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Jo S. Kittinger, of Hoover, AL, is the author of 15 books including middle grade non-fiction, both fiction and non-fiction easy readers, and a picture book soon to be released. Her most recent books are JANE GOODALL and GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER, Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers with Children’s Press. In addition, she has published numerous items in various books, magazines, educational materials and newspapers.
Jo’s love of books started early—she was an avid reader growing up. Her editorial experience began as the editor of her high-school yearbook. Later she worked as an editorial assistant at The Flicker children’s magazine, often wading through the slush pile of submissions.
Currently Jo serves as a Regional Advisor for the Southern Breeze region (AL, MS, GA) of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where she organizes two conferences for writers and illustrators of children’s literature each year. She enjoys making author talks at schools, libraries and conferences.
Selected Works:
A LOOK AT ROCKS: FROM COAL TO KIMBERLITE Franklin Watts Publishing,
Inc., 1997,
ISBN 0-531-20310-7 (hc) 0-531-15887-X (pb)
GOING TO THE BEACH, Children's Press
ISBN 0-516-22535-9 (hc) 0-516-27370-1 (pb)
MOVING DAY, Children's Press,
ISBN 0-516-22846-3 (hc), 0-516-27784-7 (pb)
A LUNCH WITH PUNCH, Children's Press
ISBN 0-516-22879-X, 0-516-27785-5 (pb)
UN ALMUERO CON PONCHE, Children’s Press
ISBN 0-516-25892-3 (hc), 0-516- 24619-4 (pb)
WHEN I GROW UP, Children's Press
ISBN 0-516-23611-3 (hc), 0-516-24645-3 (pb)
CUANDO SEA GRANDE, Children’s Press
ISBN 0516244434 (hc)
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER, Children’s Press, 2005, ISBN 0-516-24939-8
JANE GOODALL, Children’s Press, 2005, ISBN 0-516-24940-1
PRIMATES, Dalmatian Press/Intervisual Books
ISBN 10: 1-58117-779-8
EAN/ISBN 13: 978-158117-779-4
THE HOUSE ON DIRTY-THIRD STREET, Peachtree Publishers (under contract, release date TBA)
THE JOY OF CATS Meadowbrook Press, Inc., ISBN 0-88166-337-9
(0-671-31726-1 Simon and Schuster)
"Ms. Kittinger's opening speech was an inspiration to all. She was a very
engaging speaker and established a wonderful rapport with her audience".
Nancy Anlage, Mobile Public Library, Mobile Young Authors’ Conference
“I have heard rave reviews from all the teachers and children! Your fun message enabled our students to believe that they, too, can be successful writers if they believe in themselves and work hard.” “You are so genuine and positive—our kids really sense that and respond.”
Cindy Westbrook, Chairperson, Ultimate Author’s Day,
Crumly Chapel Elementary School, Birmingham, AL
Program Info
Program Descriptions:
NONFICTION IS FUN! I discuss the differences in writing fiction and nonfiction and talk about research methods. Q&A time allows children to interact with the author. Geared to 3-6 grades
ROCK AND MINERALS I bring a variety of mineral specimens and discuss various aspects of rocks and minerals. Aimed at 3-6 grades.
THE JOY OF STORY Targeted to K-2 grades, I discuss the three parts of a story and encourage children to create stories of their own.
CREATIVE WRITING Hands-on sessions designed to inspire and encourage students to write creatively. Sensory detail, characterization, and setting are just a few of the possible working points. For ages 10 and up.
RE-VISIONING YOUR STORY Older students will learn to look at their writing from multiple viewpoints and angles to find the best approach for each story, in this hands-on workshop.
WRITING FOR THE CHILDREN'S MARKET a workshop for adults interested in writing for children. This can be anywhere from an hour to a full day workshop.
*I am happy to design workshops to meet the needs of your students.
Program Pricing:
$800 per day plus travel expenses
Special Features:
Lunch With the Author-- I encourage schools to select students interested in writing to have lunch with me during the day in a more private setting.
Hosting a paid workshop for adults interested in writing for the children's market can help defray the costs of having me visit your school.
Audience Levels:
Preschool; Lower Elementary; Upper Elementary; Middle School; High School; Adult
Contact Info
Contact Email:
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Contact Address:
1612 Colesbury Circle
Home City:
Hoover
Home State:
Alabama
Contact Phone:
205-823-2970
Contact Fax:
205-823-2970
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