Field Trips
ReadThenWrite
ReadThenWrite is an immersive reading, writing, and publishing experience for teenage authors.

• Students read high-quality literature meant to engage their minds, provoke discussion, and broaden their horizons.

• Students write short memoirs/personal narratives. They work on their pieces for many weeks, with constant oversight and caring feedback from their volunteer writing coaches.

• Open Books publishes the students' polished stories into a group anthology and celebrates the newly minted writers at a gala author launch in our award-winning bookstore. Students finish the program with two monumental things: a published book, and a new sense of self-confidence.

Educator Signup!
Educators, are you interested in bringing ReadThenWrite to your school? Learn more!



Published Work


Interested in previously published
ReadThenWrite anthologies?

See the list and purchase copies here.

Press

Chicago Tribune
"The process doesn't just strengthen their writing, their voices and their sense of self. Publishing a book also gives them another achievement to add to their academic resume..."

Read the rest of the Chicago Tribune article about ReadThenWrite!

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Volunteer!
Volunteer For ReadThenWrite

Volunteer Role:
Volunteer weekly as a reading and/or writing coach.

Requirements:
Open Books Orientation, ReadThenWrite training, and background check.

Locations and Schedule:
See the listings below! The first session of the week will focus on reading, while the second will work on writing.

Commitment:
This is a twice-weekly commitment over the course of a multi-week session. We will consider volunteers who can do both sessions per week or just one, but those who can commit to both days will be prioritized.

Getting Started: Fill out the Volunteer Signup form and attend an orientation and training session. Already attended an orientation? Then just contact Ava ([email protected] or 312.475.1355 x119) and let her know you want to help!

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Schedule 
  Special!
Special! The sites with the stars are in particular need of volunteers. Can you help in one of these locations?
Let Ava know right away!

ReadThenWrite:
Spring 2013
 
Bucktown


CICS Bucktown
2235 N Hamilton Ave. [map]

Training: Thursday, April 11, 4-5pm

Program Duration: Tuesday, April 16 - Thursday, June 6

Days/Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-5:15pm

Grade(s): 6th-8th

CTA: Western Blue Line, Bus 73: Armitage, Bus 74: Fullerton, Bus 50: Damen

Pilsen


Pilsen Community Academy
1420 W 17th St. [map]

Training: Wednesday, April 3, 3:30-4:30pm

Program Duration: Wednesday, April 10 - Wednesday, June 5

Days/Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30-5pm

Grade(s): 5th-6th

CTA: 18th St Pink Line, Bus 9: Ashland, Bus 18: 18th St, Bus 50: Damen

Near West Side


Chicago Talent Development Charter High School
2245 W Jackson Blvd. [map]

Training: Friday, February 15, 2pm

Program Duration: March 1 - May 24 (no class March 29 or April 12)

Days/Times: Fridays, 1:45-3:15pm

Grade(s): 9th

About the Students: Volunteers with strong backgrounds in education/working with teens are especially encouraged to join this session. Most of these students read at or around the 5th grade level and are especially in need of attentive, supportive coaches.

CTA: Medical District or Western-Forest Park Blue line, Bus 49: Western

West Town

 

Mitchell Elementary School
2233 W. Ohio St. [map]

Program Duration: Tuesday, February 5 - Wednesday, April 10

Days/Times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 2:20-3:15pm

Grade: 6th-8th

CTA: Bus #65 - Grand, Bus 66: Chicago, Bus 49: Western, Bus 50: Damen







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