Committed to the premise that all students can learn to write with appropriate teaching, modelling, and practice, this thoughtful book argues that reading and writing go hand in hand. Through reading, writing, and the inevitable discussions that follow, students learn from the experiences of others, open their minds to possibilities, make connections to their lives, and reflect on their choices and learning. This practical book shows you how to use freewriting and powerful mentor texts to create classrooms where students enjoy putting pencil to paper and taking the necessary risks to grow and flourish as writers.