Time to learn about leads and opening lines of well-written stories.
The first lines of a story use the just right words to give a reader a quick peek at the character[s], setting, and story line.
The opening lines must hook a reader. The lead is filled with power to keep the reader turning the page. Coax the reader to continue reading.
A writer must spend time crafting a compelling opening to support all of the hard work of planning, researching, writing, and rewriting a manuscript. These first words help to shape a story.
"The lead must do real work."
--Wiliam Zinsser
How can a writer bring color and cadence to one's story idea through a carefully crafted opening line?
My students and I begin by examining mentor texts. Recently published books are studied and analyzed. Students are encouraged to read like a writer.
As an educator, I need to support students in understanding the lead sentence--the opening sentence, and how it must compel the reader to continue.
Together let's take a look at three nonfiction picture books.
"If I don't like the opening sentences, I put the book back
[on the shelf]--even if I like another book by that author."
--Peter, 5th grader
--Peter, 5th grader
Together let's take a look at three nonfiction picture books.
 |
| THE PEACE TREE FROM HIROSHIMA THE LITTLE BONSAI WITH A BIG STORY Written by Sandra Moore Illustrated by Kazumi Wilds |
"I was born nearly four hundred years ago on the island of Miyajima. As I pushed up through the dirt, I saw my reflection in the mountain lake."
 |
| PAPER SON THE INSPIRING SOTYR OF TYRUS WONG, IMMIGRANT AND ARTIST Written by Julie Leung Illustrated by Chris Sasaki |
Does this opening line, written by Julie Leung, capture your interest?"Before he became an artist named Tyrus Wong, he was a boy named Wong Geng Yeo who traveled with his father across a vast ocean to America, clutching a bundle of papers in his hand."
 |
| LITTLE LIBRARIES, BIG HEROES Written by Miranda Paul Illustrated by John Parra |
This opening line, by Miranda Paul, includes two sentences and a page turn.
"For thousands of years, people have loved stories about heroes.
Mythical heroes, historical heroes, and
even . . . "
All three of these leads use the element of "show, don't tell". Each book depicts sensory images. Color and cadence are used in the opening lines. Do you note specific nouns and strong verbs?
Additionally, I note the three authors' voices included many of the Five Ws. The illustrator, too, incorporated images to support the opening lines.
TITLE
|
WHO?
|
WHAT?
|
WHEN?
|
WHERE?
|
WHY?
|
THE PEACE TREE
|
Through pictures: an inanimate object |
Through words, “As I pushed up through the dirt, . . .” Through pictures: a tiny seedling pushed its way through the soil | Through words, “. . . nearly four hundred years ago . . .” |
Through words: “ . . . on the island of Miyajima.” Through pictures: In a forest |
Through pictures: a tiny seedling with a big story |
PAPER SON
|
Through words, “. . . an artist named Tyrus Wong . . . Through pictures: Father & son aboard a ship |
Through words, “ . . . an artist named Tyrus Wong, . . .” Through pictures: Immigrant, Tyrus & his father |
Through pictures: People aboard a ship from years ago. |
Through words: . . . “Across a vast ocean to America, . . . “ Through pictures: Immigrants aboard a ship from years ago |
Through pictures & words: An implied theme of immigration to seek better opportunities |
LITTLE LIBRARIES
|
Through pictures: heroes | Through words, “. . . people have loved stories about heroes.” Through pictures: heroes |
Through words, “For thousands of years,. . .” |
Through pictures: An implied location of everywhere. | Through words: “. . . Throughout the years, people have loved stories about heroes.” |
An opening line may:
Keep the reader wondering, inquisitive, and wanting more.
In the comments below share and write a compelling first line from a nonfiction book to be eligible to win a hand-crafted bookmark painted with watercolors. If you follow the instructions, I'll put your name in a hat and draw two winners. U. S. mail only.
I will announce the lucky winners on the next GROG Blog, March 25th. Good luck.
1. Write the lead that compelled you to read further.
2. Include the the title of the book, the author, the illustrator, and the publication date
[2015-2020].
3. Remember to include your name and email address.
- Begin with a question.
- Start with a fascinating fact.
- Share an enticing andecdote.
- State a quote.
- Dive immediately into action.
- Start off with a conversation that includes dialogue.
- Depict a memorable image.
Keep the reader wondering, inquisitive, and wanting more.
###
In the comments below share and write a compelling first line from a nonfiction book to be eligible to win a hand-crafted bookmark painted with watercolors. If you follow the instructions, I'll put your name in a hat and draw two winners. U. S. mail only.
I will announce the lucky winners on the next GROG Blog, March 25th. Good luck.
1. Write the lead that compelled you to read further.
2. Include the the title of the book, the author, the illustrator, and the publication date
[2015-2020].
3. Remember to include your name and email address.
Post script thoughts: During this time, with many schools closed, I note many generous folks sharing read alouds, story time, activities, drawing tips, writing lessons, and more online. Thank you bloggers, authors, illustrators, etc. for encouraging children to avoid "The Spring Slide".
Want more information? Click on Avoid the Spring Slide to find a list of links. I will continue to update the post with more resources overtime.
May our children continue to learn, grow, stay engaged and be healthy.
