Level Up at Your Library is Here!

Our annual Summer Reading Program has officially begun!  IPDPL offers three different summer reading challenges so readers can choose the challenge that best suits them:

  • Read to Me: for beginning and emerging readers (reading goal = 50 books)
  • Casual Readers: for busy readers without a lot of time (reading goal = 25 hours)
  • Avid Readers: for passionate readers who are all in (reading goal = 50 hours)

Head to Beanstack online or the Beanstack Tracker app on your device to join the program and choose your challenge!

Kate Klise Homeschool Writing Workshop

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Program Description

Event Details

A writing and storytelling workshop specifically for homeschool students from acclaimed author Kate Klise!

The Homeschool Writing Workshop offers a unique opportunity for young writers to develop and hone their writing skills in a small-group environment.  Kate will discuss the writing process, where authors get their ideas, the importance of editing and rewriting, and some of the building blocks of creative writing including character development, plot, conflict, character journeys, and more.  She will also share insights into her own writing process and experiences as an author.


About Kate Klise

Kate Klise began writing stories when she was still in grade school and living in Peoria on Moss Avenue.  Her sister, Sarah, drew pictures for Kate's stories.  One of their first books was intended as a Christmas gift for a sibling, but the work was unappreciated and found in the trash a few days later.  The rejection did nothing to deter the sisters, and they continued to work together while honing their individual talents.  Their first book, Regarding the Fountain (HarperCollins), a middle-grade comedic mystery, was published in 1998. 

Since that time, Ms. Klise has continued to write for readers of all ages, with over 30 books ranging from children’s picture books to young adult and adult novels.  Her most recent work, Mystery on Magnolia Circle (Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, 2021) has been described as “Rear Window meets Nancy Drew.”  The middle-grade mystery is about a girl who believes she has witnessed a crime.  With the help of her best friend (who can literally do all the legwork), she is determined to get to the bottom of things.

Ms. Klise has never forgotten her central Illinois roots and makes frequent trips to the area to speak at schools and libraries, presenting writing workshops for children and signing copies of her works.