The ability to write well is a key skill as children progress through school, to college and into fulfilling careers. But how can we best teach children in the middle school (aged 11-14) to write clearly, precisely and creatively? This useful guide is based on years of experience of teaching this age group. It offers bold, simple and successful advice for engaging children in writing. Packed with examples from the classroom, it includes ideas and exercises which will help steer children away from the maudlin, the sentimental, the unbelievable or the bland, and towards the harbour of strong, lively writing.