Workman Publishing Everything You Need to Ace English Language Arts in One Big Fat Notebook

Everything You Need...in One Big Fat Notebook

by Jen Haberling (Editor), Elizabeth Irwin (Contributor)

It’s the revolutionary English language arts study guide just for middle school students from the brains behind Brain Quest.
    
Everything You Need to Ace English Language Arts . . .takes students from grammar to reading comprehension to writing with ease, including parts of speech, active and passive verbs, Greek and Latin roots and affixes; nuances in word meanings; textual analysis, authorship, structure, and other skills for reading fiction and nonfiction; and writing arguments, informative texts, and narratives.

The BIG FAT NOTEBOOK™ series is built on a simple and irresistible conceit—borrowing the notes from the smartest kid in class. There are five books in all, and each is the only book you need for each main subject taught in middle school: Math, Science, American History, English Language Arts, and World History. Inside the reader will find every subject’s key concepts, easily digested and summarized: Critical ideas highlighted in neon colors. Definitions explained. Doodles that illuminate tricky concepts in marker. Mnemonics for memorable shortcuts. And quizzes to recap it all.

The BIG FAT NOTEBOOKS meet Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and state history standards, and are vetted by National and State Teacher of the Year Award–winning teachers. They make learning fun, and are the perfect next step for every kid who grew up on Brain Quest.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Reference, Writing, Language, Teaching, School

512 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2016

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really does have everything you need to know about reading, writing, and understanding the English language. There are chapters about Grammar, Language, Reading Fiction and Non Fiction, and Writing. It covers the basics of sentence structure, clauses, and figurative language, and also explores plot structure, character development, textual analysis, and how to write a convincing argument and present the facts correctly.

Don't be fooled by the "middle school" label. This is information that most college students and adults have probably forgotten and would need to review (or learn for the first time because they missed it in grade school.) This would be a very helpful resource to anyone who wants to write, or who just wants to get better at understanding what they read.

I love the design of this book! It's so colorful and easy to read. It does not feel like a boring textbook at all. There is bright artwork on most pages that illustrates the information presented.

There are examples from famous books that are analyzed and explained. At the end of most sections, there is a little quiz where you can "Check Your Knowledge". There are even reading lists, with recommended books to read if you want more.

This book really does have everything!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Richard Stange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over all, this is a very good resource for quick and easy reference. Although it was meant for middle schoolers, I think it deserves a spot on a secondary educator’s bookshelf as well. It illustrates grammar, fiction, nonfiction, and writing.

The only part of it that made me chuckle was the idea of assigning Jane Eyre to a middle schooler. You only do that if you want to ruin reading for the child indefinitely! Other than that small nitpick, this is an excellent resource.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! I am definitely going to refer to this as a quick guide when teaching.

[Daily · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 30 years old I continue to learn from this work book. English is my first language but I have never felt confident in my speaking/writing/reading abilities. This workbook is helping me see the English language in a different perspective. It is very detailed, visually appealing, and easy to follow with good lessons at the end of each chapter. The workbook questions require you to think and be creative.

I would recommend this book to literally anyone.

[Ian]

WOW so this book really talks about everything about English and it kind of helps? cuz I forgot some basic English rules and stuff-

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It brought back good memories from secondary school language arts classes. I especially recommend it for ESL students. The book is very user friendly due to the format, comprehensible input, and interactive quizzes.

[Pineapplw · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's fine, nothing great, per say, but still good to study with.

[Velvet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for middle schoolers…and any adult in need of a refresher before a test. 😉🤗

[RoyK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it helped me become a better writer and a reader. Not only is this book a cheat key to survive SAS language arts, but it is also a fun way of learning grammar. The book contains everything we need to succeed and survive in SAS language arts. If you are struggling in language art class, I strongly suggest you read this book and you earn exceeding for the rest of your life.

[Lia P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The smart kid gives you their notebook, I love it
This book is advertised for middle schoolers, I would suggest to not listen to that advertisement. I been able to use this book for college and work as well if needed be. It’s helpful that you can work out different assignments. You just got to make sure to know the name of the topics you are doing.

[Jeanie Cullip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beneficial overview for my preparation for the Praxis Examination.

[Thompson McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything You Need To Ace Etnglish Language Arts in One Big Fat Notebook
Workman Kids
Workman Publishing
Hachette Book Group.
Illustrated by Kevin Jay Stanton and Nialleycat
2025
512 pages
ISBN: 9781523526055

This lifelong English teacher wishes this book existed when I had classes. Everything you need to know and much, much more! Perfect for reluctant readers and English class haters, with illustrations and colorful text boxes with important text highlighted.

This kids' (wink, wink) notebook on which the cover states, "Notes borowed from the smartest kid in the class" is the difference between a mediocre grade and an A+ in English Language Arts. In fact, it should be on every English teachers' bookcase, but even more so, a must for every backpack in the class.

From parts of speech and their jobs to writing complete sentences and later writing complete papers, this little (512 pages) notebook explains it all. Types of writing are explained and explored including opionion pieces, essays, and arguments. This is NOT a book you hand a kid and ask them to read. It IS a book that you can help kids navigate and LEARN. Each section has a check your answers or check you knowledge questions to help focus and restate learning.

If you know kids in middle school or teach them, please race to buy a class set of these problem solvers. This edition is one of seven in the "ace all of middle school! series.

So highly recommended! Every wannabe author needs this book as a shelf staple in their writing arsonal,
Grades 5 and up.

