What is Author Study?
Author Study was created as a way to virtually bring Kwame Alexander and other notable authors into classrooms, libraries, and community groups for an affordable fee.

When are the Author Study events?
Author Study 2026-27 events are scheduled for 1:00pm (ET) as follows:

October 27, 2026 - Featuring James Ponti and Kwame Mbalia
December 8, 2026 - Featuring Raina Telgemeier
February 9, 2027 - Featuring Nic Stone and Marie Arnold
April 6, 2027 - Featuring Daniel Nayeri

What age is Author Study geared toward?
Children in grades 4 through 8 will likely be most interested in the content, but Author Study is appropriate for all ages -- and all are welcome.

What are the registration options?
Single Registration (one classroom/library) = $119
Multi-Classroom Registration (8 classrooms) = $899
If you would like to discuss bulk registration options for a district or large number of attendees, please contact us at info@onewordcommunity.org.

Where is the webinar / livestream / virtual event being held?
Author Study is hosted on Zoom Webinars.  A unique Zoom link will be sent to the email you provide in your registration for each of the four sessions. Note, the Zoom room will open 10 minutes prior to the event start time.

Where can I register?
If you would like to register using a credit card, you can do so HERE.
If you would like to register using a check, PO or ACH, please complete this form and we'll be in touch regarding next steps.

Are registrations tax-deductible?
Yes! One Word at a Time is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You or your organization receive a receipt for tax purposes.

What if I can't attend live?
No problem! While we encourage you to attend the live event so that students have the most interactive experience possible, all registrants will receive a link the day after the livestream that allows access to the recording for 30 business days. The event may not be recorded or downloaded by participants due to copyright, but it may be viewed by registrants as many times as desired within that 30-day window.

Can I use the registration login link and passcode for multiple classrooms?
Each registration provides a single login that can be used from one device to broadcast to as many students as you'd like in a single location, whether that is within an individual classroom or through a larger assembly. The login cannot be used on multiple devices concurrently. The single login can also be used if your school or organization is set up internally to broadcast from one device into multiple classrooms.

What is the duration of the event?
All Author Study sessions are scheduled to be 45 minutes in length.

Will I receive confirmation and reminder emails with information on how to login / join?
Once you’ve completed registration through Zeffy, you will receive initial confirmation. You will then receive information from Zoom Webinars on how to login / join the event. You will also receive reminder emails leading up to the event, including one week and one day prior. Please make sure to check your spam and junk folders to make sure the login emails are not being filtered there.  If you have registered at least two weeks before the first session and have not received your login credentials, please email us at info@onewordcommunity.org. 

What is the agenda for the event?
Each Author Study event includes a read-aloud, writing craft lesson, interview with guest authors, and live Q&A.

Which books will be discussed during Author Study?
Author Study is a very different format from a traditional "book talk". Our program features a more conversational approach between Kwame and his guests typically around a specific topic such as character development, setting the scene or generating story ideas, for example. So, Kwame and his guest(s) may reference more than one of their works while helping students understand their individual creative process. Neither Kwame nor his guests will be talking specifically about a single book for the duration of the event. 

Is there any curriculum related to the craft lesson?
All registered attendees will receive the lesson materials at least one week prior to each Author Study. Additionally, you'll receive these materials after every live event, along with any co-created artifacts from the session.

How do I check my sound and image on the day of the event? Log in to the webinar up to 10 minutes prior to the start time. We run a slide reel with music so you can check your tech. 

Will Kwame answer questions from my students throughout the event?  
Throughout the livestream, Kwame will be interacting with students through the chat feature. It's helpful to have an adult managing the chat. The final moments of the livestream will be set aside for live Q&A with Kwame as well as the guest author(s). He will field as many questions as possible.

Can we submit questions ahead of time? 
Attendees are certainly welcome (and encouraged!) to have students prepare questions ahead of time, which can be submitted during the livestream via the Zoom Webinar chat. We do not accept questions prior to the livestream start.

Can I cancel my registration and get a refund? 
You are able to request a cancellation of your registration and obtain a refund through October 15th. After October 15th, if an organization cancels their registration, their fee will be applied to a future Author Study series.