Creative Writing and Novel Study for Middle School : Mystery

In this class, students will read and discuss the Newberry Honor Award novel “Three Times Lucky” by Sheila Turnage. She is one of the premier authors in middle-grade mystery.  As they read, students will be writing and editing their own short mysteries.

Each week we will read a section of the novel, discuss it, and then apply what we are learning to the plotting of our own stories. Students will also write their own mystery story, workshop the other students' work, and then revise and present their own.  As the instructor, I will read, edit, and offer feedback on every story. Students and parents should understand that the teacher considers plagiarism as well as the use of generative AI in composition to be unacceptable.  Parents will be contacted if such a problem is suspected and no grade or feedback will be given. 

This is the perfect class for students who enjoy creative writing and are ready for an introduction to how to write it.

Students' stories will need to be "school" appropriate.  Stories with graphic language, sexual content, or graphic violence are not acceptable in the class.  In other words, all submitted stories need to be "pg." If you anticipate this being a problem, please contact me ahead of time. 

This is a discussion-intensive course that includes constructive criticism and editing of their peers. All students are expected to interact with respect and civility.  I understand that the topics and themes can be controversial and invite disagreement. However, kindness facilitates productive and persuasive conversation. 

If a student needs accommodations, I am more than willing to help. Learners will never be required to read aloud in class and are welcome to access the novel via audiobook. Please contact me before the semester begins to discuss your learner’s needs.