I read on a google group ( this is a school-oriented group):

Does anyone know of any books that would help me engage my 8th graders
in a meaningful way?  I'm trying to teach them about the writing
process on our way to writing a 5-paragraph essay.  They are very far
behind where they should be, but whenever I start to talk they zone
out.  They work well together, but I can't put them in groups until I
teach the basic skills.  I need to find a way to hold their interest
long enough to teach them what they need to know.  Are there any fun
songs or raps that would teach them what they need to know?  Thanks!

I answered with:

If getting the kids engaged is the problem, you should try more
interesting & relevant reading prompts.

But, while that's good textbook advice, it's often really hard to find
something to engage them. That's the $64 question.

Here's my advice: Listen to their chatter.  What are they talking
about?

Is it YouTube videos? Fine, engage them with a prompt about describing
what, for them constitutes,  a great original YouTube Video.

Is it video games?  Ditto.  Get them to write on whether a storyline
enhances or enriches gameplay in a video game (persuasive essay).
(BTW - there's no answer:  PacMan & Tetris & Breakout & Fancy Pants
are some of the great games but have no story line.  I won't even
begin to describe the great games with story lines.

Is it sports? Dancing?  Music? Family? Boys & girls?  American Idol?
You want them to write like they care, then the first step is to find
something that they care about.  It's a lot harder to get them to care
about what you think they should.

John - Assistant Curriculum Designer
Time4Writing.com