Fee
Please inquire
Homepage
http://www.nancygarden.com
Program Description
I love visiting schools and have enjoyed talking with young people (usually in grades 4 and up) in a number of states, including Maine, Colorado, Michigan, and Nebraska, and I've been a writer-in-residence in several Massachusetts schools. When I talk with kids about writing and about my books, I usually tell them I'd rather answer questions than make a speech, but I also say that I'll start by answering the one question most people always ask anyway: Where do you get your ideas? I explain how what I found in the fridge one dark night when I was hungry led to my vampire books, and how four little silver circles in an old jewelry box helped lead to my Fours Crossing fantasy sequence. I usually go on from there to the kids' own writing, to some of my other books, to how a book is made, to how writers are paid, to the writing process (including revision!)--whatever the group seems to want to know about. If they're interested, I show them book contracts, research material, proofs, messy revised manuscripts, and so on. Sometimes I've used creative dramatics (which I used to teach), or intriguing props to help kids develop their own story ideas and/or characters. I have also talked informally with high school students in gay-straight alliances and addressed school assemblies as part of "diversity day" and similar programs--an aspect of my work that is also very important to me. Because I encourage a lot of interaction with any group I address, I prefer small groups to large ones, although I do occasionally make exceptions. When I go to a school, I find I tend to run out of steam after about four 40-45-minute class sessions, so I prefer not to exceed that. But regardless of the place or the situation, staying in touch with my readers is one of my greatest pleasures! With adults and older kids, depending on the group, I focus on specific books--Dove & Sword, for example, if the group is interested in historical fiction, Annie On My Mind and/or The Year They Burned the Books if they're interested in my books about gay and lesbian characters and themes, and/or in censorship issues. Because I was deeply involved in combating the censorship attempt in relation to my book Annie on My Mind (my nonfiction book Witches has also been under fire), I've done a good deal of speaking about censorship and books (other authors' as well as my own), primarily to regional and state library associations in many parts of the country, and in conjunction with the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom. I've also spoken before such groups as the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for Multicultural Education, and I've both spoken and run workshops at writers' conferences. Wherever I go, I always enjoy meeting new people, talking with them, and learning from them.
Travel
Massachusetts (also in NH much of late spring to mid November)
Selected Works
*THE SNAKES TALES, illustrated by Yumi Heo (Orchard/Scholastic, 2002)
*WHY BUTTERFLIES GO BY ON SILENT WINGS, illustrated by Rob Roth (Orchard/Scholastic, 2001) Kirkus starred review, Dr.Toys 100 Best Children's Products for 2001)
*THE LOUDEST, FASTEST, BEST DRUMMER IN KANSAS, illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith (Orchard/Scholastic, 2000)
*THE PAPER DRAGON, illustrated by Robert Sabuda (Atheneum, 1997) ABA Pick of the Lists ALA Notable Book; Booklist starred review; NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Book; Parents Choice Honor Book; Storytelling World Honor Book; SCBWI Golden Kite Award for picture book text and Sabuda's illustrations
*BATWINGS AND THE CURTAIN OF NIGHT, illustrated by Mary GrandPre (Orchard, 1997) ABA Pick of the Lists; Kirkus starred review
*HOW SNAKE GOT HIS HISS, illustrated by Mercedes McDonald (Orchard, 1996)
*PAPA ALONZO LEATHERBY (Simon & Schuster, 1995) (out of print)
*BLACK, WHITE, JUST RIGHT, illustrated by Irene Trivas (Whitman, 1993)
*THE HEART OF THE WOOD, illustrated by Sheila Hamanaka (Simon & Schuster, 1992) (out of print)
Fee
Generally $350 for half day (up to three groups); $550 for full day (up to five groups). Note: These fees are negotiable, as are fees for workshops and talks for adults.
