Every issue of Storyworks offers a beautifully written and designed work of narrative nonfiction. Each six-page article delves into an important and highly engaging topic, often connected to social studies and science curriculums. Typical selections present natural disasters, significant events in history, and inspiring figures from the past or present.

Storyworks offers original fiction by renowned children’s authors in every issue. Stories often address issues relevant to upper elementary students, including friendships, fitting in, family dynamics, and school situations.

Each story is designed as a “learning kit,” with close-reading questions right on the page for students to consider and discuss as they read.

Our popular paired text feature offers two texts united by topic or theme; for example, two nonfiction articles, or a nonfiction text paired with a poem, fable, debate, or other genre. Topics often draw on science, social studies, current events, or social and life skills.

Every issue includes a read-aloud play, providing a perfect opportunity to practice fluency and learn about features of drama. Storyworks plays are often adapted from myths, fables, folktales, biographies, or significant historical events.

Every issue of Storyworks includes a debate on a hot-button topic for kids; for example, “Is TikTok Good for Kids” or “Should Your Recess Be Longer?”

The debate comes with an online “opinion writing kit,” available on two levels, which guides students to write an essay supporting one side of the issue.

Each issue has a classic or contemporary poem by an acclaimed poet, accompanied by stunning artwork. Storyworks poetry is complex enough for lively discussions and lessons while remaining accessible and appealing to children. Poetry selections can usually be paired, by topic or theme, with another feature in the issue.

The Mini Read presents a short, high-interest nonfiction article. The accompanying Word Hunt prompts students to find words and idioms in the article that relate to the article’s topic; for example, “Find three verbs that mean eat.” The The accompanying Paragraph Power skill builder walks students through the process of crafting a paragraph while answering a prompt about the article.

This vocabulary-building feature consists of two parts. Every issue offers Every issue offers “One Word 3 Ways,” which focuses on multiple-meaning words. "Root Power!," on the facing page, introduces a new Latin or Greek word root. Both features present information in a highly engaging cartoon format. 

The infographic conveys facts and data about a kid-friendly topic, using photos, graphs, charts, and other images. Topics often include animals, sports, or food. Students use the information to respond to a writing prompt.