Writing children’s nonfiction books or articles often involves gathering large amounts of research – and then using only a portion of it. But what if some of the unused information is too good to throw away? Don’t despair. Sidebars are a perfect way to include interesting tidbits that didn’t have a place in the main text.
Sidebars in children’s writing can do more than just put good information to use, though. They can help sell the writing. While readers of children’s nonfiction books and articles like the little “extras” that children’s writers offer, editors like them even more.
Below are some important tips and information to help children’s writers get better acquainted with sidebars, a useful tool for selling children’s nonfiction books and articles.
Definition and Types of Sidebars in Children’s Writing
Sidebars are short pieces of information that are self-contained and that relate to the main text. Information in a sidebar is often not included in the body of the article or book due to space limitations or because it isn’t central to the main idea. Sidebars are what they imply – sidelights.
Types of sidebars for children’s nonfiction books and articles include:
- A noteworthy anecdote
- An unusual fact
- A short list
- Advice from an expert
- A brief “how to”
- A simple craft
- A quiz or puzzle
- An easy recipe
- Contact information for further research
(Note: Sidebars in children’s writing are sometimes different from “activities,” such as games or detailed crafts and recipes, which may or may not accompany the main text.)
Sidebars are Welcome in Many Children’s Nonfiction Books and Articles
So who uses sidebars? Children’s magazine editors, for one. Sidebars can enhance magazine articles by giving kids an extra something to connect with that’s both quick and easy to read. Usually set off in boxes or different type, sidebars also add visual appeal for kids.
Many children’s nonfiction books also contain sidebars, particularly books that lend themselves to a variety of interesting facts or side stories. Book categories that are good candidates for sidebars include biographies and history books, books about science and nature, and technology books.
Writing Sidebars – Consistency and Length Important for Children’s Writers
Writing sidebars is much like writing any children’s nonfiction, the major goal being to bring life to the topic. A lively main text accompanied by a drab, sleepy sidebar won’t appeal to readers or editors. Although sidebars are separate from the main text, their style and tone should match.
Depending upon the length of the article or book chapter, sidebars in children’s writing are generally much shorter than sidebars in publications for adults. The reason? Kids have shorter attention spans and will be more apt to read a brief tidbit, say 50 to 100 words, than one that’s half a page long.
That being said, some sidebars can be longer and take up a good portion of a page. Oftentimes, editors will specify word counts for sidebars in addition to article or book word limits. Always check writer's guidelines for information about sidebars. It's a good idea to review previously published material for examples, too.
Writing sidebars for children’s nonfiction books and articles is a fun and productive way to make use of important information that didn’t find its way into the main text. Even better, sidebars can serve as a key selling point – something worth writing them for!
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
Join the Conversation