Homepage
http://www.margueritewdavol.com
Program Description
*PreK-6: Programs vary in content and detail according to each age level, but on every level I discuss with children where ideas come from, the writing process, and the importance of words. I demonstrate how a story becomes a manuscript and then how a manuscript becomes a book. I prefer speaking with groups of fifty or fewer for 45-60 minutes each and will meet with several groups in one day. I quickly establish rapport with children who invariably participate eagerly and respond with excitement. The children and I also may explore topics specific to my books, e.g. bats, snakes, China, tall tales, etc. I often work with older children on specific writing techniques and genres. I'm happy to pursue teachers requests so my visit fits in with the curriculum. I am a storyteller and always tell an original tale, as well as talk about my books. My goal always is to encourage children's creative thinking and to further develop their love of books and a desire to write.
*I enjoy tailoring programs for older children and adults, but I also have a number of specific topics for programs I can present. Contact me for details.
Travel
New England and Mid Atlantic States. Will consider other areas. If visit is more than a day, travel expenses etc., can be discussed.
Selected Works
THE FEATHER-BED JOURNEY, by Paula Kurzband Feder, illustrated by Stacey Schuett (Whitman, 1995) DID YOU LOSE THE CAR AGAIN?, by Paula Kurzband Feder, illustrated by Nancy Hayashi (Dutton, 1990, Puffin 1991) WHERE DOES THE TEACHER LIVE?, by Paula Kurzband Feder, illustrated by Lillian Hoban (Dutton, 1979, Unicorn, 1992, Puffin 1996) An easy reader mystery. Children try to guess throughout the week where their teacher lives.
Fee
Please inquire
Selected Works
*CREATIVE WRITING: (For grades 2-6) With examples coming from children and myself, questions and role playing, children learn about writing creatively and that often writing comes from their own experiences, ordinary or not.
*UNDERSTANDING THE HOLOCAUST: Using my book, The FEATHER-BED JOURNEY, we discuss the story, prejudice, injustice, the wonders of diversity and conflict resolution. I use role playing, bring up questions and discussion so children are able to understand hurt, name calling, leadership, making decisions, the world of the past and their role in making a better world for today and the future.
*HISTORY OF JEWISH CHILDREN'S BOOKS (For and adult audience.)
*WRITING FOR CHILDREN IS NOT KIDS STUFF (For an adult audience.)
Travel
Worldwide, travel expenses required
Selected Works
http://www.planetpals.com http://www.ikidsclub.com Articles in Various environmental and educational Journals online/print Poetry published in Sijo West, Budhas Temple, Asahi Shinbum, Japan Times. Mianichi Times, Frogpond Journal, World Haiku review and more. English language texts for Zakai Publishers , Japan
Fee
Please inquire
Homepage
http://www.gorgone.com
Travel
Yes, throughout New England; client pays travel expenses
Selected Works
THE CAT WHO LIKED POTATO SOUP, illustrated by Barry Root (Candlewick,2003) Contemporary folk tale TALKING IN ANIMAL (Greenwillow, 1996) children's novel about a girl and her adored dog SHELTER FOR A SEABIRD (Greenwillow, 1991, o.p.) YA love story set on Shelter Island, NY WHY I'M ALREADY BLUE (Greenwillow, 1990. o.p., copies available from author) YA story of the courage of a boy with muscular dystrophy FLOWER SHADOWS (Morrow, 1992, o.p. but around) adult novel for YAs: A young woman works as a Red Cross "donut dolly" in the Vietnam War.
Fee
$300 per presentation or by arrangement
Homepage
http://www.terryfarish.com
Program Description
(1) THE CAT WHO LIKED POTATO SOUP, programs for elementary school children. They include: "ONE POTATO, TWO POTATO", a Story Program for young children of reading, participatory cat story game, and favorite soup recipes "for you and your cat." "GRAMPA TALES: A STORY MAKING WORKSHOP". Children listen to the handed-down Cat Who Liked Potato Soup and, participate in storymaking activities to create their own handed-down story from their grandfather or other favorite person. "WRITE A FOLKTALE" We look at the Potato Soup tale and other contemporary tales, look at the elements of a folktale, and students participate in storymaking activities to create their own folktale. (2) SHARING FOLKTALES: A LITERACY PROGRAM This program for elementary ages features tales from Africa and other home countries of America's new immigrants. Please see my website for details (3) VIETNAM WAR IN FOCUS: Presentation for middle and high school students on the Vietnam war and in particular women's roles in the War. I use excerpts from my novel, FLOWER SHADOWS, and other works of fiction and nonfiction. I tell students of my own experience in Vietnam. FLOWER SHADOWS has been used in college classes on the Vietnam War. I'm working to make an on-line edition available. In the meantime, contact me for chapter readings to use to support curriculum. (4) WRITING FROM ORAL HISTORIES: Workshop for high school and middle school students, or for teachers, librarians, and community leaders. Overview presentation on interviewing skills. Overview of writing projects students can create from oral histories they collect: narrative nonfiction article, play, poem, story, or picture book. Includes handouts and reading list to guide projects. This is a program in which I would collaborate with teachers to meet curriculum needs.
