Summer 2025

Rising 7th–9th Grade

Summer sounds good in theory:

hot dogs, s’mores, lazy afternoons by the pool with friends. But you live in the Midwest, my dudes. Taylor and Bananarama weren’t lying about that cruel summer; it’s going to be hot and humid, and do you even like being outside before 6:00 p.m.? Thank goodness Mrs. Kristin has cold drinks, good air conditioning, and tons of awesome classes to help you beat the heat (and have a good excuse when adults tell you to play outside).

Writing Classes

  • 15 Ways to Start a Story

    Five days, 15 different ways to beat writer’s block. It’s like the Fast and the Furious, but with pens.

  • comedy and tragedy masks

    The Play's the Thing

    Some stories can’t be confined to the page. Broadway and Hollywood, here we come!

  • A hobbit door with a wizard's hat and gold ring.

    Fantastic Voyage: Writing Fantasy

    A week of immersive fantasy writing, including world-building, witty sidekicks, and all the magic in between.

  • Songwriting for Beginners

    Learn why the words in popular songs work so well, then write lyrics to your own future hit.

  • beaded friendship bracelet that reads "Besties"

    Swiftie Stories

    Work together to figure out the hidden meanings in Taylor Swift’s catchiest songs, then write stories based on your favorites.

  • golden anubis

    Make Mine a Myth

    Zeus is great and all, but have you met Anubis and the Zorya?

  • Thursday Night Write

    Tackle the week’s writing prompt for a chance to win the grand prize and bragging rights.

Book Clubs

  • That's So Real (Realistic Fiction Book Club)

    Real world, real problems, fake characters (who seem real).

  • Fantasy Land (Fantasy Book Club)

    Wizards, mythical beasts, a young witch, and a world shaped like a disk.