Master Analytical Writing Through Satirical Short Stories

A flexible online course that teaches teens how to think critically, read deeply, and write analytically — with help from B.J. Novak’s sharp, funny short stories in One More Thing.

Who This Course Is For:

• Teens in grades 8–12 who want to improve their academic writing
• Homeschoolers, worldschoolers, and independent learners
• Students who love quirky stories and social satire
• Writers prepping for high school or college-level essay writing
• Reluctant writers who need a scaffolded, confidence-building approach

What’s Inside the Course:

• 20+ structured lessons that guide students from close reading to essay writing
• Short, engaging video lessons (5–15 minutes each)
• Stories from B.J. Novak’s One More Thing, plus media clips and poetry pairings
• Graphic organizers, reading guides, quizzes, and pre/post assessments
• Step-by-step instruction on how to write analytical paragraphs and full essays
• Lessons on satire, irony, tone, symbolism, structure, and more
• Flexible delivery: self-paced, cohort-based, or with personalized feedback

Course Options & Pricing:

🗂️ We know every student learns differently. That's why we offer five versions of the course to match different goals, learning styles, and support needs.

Not sure which one to choose? 🎯 Take the "Which Course Is Right for Me?" Quiz

About the Instructor:

Hi, I’m Cara! I’m an experienced high school English teacher and the creator of Hollywood & Lit. I believe students thrive when they’re engaged with meaningful content, challenged to think critically, and given structure to grow their skills. This course blends humor, empathy, and rigor to help your student read deeper and write better.

What Families Are Saying:

“My 10th grader loved this course and actually looked forward to the readings.”
“Your House on Mango Street course helped my daughter get her first A on a literary essay. This one takes it to the next level!”
“We loved the flexibility and the clarity of instruction. Worth every penny.”

FAQ:

Q: Do we need to purchase the book?
A: Yes, I recommend a physical or digital copy of One More Thing by B.J. Novak. All other resources are included.

Q: How long does the course take?
A: It depends on the format and pacing. Most students complete the Full Standalone Course (option #1) in 5-9 weeks. The Cohort-Based option (#2) assumes your student will engage with independent lessons 3x/week and runs for 7 weeks on select dates. The Reading or Writing focused tracks can be completed in 2-4 weeks depending on the pace at which your student wants to go.

Q: Is this course appropriate for reluctant readers or writers?
A: Absolutely. The course is designed with scaffolded lessons and multiple access points. There are also options focused on reading only or writing only.

Q: What’s the difference between the versions?
A: Check out the pricing matrix or take the quiz to find the best fit!

🎉 Ready to build critical thinking and writing skills in a fun, accessible way?

Let’s make writing something your teen feels proud of.