Educators’ Lounge
Welcome to your one-stop hub for all things Build-a-Book!
Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your students' storytelling experience to the next level, this space was created with you in mind. Download helpful guides, explore planning tools, and grab extra resources to bring your program to life. New materials are added regularly, so be sure to check back often!
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Ready to launch your Young Author Build-a-Book journey?
Download the Quick Start Teacher Guide for a simple, step-by-step overview of how to bring the program to life in your classroom or group setting. It’s the perfect resource to help you get started with confidence and clarity. -
Enjoy a bonus activity from Justin Ford’s inspiring children’s book, I SEE ME—
Whether you are FIVE or NINETY-FIVE years young, this FREE activity worksheet is perfect for reminding you exactly what makes you SPECIAL. Perfect for all ages! -
A Storytelling Journey of Identity, Imagination, and Empowerment
This 4-week course is a powerful blend of literacy, self-expression, and creative confidence—designed to guide young writers as they become published authors.
Using Justin Ford’s inspiring picture book I SEE ME alongside the interactive Young Author Activity Guide, this course helps students explore who they are while learning how to craft, illustrate, and publish their own stories. Perfect for classrooms, homeschoolers, and after-school programs, each lesson invites students to see the value in their voice and celebrate the power of storytelling.
💡 What’s Included:
A week-by-week lesson plan (3 lessons per week)
Direct tie-ins with I SEE ME to build confidence and identity
Guided activities from the Young Author Activity Guide
Writing, drawing, and storytelling prompts
Final project: A completed, student-created book
🎯 Students Will:
Reflect on what makes them unique
Learn story structure (character, setting, plot, illustrations)
Develop original stories inspired by their lives and dreams
Write and illustrate their own books
Celebrate their growth as published authors
Whether you're an educator, parent, or program leader, this curriculum is a beautiful reminder that when children say “I see me,” they’re also saying “I can be anything.”
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Explore a wide range of templates designed to spark creativity in your students. Check back soon for new updates!
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Check out our published books for inspiration and topic ideas—perfect for sparking creativity in your own young authors.
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Check back soon for new updates!