Meet the Process
A brief introduction to writing, publishing, and how a manuscript develops through revision.
For educators, schools, and families
Bring Storytelling Into the Classroom
A classroom visit explores the difference between telling a story and developing it into a finished book. Students get a behind-the-scenes look at how a novel takes shape—and how real reader reactions can help an author improve a story in progress.
THE THIRD ORB • MIDDLE GRADE SCIENCE-FICTION ADVENTURE
Classroom presentation
Storytelling vs. Authoring: 60 Minutes
Students explore the imaginative act of telling a story and the revision involved in preparing it for readers. The 60-minute session stands on its own, with the option for interested classes or individual students to continue into The Third Orb beta-reading project.
Read & Analyze
Selected excerpts invite students to consider clarity, pacing, characters, and what keeps a reader interested.
Try Beta Reading
A guided mini beta-reader activity invites discussion and thoughtful student feedback.
Connected reading experience
From Classroom Session to Beta Reader
Interested students and classes can continue beyond the classroom session in two stages.
New readers
Story Foundation
Chapters 1-11
Students begin the story, meet Jeb and the other characters, and discover the world of The Third Orb.
View Foundation ReadingActive review
Beta Project
Chapters 12-20
Readers continue into the chapters currently under review and can share their reactions through optional chapter feedback.
View the Beta ProjectSchool-partnered model
Teacher-Guided and Flexible
The extended beta-reader opportunity is structured to fit a school's direction, timing, and approval process.
Optional Participation
Participation is voluntary and teacher-guided, using selected excerpts and guiding questions or prompts.
Flexible Timing
The experience may be time-limited, such as two to three weeks or within an English unit.
School Oversight
The school retains discretion over scope and implementation, with materials reviewed before student participation.
Educator perspectives
What Educators Are Saying
Approved educator perspectives are shared below, including response from one Grade 8-9 classroom session and an educational materials review.
Classroom reference
Grade 8-9 Classroom Session
“Students were engaged throughout, asked thoughtful questions, and responded positively to the opportunity to hear directly about how a manuscript develops from idea to revision.”
Trevor Buller
Vice Principal, St. Carlo Acutis Legacy Academy
Based on the Grade 8-9 classroom session on writing, revision, and beta reading.
Materials review
Instructional Endorsement
“I would confidently support the use of these materials in an educational setting and view the project as a worthwhile opportunity to enhance student literacy and engagement.”
Darleen Keith, M.Ed.
Retired English Teacher, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Based on her review of instructional materials and selected manuscript excerpts.
Program details
Designed for Classroom Consideration
The current concept outline provides these starting details for educators evaluating the opportunity.
Audience
The classroom session can be adapted for Grades 6–10. The Third Orb is a middle grade science-fiction adventure written primarily for readers around ages 11–14.
Initial Visit
A one-hour classroom session includes selected excerpts, a guided activity, and student discussion.
Content Notes
No explicit language, sexual content, or graphic violence. The story includes mystery, danger, family conflict, and serious choices.
Inquiry Method
School inquiries, classroom-visit requests, and beta-reader coordination can be directed to:
Warren Stewart
HiddenLevelBooks@gmail.comSchool inquiries
Invite an Author Conversation
Classroom sessions are presented by Warren Stewart, the pen name of Warren S. Edis. Current classroom visits are offered at no cost to participating schools. School inquiries, classroom-visit requests, and beta-reader coordination can be directed to HiddenLevelBooks@gmail.com.
Email HiddenLevelBooks