Final Drafts: The Best Writing of Mr. Murphy's 2018-2018 Third Grade Students

by Paul Murphy

Final Drafts is an anthology of student writing from the 2017-2018 school year. Students in Mr. Murphy's third-grade class in Charlotte, Michigan wrote the pieces, edited them with their teacher's and peers' assistance, and selected the writing they were most proud of for inclusion in this book. The writing faithfully represents where each student was in his or her development as a writer. Genres include persuasive, narrative, and informational writing. You'll read what third-graders think of school vending machines, which season is the best, and whether or not it was a good idea to expand the local Dairy Queen. You'll also read about indelible memories, from good times with family and friends to sadder times of pain and illness. You'll be informed about animals you may know little about and places you've never been to. Final Drafts represents a year's worth of writing, but more importantly, it captures students' thoughts and feelings at a time of tremendous development and transformation in each of their lives. Proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Charlotte Schools Employees Scholarship Fund, which gives money to selected graduating Charlotte seniors to help with the cost of college.

168 pages, Paperback

Published July 26, 2018

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Paul Murphy is a third grade teacher in Michigan with 20 years of experience. His books focus on improving the lives of teachers, both inside the classroom and out. He enjoys reading, writing, travel, exercise, and Cheetos. His feet are perpetually cold, he bites his nails, and he regularly (and almost instinctively at this point) changes the lyrics to songs to make them more inappropriate, much to the chagrin of his wife and daughter.

You're still reading? Why?

Well then, in that case, there are a few good things about him. He does all of his family's grocery shopping, he rarely exceeds his monthly budget, and he's only had two cavities and one speeding ticket in his life.