About the Book An illustrated notebook of definitions, diagrams, key concepts, and mnemonic devices geared to help middle school students learn about reading, writing, and the English language. Book Synopsis 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(TM) 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. From the Back Cover From the editors of BRAIN QUEST: America's #1 educational bestseller! This BIG FAT NOTEBOOK makes all the stuff you learn in school "SINK IN" with key concepts mnemonic devices definitions timelines and doodles to help you get BETTER GRADES! Including: Grammar Defining from Context Greek and Latin Roots Figurative Language Fiction and Non-fiction Genres Textual Analysis and Evidence Authorship Setting Plot Characters Theme Central Ideas and Arguments Researching Writing Arguments, Informative/Explanatory Texts, and Narratives