8 Handwriting Books That Experts Like Miranda Sanchez Trust

Recommended by Miranda Sanchez, Executive Editor at IGN, and other handwriting specialists for practical and motivational Handwriting Books.

Miranda Sanchez
Updated on June 25, 2025
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What if the way you write by hand could unlock more than just neat notes? In a world increasingly dominated by keyboards and screens, the art of handwriting still holds surprising power — from boosting memory to expressing creativity uniquely. Experts like Miranda Sanchez, who oversees editorial content at IGN and has a passion for stationery, have highlighted select books that nurture these timeless skills.

Miranda Sanchez's recommendation of The Lost Art of Handwriting reflects her belief in the value of rekindling penmanship with thoughtful practice. Alongside her, specialists who develop educational workbooks and handwriting instructors emphasize books combining technique with motivation, such as Small Print Handwriting Workbook for Adults and The 7 Steps to Elegant Cursive Handwriting. These authors bring deep knowledge and practical methods tested by learners of various ages.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific handwriting goals—whether improving cursive fluency, mastering Russian script, or exploring forensic handwriting analysis—might consider creating a personalized Handwriting book that builds on these insights. This approach bridges expert guidance with your unique learning journey.

Best for reviving penmanship skills
Miranda Sanchez, Executive Editor at IGN and a stationery enthusiast, highlights this book for anyone looking to rekindle a connection with handwriting. She recommends pairing the book with tracing paper to fully engage with Brenna Jordan's guided exercises and notes that exploring additional cursive fonts online can complement the styles presented. Miranda's endorsement reflects its practical value for those eager to develop their penmanship and appreciate handwriting as a meaningful, expressive skill.
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Recommended by Miranda Sanchez

Executive Editor at IGN, stationery enthusiast

@gUyDyN The Lost Art of Handwriting: Rediscover the Beauty and Power of Penmanship! I'd recommend getting tracing paper with it. I'd also say if you don't love the style in the book it's helpful to look at cursive fonts online, but I generally really like this book. (from X)

2019·192 pages·Handwriting, Penmanship, Cursive Writing, Calligraphy, Creative Expression

After years of studying calligraphy and penmanship, Brenna Jordan developed this book to revive handwriting's enduring value in a digital world. You learn how to refine your letterforms, master cursive connections, and choose styles that reflect your personality while maintaining clarity. The book walks you through historical context, stroke sequences, and practical exercises, such as tracing worksheets and prompts, to steadily improve your skills. If you want to boost focus, memory, and creative expression through writing by hand, this book offers a thoughtful approach without overwhelming you.

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Best for engaging young cursive learners
Simple Learning is dedicated to providing engaging educational materials for children, focusing on enhancing learning through fun and interactive methods. Their expertise shines through in this cursive handwriting workbook, which balances structured practice with engaging content designed specifically for kids aged 8 to 12. This blend of instruction and playful elements aims to make learning cursive both effective and enjoyable for young learners.
2022·115 pages·Handwriting, Child Education, Cursive Writing, Letter Formation, Writing Practice

Unlike most handwriting books that focus solely on repetitive drills, this workbook by Simple Learning combines detailed letter guides with playful elements like jokes and illustrations to keep kids engaged. You learn how to form cursive letters and connect them smoothly into words and sentences, all designed for children aged 8 to 12. The large format and structured practice space make mastering cursive approachable, while the fun content helps sustain motivation. If you're looking to help a child develop neat, fluent cursive handwriting with a mix of instruction and enjoyment, this workbook fits that need well.

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Best for personal handwriting plans
This AI-created book on handwriting mastery is crafted based on your handwriting background, skill level, and the specific techniques you want to improve. You share your goals and areas of focus, and the book is written to match your individual needs. This tailored approach helps you navigate the complexities of penmanship more effectively than general guides, giving you targeted exercises and insights that align with your personal learning journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Handwriting, Handwriting Fundamentals, Letter Formation, Pen Grip, Writing Posture

This tailored book explores advanced handwriting techniques and exercises designed specifically for your background and handwriting goals. It delves into penmanship fundamentals while addressing your unique interests, offering a personalized pathway to elevate your writing style and fluency. Through carefully selected practices, it reveals methods to refine letter formation, improve writing consistency, and develop a confident hand suited to your needs. By combining expert knowledge with your individual learning profile, this book creates a focused and engaging experience that nurtures mastery over handwriting. Its tailored content matches your skill level and preferences, ensuring you gain the most relevant guidance to transform your penmanship effectively.

