'Creating Writers', third edition, explores Spandel's effective 6-trait approach to writing. It provides clear guidelines on helping students draft, assess, and revise their writing, as well as explicit criteria to show students precisely what they must do to succeed as writers in virtually any situation, including state tests.
Someone in an Amazon.com review claimed that if he or she could only recommend one professional book, that it would be Spandel’s Creating Writers. I agree. If your professors were more interested in the politics of education than creating writers, then expose yourself to the multiple trait techniques. This book was a treat.
It's okay, but like Atwell, I feel like this is dumbing down the concept of writing so much that it becomes one step away from a standardized test. I'll probably end up using 6 Trait assessment someday, so I'll hold onto this, but it certainly isn't motivating or thrilling.
Excellent book on the 6-Trait Writing. She gives good explanations of each trait and has examples of student writing. I found it very useful and would reference it throughout the year.