Notebook Notions- The Early Review Round Up

Some initial reviews of my latest book -Notebook Notions sighted on various on line book platforms -Fishpond, Booktopia, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I am most gratified by these affirming responses. Let me tell you, I am happier than a dog with two tails...

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Karsan on February 15, 2026

'Alan's books have been a trusted companion in shaping how I support students’ writing through writer’s notebooks. Notebook Notions reminded me that writing must be lived, not just taught. Alan positions the notebook as more than a classroom tool... it’s a space for thinking, noticing and developing an authentic writing identity.

His message is clear: if we want students to see themselves as writers, teachers must also write alongside them. And I've don't exactly that! I love the “Consider” sections at the end of each chapter, which provide prompts that translate into writing lesson ideas. Alan encourages collecting ideas, observations and sentences which supports student voice, choice and experimentation. His approach connects to writing craft, sentence-level work and mentor text analysis, making notebooks a rich and creative space for learning.
Notebook Notions is practical and inspiring. It will further influence how I use notebooks in the classroom and how I encourage students to take risks, develop voice and see themselves as writers. I highly recommend Notebook Notions to any teacher who writes, any writer who teaches or anyone looking to reconnect with the joy and purpose of writing in the classroom... as educators, our goal should be to grow writers, not just writing outcomes.'

 


Flossie on February 16, 2026

'I loved this book -Notebook Notions. 
The authors' voice is strong and engaging. 
This book is for you if you are a writer, or you trying to be a better writer, or even if you don't write. It provides an insight into a writer's process in endeavouring to put their best words down on the page.

But most importantly if you are an educator ,a teacher of writing, reading, using this book will help grow the writing of your writing and that of your students.

To be a successful teacher of writing one must write oneself to understand the process in which all writers engage in order to write their best words on the page.

I have been an educator, and a Literacy Consultant working with teachers both is Australia and America. 
I wish this book, Notebook Notions had been available to me to influence my practice and to support teachers whom I coached.

Notebook Notions is a must read. It cannot but help grow your personal writing practice and thus that of your students.'


Amanda on February 8, 2026

'I have just finished devouring “Notebook Notions”, the latest gift to the world of writing from Alan J Wright, and loved it. Reading this book is akin to sitting in a wonderful, warm café, having an inspiring conversation with the writer and teacher you aspire to be. Alan’s stories of his own writing life and his sage advice on sharing that writing life with young authors are engaging and reflective. A must read for any teacher of writing!'


Lianne on February 15. 2026

'Alan j Wright’s Notebook Notions is a timely and much needed contribution to contemporary writing pedagogy. Echoing Montessori’s reminder to “model the behaviour you wish to see in your child,” Wright brings this principle vividly to life through both his philosophy and practice. 

His approach centres on genuinely honouring children’s ideas and voices, creating classrooms where writing is not just taught, but lived and modelled with authenticity. 

Notebook Notions is rich with ideas that help teachers re-energise writing instruction, encourage risk taking and foster positive attitudes toward writing among students. Grounded, accessible, and immediately applicable, this resource is an excellent addition to any educator’s toolbox - particularly for those looking to refresh their practice and inspire young writers with confidence and creativity.'


Alice on 13 February 2026

'I'm one of those people who still keeps a couple of notebooks on the go at once, along with notes on my phone.This great book has made me think further about my notebook and writing processes.'




Alan j Wright
https://www.alanjwrightauthorpoet.com/

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