B.O.O.K.W.O.R.M.S.

ONE ACT (TYA): Lucy is on a mission - to read the entire 5th-grade Book Bonanza Big Brilliant Reader list. When she drags her pool-loving sister to the library to get the next book on her list, she never could have anticipated being pulled into a secret meeting of some of the world's most beloved characters. At first, Lucy thinks the B.O.O.K.W.O.R.M.S. are a dream come true - but is there more to their story...

ONE ACT (TYA): Lucy is on a mission - to read the entire 5th-grade Book Bonanza Big Brilliant Reader list. When she drags her pool-loving sister to the library to get the next book on her list, she never could have anticipated being pulled into a secret meeting of some of the world's most beloved characters. At first, Lucy thinks the B.O.O.K.W.O.R.M.S. are a dream come true - but is there more to their story than what is on the cover?

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B.O.O.K.W.O.R.M.S.

Recommended by

  • Anastasia Wild: B.O.O.K.W.O.R.M.S.

    An absolutely delightful play that brings some of literature's (and my own!) most loved stories to life while exploring the bonds of sisterhood and the confines of reading lists. Packed with humor, action, and emotion, B.O.O.K.W.O.R.M.S. is a brilliant opportunity for new and well-acquainted readers to explore the power of imagination and the gift of literary worlds. This would be enchanting for schools, communities, and libraries alike to perform.

    An absolutely delightful play that brings some of literature's (and my own!) most loved stories to life while exploring the bonds of sisterhood and the confines of reading lists. Packed with humor, action, and emotion, B.O.O.K.W.O.R.M.S. is a brilliant opportunity for new and well-acquainted readers to explore the power of imagination and the gift of literary worlds. This would be enchanting for schools, communities, and libraries alike to perform.

  • Aly Kantor: B.O.O.K.W.O.R.M.S.

    At every grade level, modern reading instruction makes would-be bookworms resentful of stories with the power to delight and inspire them. This charming play, featuring some of my personal literary favorites, shines a light on what it means to give children - historically some of the most disenfranchised people - the power to choose the worlds they fall in love with. It's quick moving, funny, and heartfelt and will introduce audiences to some spectacular stories! Fun and thought-provoking work!

    At every grade level, modern reading instruction makes would-be bookworms resentful of stories with the power to delight and inspire them. This charming play, featuring some of my personal literary favorites, shines a light on what it means to give children - historically some of the most disenfranchised people - the power to choose the worlds they fall in love with. It's quick moving, funny, and heartfelt and will introduce audiences to some spectacular stories! Fun and thought-provoking work!

  • Brent Alles: B.O.O.K.W.O.R.M.S.

    Tremendous fun! A "League of Extraordinary Gentle People" of past children's lit. Those characters are written so well by Knighton. You're smiling throughout, catching the allusions and seeing the famous characters interact. Beyond that, though, is a touching story about 2 sisters that thrills as much as spending time with the literary icons. Also some interesting points to ponder in terms of what we choose to read and the importance of literature itself. TYA groups, you need to stage this!

    Tremendous fun! A "League of Extraordinary Gentle People" of past children's lit. Those characters are written so well by Knighton. You're smiling throughout, catching the allusions and seeing the famous characters interact. Beyond that, though, is a touching story about 2 sisters that thrills as much as spending time with the literary icons. Also some interesting points to ponder in terms of what we choose to read and the importance of literature itself. TYA groups, you need to stage this!

Character Information

LUCY: a 9 (almost 10!)-year old who loves to imagine herself as the characters in her favorite books—and just might prefer them over her everyday world.
JOEY: a 14-year old ready to have the best summer of her life before starting high school. Don't you dare call her Josephine.
MOM: An overworked doctor trying to keep her family afloat - and her daughters from killing one another. (late 30s/early 40s)
ANNE: of Green Gables. Books are her life—and she is ready to do just about anything to save a good story (especially hers). (young/mid teens)
AMY: of the March sisters. The one who will burn her sister's manuscript when she doesn't get her way. (young/mid teens)
EM: as in Auntie of Kansas. She's already lost one niece she loved—she doesn't plan on losing any one else. (late 30s/early 40s).
JIM: resident of Treasure Island. Lover of adventure, heart full of mischief, and willing to do all the dirty work. (mid-teens).
MARTHA: Maid at Misselthwaite Manor. While her Yorkshire accent might make her difficult to understand, she has proven herself the most loyal of friends. (mid to late teens)

If doubling is needed, the playwright suggests:
MOM/EM
MARTHA/AMY
  • Lucy
    a 9 (almost 10!)-year old who loves to imagine herself as the characters in her favorite books—and just might prefer them over her everyday world.
    Character Age
    9
  • Joey
    a 14-year old ready to have the best summer of her life before starting high school. Don't you dare call her Josephine.
    Character Age
    14
  • Mom
    will do just about anything to have her two daughters get along— and snag an hour of peace and quiet in the process.
    Character Age
    30-40
  • Anne
    of Green Gables. Books are her life—and she is ready to do just about anything to save a good story (especially hers).
    Character Age
    teens
  • Amy
    of the March sisters. The one who will burn her sister's manuscript when she doesn't get her way.
    Character Age
    teens
  • Em
    as in Auntie of Kansas. She's already lost one niece she loved—she doesn't plan on losing any one else.
    Character Age
    30-40
  • Jim
    resident of Treasure Island. Lover of adventure, heart full of mischief, and willing to do all the dirty work.
    Character Age
    teens
  • Martha
    Maid at Misselthwaite Manor. While her Yorkshire accent might make her difficult to understand, her love, support, and devotion makes her the ideal imaginary sister.
    Character Age
    teens

Development History