School Visits
Why should I have an author visit?
Author visits are a great way to excite students about reading and writing. I’ve written more than 160 books for young readers. I’m eager to connect with Christian schools. Call me to discuss how I can best meet your specific needs, time and interests.
When I visit a school, my goals are to:
- Motivate students to read widely
- Encourage kids to write their own stories
- Provide insights into how an author works,
- Highlight the value of research (and communicate my love doing it, even when writing fiction),
- Answer questions students pose about particular books or about research & writing.
What does your presentation look like?
- Presentations last about 30 minutes for K-3 and 45 minutes for 4-7 with additional time for questions
- I discuss the writing and research process, as well as specific book topics
- I’m happy to meet with students in grades 8-12 who are interested in writing.
- I can design my presentation to meet your particular curriculum needs using whichever of my books work best for you.
- Fee is flexible. Let’s talk.
- I will provide books for sale.
Possible Programs
With over 160 published books, I can create a unique program designed to support your current curriculum needs.
Grades 8 and up: Lights & Sirens
After providing a brief synopsis of the novel, I discuss what led me to write this novel about volunteer first responders. How did the story develop? Then I introduce the poetry connection and take a close look one particular poem, Titanic,” by David R. Slavitt. What is the theme of this poem and how does it relate to events in the novel? How might the students use poetry in writing about experiences they have faced? This could become a writing workshop if desired.
Grades 3-6: Ordinary Ollie
What does it mean to have a special talent? Students will be invited to consider their own u unique talents after learning about Ollie, who is a mimic. In the novel, Ollie eventually develops an even more extraordinary talent: he can become invisible. Students will vote on the “best” superpower and then consider the advantages and disadvantages of each, perhaps in preparation to writing their own super power story.
Grades 4-8: Boy With A Fife: Ebenezer Fletcher’s War of Independence
This presentation takes a deep dive into the early days of the Revolutionary War. I introduce the main character, Ebenezer Fletcher, who was a real boy with a fife. I explain the differences between fiction and nonfiction portrayals of an event, and why this book is historical fiction. What did it take for America to declare independence and to gain it? Students will also learn how I came to write the novel and get a glimpse of the research and writing process.
Grades 3-6: A KIDNAPPING IN KENTUCKY, 1776
This presentation delves into regional history: The story of the kidnapping of Jemima Boone and two friends provides insight into what was happening on the Kentucky/Tennessee frontier at the time of the Revolutionary War. I discuss what life was like for white settlers and the impact upon native people. I emphasize the importance of considering history in the context of the times. It’s also an opportunity to explain the differences between fiction and nonfiction portrayals of an event. Students learn how I came to write the book and about the research behind this middle-grade novel.
Grades 3-8: Storm Warning
When the flood of the century hits, 12-year-old North must make life or death decisions. This programs includes information on floods, why they happen, and what to do. Students will learn the difference between fiction and nonfiction, how an idea becomes a book, and how to turn their own experiences into stories.
Grades PreK-2: Cedric and the Dragon
This gentle picture book about a young boy who chooses kindness over violence makes a great read for younger children. I read the story (showing the pictures on the screen), and then ask students how they can show kindness to others. They can help name the dragon, who is not named in the book. I supply a coloring page for use in the classroom or at home.
Grades 2-4: Life in Colonial America
What was life like for American colonists in the 1600 and 1700s? This program includes information on clothes, home, and daily life, as well as science and medicine. There is a certain yuck-factor that students enjoy, and then comparing life in the past to life now makes for a fun event.
Grades 1-3: The Crossroads Series
These interactive novels that take readers to the Holy Land in the 1st century. Programs include information about life in the 1st century, how the first people to encounter Jesus reacted, and the ways in which people then and now are the same and different. This program is designed for Christian schools and Christian homeschool groups.
Grades 5-8: The Big, Bold, Adventurous Life of Lavinia Warren
This presentation provides the opportunity to discuss how an author chooses a topic, does research, and uses the research to write a biography. Lavinia Warren never grew taller than 36 inches, but she did not let her size keep her from living life large. She traveled the world and entertained thousands at a time when people travelled more than five miles from home. It’s a great opportunity to consider the ways we are all alike despite our apparent differences. There’s time for a general Q & A session.
Grades 4-8: You Choose Books
What is interactive fiction? I provide examples, and then guide students as they begin writing their own “you choose” adventures. This can be an actual writing workshop where students work in small groups to create their own “books” with reader choices. The program is ideal for individual classes. The projects will be finished with classroom teacher’s guidance and supervision.
COMMENTS FROM TEACHERS AND KIDS
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Elizabeth as she wove her personal stories and literary stories into her wonderful presentations to our student body. She left with us wanting to read more, learn more, and even write more – something to which all schools aspire for their students. I highly recommend her service.
“When our student hear from an expert, it is so much better than just hearing us say the same thing.”
“Thank you again so much for your visit! I’ve heard several compliments from students and teachers! We really appreciated your thoughtful, interesting presentations.
“Having Elizabeth at our school definitely inspired our students to be young authors and love books!”
“Thank you for your wonderful presentation. Our reading students are very excited to read your books.”