Selected Works
Twenty one titles, including: WORD WIZARD, FEAST FOR 10, (Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin) TURTLE SPLASH! (Greenwillow Books), DAVID'S DRAWINGS, and BUTTERFLIES FOR KIRI (Lee & Low).
Fee
$750. per day (four 1-hour sessions) in state. $950. per day for out-of-state venues. Travel expenses, if necessary, are additional.
Homepage
http://www.cathrynfalwell.com
Program Description
Interactive presentations best suited to groups of 60 or fewer. Rather than a specific format, I present programs that are adapted for the size and age range of each group. Programs for young children (K-3) are lively and involve concepts, stories, acting, word play, puppets, and lots of active participation. Older children (gr. 4-6) have enjoyed programs about creativity, the development of ideas, writing and illustrating, and how books are made. I have also presented hands-on workshops where children create their own books with collage illustrations. I bring in lots of materials, interactive props, artwork, and ideas for follow-up activities. I am also available for family library programs, workshops, conference presentations and other events. For more information, please see my website: www.cathrynfalwell.com References available upon request.
Audience Levels
* Elementary
* Middle School
Travel
If a school is more than two hours away from the Boston area, overnight expenses need to be added for a motel, tolls, etc.
Selected Works
JEB SCARECROW'S PUMPKIN PATCH (Houghton Mifflin, 1992) LUCKY O'LEPRECHAUN (Pelican, 1998) LUCKY O'LEPRECHAUN COMES TO AMERICA (Pelican, 2000) LUCKY O'LEPRECHAUN IN SCHOOL (Pelican, 2003) LITTLE THUMB, written by Wanda Dionne (Pelican, 2000) MS. BROOMSTICK'S SCHOOL FOR WITCHES, illustrated by Rebecca Thornburgh (Troll, 2001) UPSIE DOWNSIE, ARE YOU ASLEEP? (Pelican, 2002) SASHA'S MATRIOSHKA DOLLS, illus. by Deborah Nourse Lattimore (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003)
Fee
$475 per day.
Program Description
My program, "CHILDREN AS AUTHORS," is designed to fire up the enthusiasm of young writers and show them how to improve their own writing. I lead the students through a full course of information on how writers and illustrators work, from the original idea to the finished book, presented in an inspirational, storytelling style. As a former teacher, I know how to keep the students' rapt attention, no matter what the size of the group. I leave them bursting with enthusiasm for writing and reading, which the teachers can take advantage of in class.
Travel
Yes, with travel reimbursements. I am from NY and travel to NE states regularly. Please inquire
Selected Works
*PARTY ANIMALS (Harcourt, 2002)
*SCARED STIFF (Harcourt, 2001)
*WHO HOOTS? (Harcourt, 2000)
*I HATE TO GO TO BED! (Harcourt, 1999)
*WHO HOPS? (Harcourt, 1998)
*MABEL THE TOOTH FAIRY AND HOW SHE GOT HER JOB (Harcourt, 2003)
*KINDERGARTEN ROCKS! (Harcourt, 2004)
Fee
Please inquire
Homepage
http://www.katiedavis.com
Program Description
When I visit a school or library, I tailor my presentation to the appropriate age group, reading (at least) my latest book, following with a highly interactive illustrating and storytelling session. As the children help me write a story, volunteers join me up front where I ask each to make a different emotional expression. I draw them on the faces of the animals from my books and we create a new narrative story. I also include a slide show and drawing session. In extended format, that works as an illustration workshop for students third grade and older. Everyone I present to learns story construction, sequencing, and how an idea transforms from a thought to a published book. I even tell them how scary it is to talk and draw in front of a group because I make lots of mistakes! Everyone learns how to do simple drawings of emotions, I tell them about other embarrassing mistakes I've made while writing and illustrating my books.
