A former student once wrote to Dave Winans, "Thanks for understanding that we're kids and yet not treating us like we are." With that sentiment in mind, Winans wrote Moondog Verse or what he refers to as one independent school teacher's manifesto and manual for teaching creative writing to middle schoolers. While offering advice on how to approach and treat students with respect, Moondog Verse provides lessons and exercises for creative writing assignments as well as thoughts and observations on how to excite young people about the writing process. Emphasizing the use of good models, relevant topics, and personal experience as resource, Moondog Verse encourages teachers to set high standards while allowing students the opportunity to express their ideas and feelings about themselves and the world around them.