: The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski, A Critical Discussion Cited Works Section 2: An Interview with L.D. Lapinski Section 3: The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, Writing Exercises Chapter Four Section 1: October, October by Katya Balen, A Critical Discussion Cited Works Section 2: An Interview with Katya Balen Section 3: October, October, Writing Exercises Chapter Five Section 1: Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga, A Critical Discussion Cited Works Section 2: An Interview with Jasmine Warga Section 3: Other Words For Home, Writing Exercises Chapter Six Section 1: When The World Was Ours by Liz Kessler, A Critical Discussion Cited Works Section 2: An Interview with Liz Kessler Section 3: When the World Was Ours, Writing Exercises Chapter Seven Section 1: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness, A Critical Discussion Cited Works Section 2: An Interview with Patrick Ness Cited Works Section 3: The Knife of Never Letting Go, Writing Exercises Chapter Eight Section 1: Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, A Critical Discussion Cited Works Section 2: An Interview with Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Section 3: Ace of Spades, Writing Exercises Bibliography Index
Dr Elen Caldecott?is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Lancaster University, UK. She is the author of 12 novels and dozens of early readers for young people. Her debut novel,?How Kirsty Jenkins Stole the Elephant?(Bloomsbury, 2009) was shortlisted for the Waterstone's Children's Prize. Her most recent novel The Blackthorn Branch (Andersen 2022) was longlisted for the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing. Her website is https://elencaldecott.com/
Reviews for Writing for Young People: Critical Readings and Discussions on Craft
With a sharp eye for the nuances of children's literature and a deep understanding of the creative process, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in how stories shape and challenge our understanding of childhood, and beyond. A beautifully written guide to the art of writing for young people, and a must-read for aspiring authors and seasoned readers alike. * C.J. Skuse, Bestselling Author of the Sweetpea Series *