Audience Levels
* Elementary
* Middle School
Travel
Yes
Selected Works
*WHERE THE GROUND MEETS THE SKY
*THE BOY WHO DREW BIRDS: A STORY OF JOHN JAMES AUDUBON
Fee
Full-day program (up to four 50-minute presentations): $900. Writing residencies: please inquire
Homepage
http://www.jacquelinedavies.net
Program Description
In addition to the programs listed below, Jacqueline offers multi-day writing residencies. Birds, Books, and a Boy Named Audubon Grades K3 Using The Boy Who Drew Birds as a launching pad, Jacqueline introduces students to the remarkable paintings of John James Audubon. She talks about birds and allows kids to get up close and personal by examining real birds nests. Jacqueline then uses 15-inch paper dolls to tell the story of how The Boy Who Drew Birds became a book from idea through editing, illustration, and printing. Its a story the kids will never forget! Meet the Writer Grades K9 Are you rich? Through lively stories, Jacqueline answers commonly asked questions about her writing life: how she began writing, where she finds her ideas, and--yes!--the economic reality of being a children's author. She talks about strategies for becoming a better writer and encourages students to think of themselves as the writers of tomorrow. Three Truths and a Lie Grades 59 Jacqueline discusses her research for Where the Ground Meets the Sky, sharing archival photographs of Los Alamos at the time of the Manhattan Project. She explains how her research helped shape the story, then plays a game of Three Truths and a Lie to show which elements in the novel are fiction and which are nonfiction. In telling stories of the writing of the book, Jacqueline illuminates the writing process, giving students much to ponder as they return to their own writing work. Imagine That... Grades 25 This hands-on writing workshop is designed to help kids generate ideas for stories. Jacqueline talks about where ideas come from, what makes a good idea good, and how to come up with ideas. She brings a Magic Bag filled with objects to spark the students imaginations. Students reach in...and write! A Poem Is Not a Fish Grades 49 What is a metaphor? Why is it a writers best friend? How do we create metaphors that are powerful and unique? During this hands-on writing program, students work collectively and individually to write poems composed entirely of metaphor.
Fee
reasonable, please inquire
Homepage
http://www.thesavvyclick.com/TJean.htm
Program Description
Tabatha enjoys visiting local bookstores, schools, libraries, and other guest appearance facilities. She will also provide, by request, a two-hour READING ADVENTURE SESSION for children, which consists of: Children's Book Reading, ranging from 15 30 minutes, depending on the books length. Discussion of the book will be encouraged. Story Planning, in which Tabatha provides story-planners to all attending children and plots a story with them, explaining in detail the important steps of writing and developing stories and characters. This takes about 30 minutes. Create-A-Character: children are given a brown lunch bag and asked to turn the bag into a puppet character, with the guidance of the author. (The Author provides all necessary materials.) Gifts are always provided to each child, free, which may include: pencils, coloring pages and activity sheets, boxed crayons, planners, and miscellaneous treats, while supplies last. Immediately following the READING ADVENTURE SESSION Tabatha welcomes the opportunity to sign her latest children's book(s) or autograph other miscellaneous materials.
Selected Works
MIDDLE-GRADE NOVELS: Flapjack Waltzes; Becoming Felix; The Reason for Janey; Bringing Nettie Back CHAPTER BOOKS: Old People, Frogs, and Albert; A Nose for Trouble; A Whiff of Danger PICTURE BOOK: Helen and the Hudson Hornet
Fee
$500-$1000 per diem, depending on distance, number of presentations
Program Description
My specialty is a "hands-on" writing workshops for children, teachers, and adult writers; also conference presentations. Topics include:
*Transforming Memories into Fiction
*Developing Story
*Make a Scene!
