Willodeen

Katherine Applegate • Descriptive Language 

The Dart is the monthly digital product that features copywork and dictation passages from a specific read aloud novel (you purchase or obtain the novels separately). It's geared toward children ages 8–10 (kids learning to read and write) and is an indispensable tool for parents who want to mechanics and literature in a natural, literature-bathed context. 

This handbook contains the following features:
  • 4 Passages (one per week) for copywork/dictation
  • Notes about grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, and literary devices
  • Highlight each week: copywork and three dictation practices
  • Literary Device: Descriptive Language
  • Writing Activity: Make a Marvelous Magical Creature
  • Big Juicy Questions
  • Book Club Party Ideas
  • 55 pages
  • Publication Date: September 2022

How does the Dart fit into the Brave Writer complete language arts program?
Learn more on our Getting Started page.

All products are digital and downloadable. All sales are FINAL. No refunds.

About the book

The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember . . .

Eleven-year-old Willodeen adores creatures of all kinds, but her favorites are the most unlovable beasts in the land: strange beasts known as “screechers.” The villagers of Perchance call them pests, even monsters, but Willodeen believes the animals serve a vital role in the complicated web of nature.

Lately, though, nature has seemed angry indeed. Perchance has been cursed with fires and mudslides, droughts and fevers, and even the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, has dwindled. For as long as anyone can remember, the tiny animals have overwintered in shimmering bubble nests perched atop blue willow trees, drawing tourists from far and wide. This year, however, not a single hummingbear has returned to Perchance, and no one knows why.

When a handmade birthday gift brings unexpected magic to Willodeen and her new friend, Connor, she’s determined to speak up for the animals she loves, and perhaps even uncover the answer to the mystery of the missing hummingbears.

A timely and timeless tale about our fragile earth, and one girl’s fierce determination to make a difference.
– Amazon

Purchase the Willodeen novel here.

Note: Ultimately, this book affirms the beauty of community and nurtures a love for nature. But, wildfire plays a big role in Willodeen’s life, taking the lives of her parents and brother (off page). We encourage parents to pre-read this book to prepare to discuss these events and Willodeen’s subsequent grief. 



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