Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street by Roni Schotter

This book is a great way to introduce the idea of having a writer's notebook and observing the world around you as a writer(actual author) would. A young girl sits on her stoop in New York City thinking that there is nothing to write about. She meets people on the street and

begins noticing the small events and their connections to each other. Through her writing, she brings lively characters together, shares many tips for young writers, and a heartwarming story unfolds with a happy ending. 

Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street by Roni Schotter provides a strong mentor text that demonstrates and illustrates tips for young writers. Eva thinks she has nothing to write about until her neighbors give her friendly advice: 

• Mr. Sims, an out of work actor, says, “The whole world’s a stage – even 90th Street – and each of us plays a part."
• Mr. Morley, a pastry chef shares, “Try to find the poetry in your pudding...There’s always a new way with old words.”
• “Stretch...Use your imagination. If your story doesn’t go the way you want it to, you can always stretch the truth. You can ask, ‘What if?’ and make up a better story." This is the advice given to young Eva from a dancer, Alexis Leora.
• Mrs. Martinez, the cook, tells Eva to “Add a little action...Like soup. A little this. A little that. And don’t forget the spice. Mix it. Stir it. Make something happen. Surprise yourself!”

All these characters she sees on 90th street help Eva to find her story and she ends up writing an engaging story about 90th street. When she started, she thought nothing ever happened there, until she found the details in the characters on the street and realizes that quite a bit happens on 90th street.