*Dialogue Says it All
*From Idea to Book
*An Odd Duck: One Author's Story
Selected Works
MUSIC IN THE WOOD, 1995 SOFT RAIN: A STORY OF THE CHEROKEE TRAIL OF TEARS, 1998, Selected as a Notable Social Studies Trade book by the NCSS and the Children's Book Council
Fee
$100-200 per presentation. Group size of 20 preferred, maximum 75. Brochures available.
Program Description
Each workshop is 50-60 minutes long. Included with any of these presentations, or separately, the author can give a history of the Cherokee people.
*WRITING & REVISION: Because SOFT RAIN, went through three major revisions, the author shows students how rewriting improves the final result. Students are asked to rewrite a selection from SOFT RAIN, This presentation has been used as a week long study.
*WRITING & RESEARCH: A presentation on how the author researched. The author talks about what are good research results and what to do when there's no research results, and how the facts are put into story form.
*WRITING TIME LINE: A presentation on the process of writing SOFT RAIN.
*MUSIC IN THE WOOD: A presentation that shows in words and photographs how a stringed instrument is created. Depending upon availability, a young Cellist (10-12 year old) will play a short program to accompany the presentation.
Selected Works
SUNNY DAYS & STARRY NIGHTS RAINY DAY PLAY! THE LITTLE HANDS NATURE BOOK WINTER DAY PLAY! OCEANS RAINFORESTS
Fee
$150/class of 25, $400/day. Inquire for specific costs. Contact author for specific costs and materials fees.
Homepage
http://www.nancycastaldo.com
Program Description
*Preschool and Kindergarten Program - Flower Power (30 Min.) Activities revolve around flowers in this program for young children. The cost of the program includes a copy of THE LITTLE HANDS NATURE BOOK.
*Kindergarten Program - Animal Fun (45-60 Min.) Nancy introduces kindergarten students to the book making process and proceeds with a program featuring interactive animal activities from the author's books. The program is perfect for an Earth Day celebration or alphabet lesson. Minimal materials required.
*Elementary Program - Arctic Adventures (45-60 Min.) Discover the beauty of the northern lights and play Inuit games, as author, Nancy Castaldo introduces second and third grade students to the book making process and proceeds with a program featuring activities from Winter Day Play! Materials fee.
*Upper Elementary/Middle School Program - Funky Book Art (1-3 hours) (Can be modified for assembly visit) After an introduction to the book making process, students discover that books can take on many different forms through hands-on bookmaking activities. Children's literature awards discussed. Materials required. Specific themes corresponding to the curriculum can be arranged.
*WILD ABOUT OCEANS (Program varied - adaptable for classroom visits/ nature centers etc.) Take a closer look at sand from faraway beaches. Make a jellyfish or learn about whales with an echolocation game. Programs designed to enhance ocean curriculum in elementary grades. Hands on games, crafts and experiments make ocean learning exciting. Additional programs are available. Check website for changes and updates.
Selected Works
"The Wigmaker's Boy and the Boston Massacre," APPLESEEDS, Oct 2000; "Meet Paul Revere," APPLESEEDS, Oct 2001; "The Talented Mr. Bradlee: From Rioter to Proper Bostonian," BOSTONIAN SOCIETY NEWS, spring 2000; etc. SOAP SCIENCE (Kids Can Press, 1993).
Fee
$150/hour-long class
Selected Works
*"WHO WAS CRISPUS ATTUCKS?": Using newspapers and documents from the 1700s, Mr. Bell leads the class in investigating the best known victim of the Boston Massacre. What role did Attucks play on the night of March 5, 1770, when British soldiers shot into an angry crowd? What can we learn about Attucks's background? How did he become famous?
Travel
Yes
Selected Works
*A Winner by Any Standard: A Personal Growth Journey for Every American Teen (Teen Winners Publishing, 2004)
Fee
$450 (discounts provided for schools that participate in book selling)
Homepage
http://www.TeenWinners.com
Program Description
The two most popular speeches that Mr. Garofalo presents are "Seeing School in a New Light" and "Living with Purpose." He has also prepared a new one for school sports teams titled "Winners on the Field, Court, and in Life." All provide guidance and inspiration to those students who need it; but, just as importantly, affirm those already on a positive path.