June 11 @ 7:00 pm - June 13 @ 7:00 pm
Online
$59Overview
A Two-Night Mini Online Course
Chapter books and chapter book series engage kids with relatable characters, engaging plots, and age-appropriate stories. Join Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen to build your knowledge about the beloved genre of chapter books to write a story that resonates. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, but loads of information.
- Tuesday, June 11 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Thursday, June 13 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
- Recordings available until July 31, 2024
Why This Workshop?
Chapter books provide new readers with new worlds! Kids love chapter books because they can engage in longer stories with meaningful connections to conflicts, resolutions, and a wide range of vocabulary. They also love chapter book characters who stand out for their personalities and passions.
Join celebrated chapter book (and picture book) author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen to learn and discuss:
- What makes and takes a book from story to “chapter book,”
- How to develop a character (and characters) that readers will care about,
- Ways to build worlds inside the pages of a chapter book,
- And more!
Additionally, Sudipta will provide writing exercises for you to try on your own to help expand on your ideas for chapter books.
Feedback Expected
- None is included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You’ve got an idea for a chapter book (and/or chapter book series). You’ll get an in-depth look at the elements needed to develop a strong chapter book.
- You’re a picture book or middle grade author. Curious about whether you can write a chapter book? We’ll help you find out.
- You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart! This is not a full workshop; they are short sessions meant to build your understanding of the chapter book form.
Tentative Agenda
At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.
IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:
If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through July 31, 2024.
Please note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately. You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.
All Times are Eastern Standard Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Part One: Tuesday, June 11 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
- What is a Chapter Book? (including what is NOT a Chapter Book)
- Making a Memorable Chapter Book Main Character
- Writing Exercises: Character Obstacles and Experiences (Try on your own!)
Part Two: Thursday, June 13 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
- Chapter Book Plotting
- World Building in Chapter Books
- Why Write Chapter Books? (Plus an Overview of Chapter Book Structure)
- Open Q & A
How It Impacts Kids
Chapter books are an important part in a child’s reading development, allowing children time to develop the necessary skills, confidence, and love of reading that will put them on the path of becoming successful lifelong readers.
Testimonials from Our Community
“I took away so many tips. I am already working on my chapter book series.”
“Sudipta was very generous with her approach to and insights about chapter books.”
“Very knowledgeable about the subject and clearly spoke from personal experience.”
Resources
- What Makes a Successful Chapter Book Series? Some Examples
- Early Readers and Transitional Chapter Books: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
- Picture book? Early Reader? Chapter Book? Where Does Your Story Fit?
Looking for an In-Person Experience?
Check out the Working Retreat: Chapter Books and Early Readers, October 13-16 at our Retreat Center.
