Books to Use with Feature Writing

If your journalism class is inside of the English Department at your school and you are required to incorporate books to meet reading standards, this would be a great unit to add a book. I have taught several different nonfiction pieces by journalists over the year. Recently, I have moved to literature circles. I present the students with several in-depth pieces. Then they get to pick which book they would like to read and discuss. All of the books, though different, still get at in-depth reporting. All of these books allow students to discuss ethics, reporting and interviewing, and storytelling. AND they and are engaging.

Most of the students in my class are seniors in high school. There is mature content in some of the books. I talk through the different books and content levels. Parents have access to the book list beforehand as well. Students pick what they are most comfortable with and what interests them. The biggest hit has been She Said.