Writing & Research Tools
FHS Writing & Research Resources
In addition to the other pages in this section, you may find some resources to support you in your writing and research tasks below.
NoodleTools Research Framework (Includes Citation Generator, Digital Note/Index Cards, & Outline Support)
NoodleTools is an online research management platform that promotes critical thinking and authentic research. Stay organized as you evaluate information, build accurate citations, archive source material, take notes, outline topics, and prepare to write. NoodleTools gives students a systematic but flexible framework for navigating the tangled web of research. Students develop expert critical-thinking skills, gain confidence, and replace patchwriting and plagiarism with synthesis.
To access NoodleTools, either click the "Google" button on the NoodleTools login screen
or click the button below. You may view a short tutorial that can help students and teachers understand how NoodleTools access works. Note: The first time users log in to NoodleTools through Google SSO, they will see an intermediate screen that allows them to either (a) create a brand new empty account or (b) link their Google ID to a pre-existing account they had before. If they choose (b), then they'll be prompted for that old ID and password one more time to link it up.
Pleasanton Library Resources
You may use your Student One Card (your Student ID Card) to access the Pleasanton Library's digital resources. Your username is your student ID number. Returning students' keep their existing PIN (the preset PIN was previously 2020, but you are encouraged to reset your PIN).
Pleasanton Library Research Resources
Pleasanton Library Digital Student Center
Pleasanton Library Teen Services
Teen Writing Platforms
Underlined
Specially tailored for the teen reader/writer, Underlined is a community dedicated to reading and writing stories online. On this addictively fun platform, users can rate stories by whether they made them laugh, blush, cry, or just say “wow.” The site frequently runs contests and features work from well-known authors and editors who sometimes drop in for Figment chats with the site’s community.
Wattpad
The largest online reading platform, Wattpad is considered the YouTube of writing because it allows authors to share their work with the world. Well-known writers such as Margaret Atwood and Cory Doctorow even post their work here. Teens can find and follow their favorite authors and release their own works as serial novels. Access to an audience in the millions — the site has 25 million members, and that number is always growing — has led to big-name book deals for successful Wattpad authors.
Teen Ink
Supported by the nonprofit Young Authors Foundation, Teen Ink is the twenty-five-year veteran in the fostering-teen-writers game. The magazine, book series, and website are devoted entirely to writing, art, and photos by teens. It’s also a go-to for teens interested in writing and publishing nonfiction essays and articles as well as poetry.
Teen Ink has no staff writers; they depend completely on students to send writing, art, and photos. There is no charge to submit or be published. All submissions will be considered for publication in Teen Ink’s print magazine and website. Go to http://www.teenink.com/submit#submitworkTabs
One Teen Story
Each issue in this nonprofit’s monthly magazine features one short story about the teen experience, usually from a known young adult author. Teens drawn to the short story form can also submit their work for consideration in an annual issue that features a story written by a teen for teens.
NaNoWriMo
Short for National Novel Writing Month, NaNoWriMo is an awesome thirty-day adventure for any writer, but teens might be especially inclined to join. In November, would-be novelists the world over attempt to write a 50,000-word (or more, if they can do it) book in thirty days. For teens with pressing homework demands, the Young Writers Program might be a better fit, as it allows authors to set their own word-count goal to meet before the month is out.
Tumblr
The blogging platform is of course a wonderful place for self-expression, but it also doubles as a go-to for young literary enthusiasts, bookworms, and those in need of some writing motivation. Some to check out: The Writer’s Helpers (for advice on everything from grammar to plot), Writing Prompts (writing prompts presented in visual ways by a ninth-grade teacher), and John Green’s Tumblr (the Tumblr account of YA author John Green, which is fun and inspiring).
Write the World
This is a site committed to the improvement of the writing of high school students via a global online community and guided interactive process. Young writers are encouraged to find their voices in writing, polish their editing, and publish on an international platform. Write the World also aids students in developing tools that will aid them in writing and communication for success in school, career, and life. It is geared toward high school use for poetry slams and writing competitions. (AASL, 2017)