The number of words per line is usually an average of eight to 12 words. Sentences are no longer broken down into shorter lines and the right margins are justified. There is plenty of white space on every page and generous margins at the top, bottom and sides. The book includes frequent full page black and white illustrations, but now there may be two or three pages in a row with no illustrations at all. There are usually six chapters that are short but vary in length from seven to seventeen pages. Other characteristics these books have in commom are:
1. simple vocabulary without many suprise words
2. short sentences that are direct and uncomplicated
3. brief episodes, chapters or intervals that stand out
4. compelling content to hold the reader's interest
Examples are:
The Chalk Box Kid
Beans on the Roof
The Puppy Sitter
Transition books serve as a bridge to chapter books.
Chapter books are similar but do vary some. The writers of chapter books no longer need to be concerned with the difficulties of a child reading on their own for the first time. Words in type are now more familiar and the print is denser on the page. The books are illustrated, but are not dependent on the picture to make sense of the story. They are usually 48 pages long and are broken up into many short chapters so a reader can get through a whole chapter in one sitting.
Plots for these books are simple with a small cast of characters. All action takes place over a short period of time. Usually, the whole story revolves around a single idea and has plenty of action and suspense.
Even though these chapter books are short, they do not shy away from emotional, intense relationships.
Family is usually a large part of the seven- or eight-year-old child's world. Some adults still play a role in these stories. Characterization must be good. Structure must be sound. Dialogue must be believable and natural.
There is little difference in structure and form between a novel and a chapter book. The chapter book is an abbreviated version. Next week's column will be about series books. Happy Writing!!
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