I found this book at my middle school library back when checking out a book meant writing your name on a card stuck in a pocket in the back. My name was on that card many times, before I finally got a copy of my own. It really is a guide for the beginner who is serious about writing. It is written for children, to their ability level and productivity level, but it is not patronizing. The Tchudis take seriously the child's desire to write, and write well, and give advice on gathering material, getting it down and editing. I would even recommend this to the adult who wants to write but doesn't know where to begin; its ease should be reassuring. In sum: methodical and inspirational.