An introduction to our approach -- Why narratives matter: knowledge of purpose and contexts -- Thinking about the substance of stories -- Shaping the substance of stories -- Narrative nonfiction: writing about the self -- Narrative nonfiction as literary journalism: writing about others and the world -- Writing imaginative narratives -- Composing narratives with words and images -- How narrative can serve young people -- Appendix A: photographs and soundtracks -- Appendix B: unit from Boise State Writing Project.