Tailored Guide
Penmanship Enhancement
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for mastering elegant cursive style
Ricca's Garden is a renowned author specializing in handwriting improvement. With a passion for teaching the art of cursive writing, Ricca has developed comprehensive workbooks that guide learners through the intricacies of beautiful penmanship. Her books are designed to inspire creativity and enhance fine motor skills, making handwriting a joyful and rewarding experience.
2023·118 pages·Handwriting, Penmanship, Cursive Writing, Fine Motor Skills, Creative Expression

What if everything you knew about cursive handwriting was wrong? Ricca's Garden, a dedicated handwriting specialist, challenges common assumptions by offering a clear, encouraging path to mastering elegant penmanship. This workbook guides you through seven distinct steps, from basic letterforms to sophisticated flourishes, helping you develop a unique style that reflects your personality. You’ll find practical reminders sprinkled throughout to keep your progress steady and enjoyable, with downloadable practice pages to reinforce skills. Ideal for anyone eager to improve fine motor control and creativity through a timeless, meditative craft.

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Best for adult cursive improvement
Molly Suber Thorpe, a professional calligrapher since 2009, has taught thousands through her books and workshops. Her passion for helping others master script penmanship shines through in this workbook, which offers a clear path from basic letter formation to fluid cursive writing. Her expertise ensures that whether you’re a teen or adult, beginner or refining your style, you’ll find guidance tailored to your needs.
2022·206 pages·Handwriting, Penmanship, Cursive Writing, Practice Exercises, Letter Formation

Molly Suber Thorpe, a professional calligrapher since 2009, channels her teaching expertise into this workbook designed to elevate your cursive handwriting. You’ll progress from mastering individual letters to connecting words smoothly, with attention to posture, pen grip, and even tips for left-handers. The book’s structured exercises and over 150 practice sheets guide you through common words, sentences, and envelope addressing, making it ideal whether you’re starting fresh or refining your style. Its focus on American cursive ensures practical relevance, especially for students and adults aiming for legible, elegant script.

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Best for adult penmanship and motivation
Leslie Mars is an author dedicated to improving handwriting skills through engaging workbooks. With a focus on motivational quotes and positive affirmations, her work aims to inspire confidence and self-improvement in adults and children alike. This background informs her approach in this workbook, which combines practical handwriting exercises with uplifting content designed to encourage daily practice and personal growth.
2023·139 pages·Handwriting, Self Improvement, Motivation, Penmanship, Confidence Building

Leslie Mars brings a thoughtful approach to handwriting improvement that goes beyond penmanship alone. This workbook intertwines skill-building exercises with motivational quotes from historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Martin Luther King, encouraging not only neater writing but also greater self-confidence. You’ll find carefully designed practice sheets with optimal font size, directional arrows, and space for both left- and right-handed writers, making it accessible and practical. The inclusion of positive affirmations and open-ended questions adds a unique dimension, helping you develop a mindset that supports consistent improvement. This is ideal if you want a handwriting guide that nurtures both technique and personal growth.

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Best for personalized daily plans
This custom AI book on handwriting practice is created based on your background and specific handwriting goals. By sharing your current skill level and the areas you want to improve, you receive a book tailored to focus on daily exercises that fit your needs. Tailoring makes your practice more effective by addressing what matters most to you, helping you progress faster without unnecessary content. This personalized approach bridges expert knowledge with your unique learning journey, making handwriting improvement more accessible and rewarding.
2025·50-300 pages·Handwriting, Handwriting Basics, Letter Formation, Cursive Writing, Fine Motor Skills

This personalized handwriting book offers a focused pathway to refine your penmanship through carefully tailored daily exercises. It explores core handwriting principles while emphasizing rapid skill development matched to your background and goals. By engaging with targeted practice routines, you deepen your understanding of letter formation, consistency, and speed in a way that aligns precisely with your interests. The book combines the wisdom of established handwriting techniques with a personalized approach, making your improvement journey both efficient and motivating. Whether you aim to enhance cursive fluency or regain confident writing, this tailored guide addresses your specific needs and accelerates your progress with daily, manageable practice.