[Dawn Scheckman]

I have the whole series. Think they're great.
You can request that the publisher print pages in most any standard format - and perhaps get a "laminated' or whatever it's called version of your request, too. Which means they could make great posters or laminated desk cheat sheets.... but if you're reading this, the truth is out, I actually needed to get this particular book because I did not personally ace English Language Arts.

Update: on the copyright page (at least on the Computer Science book- which was what was within arms reach or I wouldn't be able to type this because I need the book in order to figure out how to turn on my computer-the Computer Science Book of this series) it states more specifically:

"Workman books are available at special discounts when purchased in bluk (typo left for posterity) for premiums and sales promotions, as well as for fund-raising or educational use. Special editions or book excerpts can also be created to specification. For details, contact the Special Sales Director at the address below or send an email to specialmarkes@workman.com." Update- that is the incorrect e-mail address. The correct email address is specialmarkets@workman.com (at your own risk, you should check and recheck your copyright page just in case).

Address:
Workman Publishing Co., Inc.
225 Varick Street
New York, NY, 10014-4381

[Rachelle Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This "Big-Fat NOTEBOOK" is one of a kind notebook, the notes inside this book will definitely "sink in". With diagrams and doodles that will help you understand English language arts in a faster and easier way. I think this notebook is essential for all the middle school students, sometimes you may even find things that your teacher hadn't explain at school. It also gives you tips on writing and explain the latin and greek roots of some English vocabularies.
Definitely worth to gives it a try.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the graphic presentation of this typically boring (to most people!) subject. It's well-organized to easily look up a topic and read its main points, with color highlighted vocab, definitions, important people/dates/terms. The chapters are: Grammar, Language, Fiction, Nonfiction, and Writing. I can now help my grandkids with their homework in LA! I will continue reading the series with Math, World History, and possibly even Computer Coding!

[Def not Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

English is one of my favourite subjects so when I saw this book in a stack of books my mum had purchased to help my brothers in their studies I was intrigued. I was not disappointed. This book was very informative, concise, and overall enjoyable. The poetry pieces they picked as examples for different poems were great, the layout of the chapters and lessons was easy to understand and kept you constantly captivated.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice general resource for middle schoolers, high schoolers, or middle school teachers in other content areas (sometimes students have questions, or need assistance).

Two notes:

1. Some of the book recommendations were not what I would recommend (wrong level, or just sort of boring).

2. Pronouns. Let's enter the 21st century and note that 'they' can mean one person (it has been used for ages when gender is unknown, so let's just let it be).

[Nguyễn Vy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tất nhiên là học sinh nước nói tiếng Anh sẽ thu lợi được cuốn sách này rõ nhất nhưng các em học sinh Việt cũng sẽ tìm được nhiều cái hữu ích trong cuốn sách này.
Unit 1-2 là thuần về ngữ pháp và gốc từ Tiếng Anh
Riêng mình, từ Unit 3 đổ đi đọc rất cuốn bởi vì nó giải thích tần tật tận các định nghĩa cơ bản vềvăn học (gồm cả fiction và non-fiction) cũng như hướng dẫn cảm thụ văn học hay tìm tòi học thuật ra sao

[Karthika · Rating 4 out of 5]

My six-word memoir: advanced grammar, appreciating fiction, non-fiction, colorful.

This book started with some advanced grammar concepts. The chapters on how to read and analyze fiction and non-fiction were terrific. The examples were from many classic books. It was both fun and educational. I loved the colors and annotations.

[Xulin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great English study material for an adult foreigner who had learnt grammar knowledge and reading and writing skills in his native language decades ago and thus go over all these again in his forties. He was very confused when he first meet the term “figure of speech” which he thought: what the heck is this? one person who is giving a speech?

[Jamie Gordy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great student friendly study help for middle school students. It would also be a great resource for teachers. It was a great refresher for being having been out of the ELA classroom for a couple of years.

[Ellen Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough examination and explanation of middle school language arts concepts. Presented in an easy-to-follow manner and with examples and simple quizzes, this book provides a basic look at the ideas one needs to master for effective reading and writing.

[Wsclai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really useful book, not only for students, but also teachers. It contains a lot of information about grammar, reading fiction and non-fiction and writing in different genres. The presentation is fun and attractive. The examples given are all easy to understand and illustrative.

[Lori Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good supplement to the English Language Arts curriculum for middle school students. It is missing the different types of conflict and information about symbolism but I liked it enough to buy a class set for my 6th grade students to use (pre-COVID)

[Chia-Yueh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of English basic grammars and core concepts of fictions, non-fictions and writing. An easy and interesting read for an English as a second language speaker like me. I've always interested in how American students learn English at school.

[Teresa Nguyen]

This book had some of the best fight scenes and best enemies to lovers development. However some character arcs didn't make sense such as the transition from nouns to suddenly different stories. A lot of filler arcs too

[Son Tung · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides comprehensive lessons about English language art. It helps me a lot in refining my writing skills and English grammar. As English is my second language, I am willing to share this book with anyone who struggles the same as me.

[Kecha Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has really helped my homeschool kids much more about the English language. Since they have taken out English this book helps them understand so much more. This is a good book to have for kids that are learning how to write paragraphs in school.

[Chloe Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

For an English book, this was actually a really fun read. I didn't dread reading it. It is clear and precise.
The pages are spaced in such a way that it's not overwhelming like most school books. Each page is filled with fun colors which more enjoyable and easier to focus.

[Natalie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it it tells you about most stuff about the English language almost finished it as well never known a book to be so good teaches you all the basic things you need to know about the the dictionary and and other amazing stuff