I'd like to purchase an APA style guide to use as a reference when writing papers. I've browsed online and can't decide which one will be of the most use to me. I don't think I need the full guide, a pocket guide should do. Really I'm looking for a guide which will detail citation style, references, and paper style. Something pretty simple, in other words. Does anyone have any person experience with a guide which might be of use?

I'd like to purchase an APA style guide to use as a reference when writing papers. I've browsed online and can't decide which one will be of the most use to me. I don't think I need the full guide, a pocket guide should do. Really I'm looking for a guide which will detail citation style, references, and paper style. Something pretty simple, in other words. Does anyone have any person experience with a guide which might be of use?
I teach APA in my eighth grade English class. All I do is Google APA every time I teach citing, quoting, quotation marks, etc. The rules for APA are not written in stone, so any book you buy will date itself. Some of the sites; however, are updated more frequently.

Thanks jmillerascs. I've been using Google searches so far, but I seem to do a lot better with a book in front of me! :) I've only got a few quarters left, so I know the material will be dated, but I thought if I could pick one up used for $15 or so it might be helpful. Do you have a particular website you prefer?

Have you checked the college bookstore? Sometimes they offer used books or there are students that post used books for sale. Did you check eBay? eBay - APA book, Textbooks, Education, Nonfiction Books items on eBay.com (http://books.search.ebay.com/APA-book_Books_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQfromZR40QQsacatZ267)

Thanks, shygrneyzs, but my classes are online, and the course material are ordered from a website. No college bookstore to check, unfortunately! I didn't check eBay because I figured I'd have the same trouble with Amazon, not being able to know the content of the book. I went to my local (regular) bookstore today, but they didn't have much except the full apa manual, which I think is a bit excessive. I might have to bite the bullet and buy one blindly! I might check out the library and see if I can pick a good one from there...

Thanks!

With eBay, you can contact the seller and ask whatever question you want about the book. Publication date, etc.

Hope you find what you need.

I'd like to purchase an APA style guide to use as a reference when writing papers. I've browsed online and can't decide which one will be of the most use to me. I don't think I need the full guide, a pocket guide should do. Really I'm looking for a guide which will detail citation style, references, and paper style. Something pretty simple, in other words. Does anyone have any person experience with a guide which might be of use?
I completely understand your preference for a real book in front of you, I tend to be that way, too. I just found that I'd teach something to my students, and realize later that the material I gave them was dated. My favorite site is "The Owl at Purdue"; I find it easy to navitage and accurate. Good luck as you wrap up your studies, Jillianleab.