Own your story. One word at a time.
Stacked. Styled. Unstoppable.
By Emma Snow Illustrated by Ed Simkins
WordStackers is a creative writing companion for writers aged 9 and up that explores how words build worlds – shaping feeling, flow and meaning one choice at a time. It’s packed with colour and energy – a book that turns grammar into play and word choice into power.
Beautifully illustrated by Ed Simkins, every page makes language visual and alive. Complex ideas click through bold, memorable imagery that does the explaining for you – so even the trickiest concepts suddenly make sense. Printed in full colour with a striking, student-friendly design, it’s as inspiring to look at as it is to learn from.
Each section begins with either a Mentor Text (a modelled example of powerful writing) or a Can You Feel the Flip? moment, where readers test how one tiny change can twist tone and change emotion. You feel it first, then unpack why it works – that’s the WordStackers way.
Meet The Shifters, The Describers, The Tuners, The Proxies and the rest of the Stack Pack – nine lively word teams that show how every part of speech brings its own style and story power.
Then comes the fun part – using your Stack Kit:
• StyleStackers – craft moves that shape rhythm and give your sentences their edge
• StoryHacks – quick fixes that unlock ideas and push your story forward
• RuleStacks – solid basics that keep your sentences standing strong
• StretchStacks – daring challenges to level up your writing and do what real writers do
• WordStacker Takeaways – small-but-mighty reminders of the big ideas
How to use WordStackers
However you like.
Stuck mid-sentence? Flip to a WordStack and grab a spark.
Draft done? Rework your words – make them sharper, stronger, more alive.
Just playing? Dip in anywhere and test the craft moves.
Part handbook, part word bank, WordStackers reveals the tricks of the trade that writers use to shape meaning and mood, guiding readers to see how grammar, craft and rich vocabulary work together to show what real writers do and how words hold their power.
It’s a book for teachers as much as for young writers – a resource that blends creativity with clarity. Fully aligned with the 2025 DfE Writing Framework, it turns the explicit teaching of grammar into something purposeful and inspiring. Through its effect-first approach, students learn how language choices shape readers’ reactions – developing control, awareness and confidence as they write with intention. Along the way, they gain the courage to experiment and the joy of seeing their writing come alive.
WordStackers is the first book in the Stackers Series – to be followed by SentenceStackers and StoryStackers – a complete set designed to help young writers master words, sentences and stories step by step. It will also be joined by The Teacher’s Companion, a practical guide that brings the pedagogy behind WordStackers to life – packed with ready-to-use worksheets, teaching ideas and creative ways to make every classroom a place where stories thrive.
A playful, language-rich resource that reignites creativity in the classroom – turning even hesitant writers into curious storytellers.
Stack words. Shape worlds. Build the story.