Tailored Guide
Skill Refinement
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for fun handwriting practice for kids
Growing Minds Press focuses on delivering educational materials that blend learning with engagement. Their expertise in crafting workbooks with corresponding animated resources underpins this handwriting practice book, designed to supplement classroom instruction or serve homeschooling families. Their commitment to high-quality, fun resources shapes this workbook’s appeal for young learners developing foundational writing skills.
2021·171 pages·Handwriting, Penmanship, Sentence Formation, Sight Words, Vocabulary Building

When Growing Minds Press developed this workbook, the goal was to make handwriting practice enjoyable for young learners by combining penmanship with playful sentence creation. You’ll find over 200 sight words integrated into activities where children roll dice to form silly sentences, then practice writing them neatly on lined paper. This approach not only reinforces letter formation but also encourages sentence structure and vocabulary use, making handwriting less of a chore and more of a creative exercise. If your child thrives on interactive learning that weaves fun with fundamentals, this workbook can be a helpful tool to sustain their interest and improve writing skills.

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Best for learning Russian cursive writing
Smart Kids Press, known for creating engaging educational materials for children, teams up with illustrator Inna Perelmuter to deliver a workbook that makes learning Russian cursive approachable and enjoyable. Their combined focus on clarity and creativity shapes this resource, designed to help both kids and adults gain solid handwriting skills in Russian through well-structured exercises and appealing visuals.
2021·108 pages·Handwriting, Language Learning, Russian Alphabet, Cursive Writing, Letter Formation

What started as a mission by Smart Kids Press to make learning Russian accessible and fun became a workbook that guides you through mastering Russian cursive with clear, stepwise instruction. This workbook offers 108 pages of exercises that include tracing and independent writing of upper and lowercase Cyrillic letters, enriched by illustrations and English translations to anchor your understanding. You learn not only letter forms but simple words and their sounds, which helps if you’re a beginner or teaching kids. The practical layout, including lined pages and sound guidance, makes it a solid tool for anyone aiming to improve their Russian handwriting skills.

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Best for forensic handwriting analysis enthusiasts
Michelle Dresbold, a graduate of the United States Secret Service's Advanced Document Examination training program, is considered one of the nation's leading experts on handwriting identification and threat analysis. Drawing from her extensive consulting work with law enforcement and private attorneys, she offers readers a rare glimpse into the psychological secrets hidden in handwriting. Her unique expertise underpins the book’s detailed examination of handwriting traits connected to personality and criminal behavior.
285 pages·Handwriting, Personality Profiling, Forensic Analysis, Behavioral Psychology, Criminal Profiling

When Michelle Dresbold first trained with the United States Secret Service's Advanced Document Examination program, she uncovered how handwriting reveals much more than mere words. This book teaches you to decode personality traits, detect deception, and understand behavioral patterns through handwriting analysis, drawing on real examples from notorious criminals and public figures. You’ll explore unique handwriting markers like "shark's teeth" and "felon's claws," learning to spot warning signs in everyday writing. If you're intrigued by forensic psychology or want sharper insight into human behavior, this book offers a specialized toolkit, though casual readers might find its forensic depth more than they need.

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Conclusion

Across these eight books, clear themes emerge: handwriting mastery thrives when combining structured practice with personal motivation, whether for children learning cursive or adults refining style. For those eager to develop elegant penmanship, The 7 Steps to Elegant Cursive Handwriting offers a clear path, while Modern Cursive Handwriting suits teens and adults aiming for practical script skills.

If you face challenges engaging young learners, Handwriting Practice Made Fun and Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Kids Ages 8-12 present playful yet effective methods to sustain interest. Meanwhile, readers drawn to specialized subjects may find Russian handwriting practice workbook or Sex, Lies, and Handwriting opening new doors into language learning and forensic analysis.

For a more customized approach, you can create a personalized Handwriting book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These carefully chosen books can help you accelerate your learning journey and deepen your connection to the craft of handwriting.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with The Lost Art of Handwriting if you want a thoughtful, approachable guide to rekindling your penmanship. It balances history, technique, and exercises that suit most skill levels.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Handwriting?

Not at all. Books like Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Kids Ages 8-12 and Handwriting Practice Made Fun are designed for beginners, making learning engaging and accessible.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Sex, Lies, and Handwriting dives into forensic theory and analysis, while Modern Cursive Handwriting and Small Print Handwriting Workbook for Adults emphasize practical exercises for skill-building.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals. For elegant cursive, try The 7 Steps to Elegant Cursive Handwriting. For language-specific cursive, Russian handwriting practice workbook is ideal.

What makes these books different from others on Handwriting?

These titles are recommended by experts like Miranda Sanchez and blend practical guidance with motivational and creative elements, ensuring a well-rounded approach to handwriting improvement.

Can I get handwriting guidance tailored to my unique goals?

Yes! While these books offer solid foundations, you can also create a personalized Handwriting book that adapts expert techniques to your specific interests and skill level.

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