Dart

Bringing literature, grammar, and joy together

Jumpstart your writing program with delight! The Dart invites kids ages 8-10 to enjoy literature while learning to write. 

This is the 2024-25 Year-Long Dart book list. The 2025-2026 program will be available starting June 2. Save the date!

Our year-long program is delivered in nine month-long lesson plans, released monthly.

Each handbook features a novel and immerses your child in the world of:

• stories
• literary devices
• grammar
• punctuation
• spelling
• and book club parties

Discover how easy it is to teach writing using literature!

Our program uses the time-tested practices of copywork and dictation as key tools to teach punctuation, spelling, and grammar naturally in context. Don't worry—we'll show you how.

Each handbook contains:

• Notes to go with a selected read-aloud (book not provided)

• Four passages taken from the novel for copywork and dictation, one per week

• Easy-to-follow instructions to teach writing elements found in the passages

• Playful and effective grammar and punctuation activities that kids love

• A delightful writing exercise to apply what they have learned 

• Nine comprehension questions

• Book club party ideas

• Copywork passages on separate printable pages

• Four-color design that looks gorgeous on tablets or printed at home

Start any time. Enjoy the published Darts in any order. You will receive all nine by April 2025. 

2024-2025 book list:  

• August: A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
• September: Bob by Wendy Mass 
• October: Ra the Mighty: The Great Tomb Robbery by Amy Butler Greenfield
• November: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate 
• December: The Greatest Gift (Heartwood Hotel #2) by Kallie George
• January: Once Upon a Camel by Kathi Appelt
• February: The Turtle of Michigan: A Novel by Naomi Shihab Nye
• March: Thirst by Varsha Bajaj
• April: Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Delivery: The Dart is delivered to your Brave Writer online account once per month on the 15th. Each handbook (40-50 pages) is a non-consumable PDF and can be used with multiple children in your own family—no need to purchase additional copies.

Swap one! This year, when you purchase the year-long program, you can swap one handbook in the program for a handbook in the Literature Singles collection. Find the swap form in your account after purchase.