Download your free educator kit
Start with a guide, planning sheets, student pages, a revision checklist, and family communication tools. Free checkout requires your name and email; newsletter signup is optional.
TURNING STUDENTS INTO PUBLISHED AUTHORS
A classroom project.
A book full of possibility.
Bring individual stories and illustrations together in one shared classbook—with free educator tools to help you begin.
Get my free teacher kit ↗THE CLASSBOOK PATHWAY
Plan. Create.
Publish. Celebrate.
The free classroom program centers on one collaborative book. Each student contributes to a shared title. Individual student books are a separate format with their own production needs.
Choose a theme and create your pages
Plan a shared theme with room for individual expression. Students can write, illustrate, dictate, type, or use supported communication. Keep student work and permissions in your school-approved systems.
Confirm your publishing plan with YAU
Send a classbook request with your grade range, group size, format, and target date. Confirm production specifications, submission instructions, page count, delivery details, and any optional orders before final submission.
Share the book and celebrate your authors
The classroom program includes a free digital classroom copy. Printed books are optional paid family purchases. Families may choose their own package or additional copies. Celebrate every contributor, whether or not their family purchases a book.
What’s free?
- The digital teacher starter kit
- All resources in our teacher library
- Participation in the collaborative classroom program
- One free digital classroom copy
What’s optional?
$40 Published Author Package
A book, certificate, and sticker.
$25 additional copies
For families who want another copy.
Confirm format, eligibility, production timing, and delivery costs with YAU. Book purchasing is arranged after your project details are confirmed; no payment is collected on this website.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Your questions,
answered.
Does the classroom receive a printed or digital copy?
Your classroom receives a free digital copy of the collaborative classbook. Printed family books and packages are optional paid purchases.
Which grades can participate?
The educator kit can be adapted for Pre-K through grade 12. Discuss your students’ ages, interests, and support needs with YAU when planning your project.
How many pages should we plan?
Plan for 32 interior pages as the standard, with 40 interior pages maximum, excluding covers. Start with one contribution page per student and leave space for front matter. For 37 or more contributors, discuss multiple volumes or a custom quote before preparing final pages.
Do families have to purchase a book?
Family purchases are optional. Students can contribute to the collaborative project regardless of whether their family buys a package. Confirm all order details directly with YAU.
Is the free program the same as a workshop?
The free program is a teacher-led collaborative publishing pathway with downloadable resources. Facilitated writing workshops, author visits, individual titles, and custom services are separate offerings.
Can students participate in different ways?
Plan writing, drawing, dictation, typing, AAC, and supported expression as appropriate. Work with your students and school team to choose supports and follow school consent procedures.
How long will publishing take?
The schedule depends on your project, readiness, and production arrangements. Confirm dates directly with YAU before promising a delivery or celebration date.
Where do we submit student work?
Start with the classbook request form. YAU will arrange submission instructions directly. Do not send student names, manuscripts, or sensitive information through the general inquiry form.