REVIEWS


In this comprehensive guide to teaching writ- ing, experienced educator Adrienne Gear in- vites teachers to ignore the “cherry picking” approach of “cute, glittery, one-off piece[s] of writing glued onto a turkey, haunted house or Valentine’s heart.” As an alternative, she of- fers her “brain pockets” model, which is de- signed around students’ personal knowledge, experience and imagination. What exactly are brain pockets? Gear


POWERFUL WRITING STRUCTURES: Brain Pocket Strategies for Support- ing a Year-Long Writing Program by Adrienne Gear Pembroke Publishers, 2020 197 pages, $32.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by JoAnne Formanek Gustafson


identifies three: the memory pocket, which stores our experiences; the fact pocket, which stores facts and information; and the imagi- nation pocket, where ideas and creativity reside. Gear’s program lays out how to use these within a balanced literacy program to help students develop a positive attitude to- ward writing and create personalized learn- ing goals for effective writing processes. Te model is premised on one clear idea:


that a student’s writing is a giſt to the reader if it is both clear and interesting. She stresses that “the reader is the most important part of your writing” and emphasizes this throughout instruction. Tis focus is echoed in the lessons and helps students connect to the audience. Te book includes mini-lessons for all types of writing, suggesting that teachers use


Tis graphic novel for middle-grade readers tells the story of Olivia “Livy” Siu Leen Tong, a young girl with anxiety whose parents im- migrated to Canada from Hong Kong. Te book was inspired by author Rosena Fung’s own story as an immigrant and aligns with the new mental health curriculum. Starting at a new school for Grade 6, Livy


feels anxious, nervous and sad all the time. She also starts to have panic attacks. It’s hard enough being the new girl, but then there is Viola, a purple, shadowy twin: the negative self-image in Livy’s head that only Livy can see and hear. Viola’s comments, which Livy tries hard to


LIVING WITH VIOLA by Rosena Fung Annick Press, 2021 272 pages, $24.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Marilena Murgan


ignore, are cutting: “First day Livy and you’re already a disaster,” says Viola. “No one likes the new kid, they’re talking about you!” “Aren’t you embarrassed?” Viola taunts. “Loser.” Livy talks openly about her feelings with


her mom, who admits that she does not have all the answers. She seeks medical help for Livy, who is diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder. Te doctor explains in relatable


terms what it means to have a panic attack and ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 45


a “write-aloud” approach to model the pro- cess. Gear’s “GUM It” strategy encourages students to give it a try, underline and move on, so that they can “focus on their ideas and not their spelling.” Students will enjoy the “Smokin’ Pencils” free-writing strat- egy, which invites playfulness into writing. Troughout the book, Gear provides sugges- tions for anchor books and mentor texts to stimulate rich discussion about stories, au- thors and writing. Writing conferences are a staple of assess-


ment and instruction. Gear reframes these so that instead of focusing on coaching (provid- ing specific comments and tips on a single piece of writing), conferences involve the student and teacher looking at several pieces together to notice and focus on the writer’s “strengths and stretches.” Te affordable price, practical content


and copy-ready resources make Powerful Writing Structures a must-have book for your classroom.


JoAnne Formanek Gustafson is a member of the Rainy River Occasional Teacher Local.


anxiety: “It’s when you get scared even when there isn’t anything frightening.” She also em- phasizes that anxiety will always be there, but there are coping strategies that can be learned to manage negative thoughts and feelings. Livy gets help through cognitive behav-


ioural therapy and some coping strategies such as anchoring, deep breathing and dis- traction, which are explained in detail. Te book includes a helpful glossary that


provides the phonetic pronunciation and English translation of Cantonese words used in the book, while Fung’s vibrant illustrations provide visual context. Living with Viola validates that scary and


sad feelings can become overwhelming, but also reassures readers that help is available. Tis well-craſted graphic novel is a conversa- tion starter that I recommend for all adults and children suffering from anxiety and for those who want to better understand some- one else who is struggling.


Marilena Murgan is a member of the York Region Teacher Local.


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