IT’S ALL ABOUT FIRST LINES AND TRANSITIONS IN CHAPTER BOOKS

by Melissa Stoller
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In a chapter book, the first line of each chapter should hook readers and draw them into the story. Similarly, the last line of each chapter should ease the transition into the next chapter. That important last line should serve as a mini-cliffhanger to keep the reader turning pages to find out what happens next. When I write my chapter books, I look at each chapter as a story, with a beginning, middle and end. And I rely on my first and last sentences of each chapter to help propel the action.
 
Here are some examples of first and last lines from the first chapter of five popular chapter books. When I read these lines, I feel compelled to turn the page and continue the journey.
 
The Fantastic Frame: Danger! Tiger Crossing, by Lin Oliver
Chapter 1 first line: “I saw a giant orange pig on our swing set this morning,” said my little sister, Maggie.
Chapter 1 last line: If a talking orange pig lived next door, maybe something even weirder was lurking in my own backyard.
 
Key Hunters: The Mysterious Moonstone, by Eric Luper
Chapter 1 first line: “There she goes again,” Cleo whispered.
Chapter 1 last line: Cleo and Evan ran back to look, but Ms. Crowley was gone.
 
The Haunted Library: The Ghost in the Attic, by Dori Hillstad Butler
Chapter 1 first line: “What’s the matter, Kaz?” Claire asked as she shook the dice in her hand.
Chapter 1 last line: Like Beckett said, if he went into the Outside, he would blow away.
 
Roscoe Riley Rules: Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs, by Katherine Applegate
Chapter 1 first line: Hey! Over Here!
Chapter 1 last line: Well, maybe you should hear the whole story . . .
 
Ballpark Mysteries: The Fenway Foul-Up, by David A. Kelley
Chapter 1 first line: “Watch out,” Kate yelled.
Chapter 1 last line: “Big D’s lucky bat has been stolen!”
 
And as a bonus, here’s my chapter book example:
 
The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection: Return to Coney Island, by Melissa Stoller
Chapter 1 first line: “Ha, I won again,” said Emma.
Chapter 1 last line: After a few moments, a huge roller coaster appeared in front of them as they gently landed on solid ground.
 
So if you’re writing a chapter book, or any book, consider the first and last lines of each chapter to make sure they hook the reader right from the beginning, and then help move the reader to the next chapter with an exciting or suspenseful transition.
 
Happy writing and creating! I hope to see you in the comment section below!

​BIO:
 
Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Book One: Return to Coney Island and Book Two: The Liberty Bell Train Ride (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017 and Summer 2018); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, Summer and Fall, 2018). She is also the co-author of The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009). Melissa is an Assistant for the Children’s Book Academy, an Admin for The Debut Picture Book Study Group, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, and a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY. Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, and early childhood educator. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Trustees at The Hewitt School and at Temple Shaaray Tefila. Melissa lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy. When not writing or reading, she can be found exploring NYC with family and friends, traveling, and adding treasures to her collections.
 
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