Sketching Stories, Stretching Minds: Responding Visually to Literature

Sketching Stories, Stretching Minds captures the power of young people's visual responses to literature.

School Library Journal

Many educators use visual representation as one way of approaching a literary text. In Sketching Stories, Phyllis Whitin expands on this technique, systematizing it and showing how drawing can be used with literature in more complex ways. Whitin calls the technique "sketch to stretch," which she explains as a visual representation (or sketch) of a novel that extends, refines, and deepens (or stretches) a reader's awareness and appreciation of the work. The author has found, as I have, that readers' responses to literature are enriched when they approach the text in a variety of ways. Sketching Stories, Stretching Minds focuses primarily on Whiten's experiences with an academically talented class of seventh graders. But Whitin adds that students of all abilities and varying grade levels have responded well to her efforts. And she makes clear that this is only one of many possible approaches. This book offers a useful, enjoyable approach to literature beyond the standard book report.-Stephen Shroeder-Davis, VandenBerge Junior High, Elk River, MN

PHYLLIS WHITIN teaches language arts and children's literature courses at Wayne State University. She has spent twenty-five years working with children in settings ranging from preschool to middle school. Phyllis has a B.A. degree from Bates College, an M.A.T. from the University of New Hampshire, and a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. The National Council of Teachers of English named her a finalist for the Promising Researcher Award in 1994 for her doctoral research in visual response to literature. Phyllis' wealth of classroom experience gives her a sensitivity to the demands placed on classroom teachers. Her lively, interactive sessions offer practical activities and strategies that are based on solid research. She speaks regularly about her classroom work at NCTE, IRA, and NCTM conferences, as well as with other organizations both nationally and internationally.