Great chapter book writing needs to meet the expectations of the reader. So, what are those expectations? What do kids look for when they turn the pages? In other words, what will keep a book in their hands and the T.V. and computer games off? The best answer to that question can only come from the readers themselves.

Recently a newspaper published a number of essays written by elementary school age children on What is your favorite book? It was fun and informative to read the comments about their favorite chapter books.

Read what kids said about their expectations. I call this the Kid Criteria List.

* "Zany, crazy, hilarious, I'm-laughing-so-hard-I-can't-breathe humor."

* "Adventure, adventure, adventure!"

* "Unpredictable and even impulsive main characters." (A fun combination!)

* "Mysteries that aren't predictable." (Mystery writers---take this comment seriously!)

* "Easy to read but with some "harder words." (Awesome!)

* "Good "describing" words." (This is "Show" don't "Tell")

* "A story that flows." (Yes, a child actually said "flows." This kid probably writes novels!)

* "A character we can identify with. A lot like me."

* "Lots of action."

* "A book that isn't boring." (Grab them with the first page!)

* "Interesting facts." (Weaving in facts doesn't mean it has to read like a textbook!)

* "Some sad or even tragic moments." (Wow! They want some REALITY.)

* "Something humorous or weird just around the corner." (-;


Kids know precisely what they want, don't they? I LOVE what one child said in the newspaper article. It made me LOL!:

"I really want to be a writer when I grow up---but I've chosen a better job." (o:


I guess it's up to us to write those exciting chapter books! I know I'll be checking the Kid Criteria List often because our audience knows exactly what they want!

c 2008 Sheryl Ann Crawford