Writing Radar
Using Your Journal to Snoop Out and Craft Great Stories
by Jack Gantos
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr) 2017
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- creativity
- writing process
- observation
- voice and style
- perseverance
- self-expression
- humor
- journaling
About this book
Award-winning author Jack Gantos shows kids how to turn everyday moments into great stories using a writer’s journal. With humor, true-life anecdotes, and step-by-step tips, he teaches observation, notetaking, structure, and revision in a friendly, down-to-earth way. Perfect for aspiring writers in upper elementary and middle school, it’s both a craft guide and a confidence booster. Kids enjoy Gantos’s funny voice, practical prompts, and the feeling that a great story might be hiding in their own lives.
Setting: real-world classrooms and everyday life, with anecdotes from the author’s experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Writing Radar right for my child?
Yes — Writing Radar is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include creativity, writing process, observation.
How long does it take to read Writing Radar?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Writing Radar takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 40,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Writing Radar have an AR quiz?
Yes — Writing Radar has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Writing Radar?
Writing Radar has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.