This page tells how to invite me to your school and what I do when I get there! I hope to see you soon!

MY PRESENTATIONS

"I, too, can make a difference!" is the knowledge your students will hold in their hearts and minds as they learn about eleven exceptional people who did make a difference ­ and the times in which they lived.

I look forward to working with you to ensure that my author visit is absolutely what your students need at this moment in the school year. I use many props, as you see below, and so it¹s best if the groups are no more than 100 each presentation. This way each child can see what I¹m holding as I walk and talk. I am happy to give up to four presentations per visit.

I will be pleased to autograph and send you three books of your choice, paperback, in advance of my visit. Also, of course, it is best to have your students read as many of the eleven biographies as possible in advance.

This is what I do, tailored to suit your needs.

• speak to grades two through twelve, each presentation 45-60 minutes depending upon the grade level
• give a lively multicultural presentation using props which include a log, a quill pen, a pair of boots, a sunbonnet, and a buffalo (okay, it¹s a toy buffalo)
• take your students back to the time of the American Revolution, the Civil War and slavery, the Native American past, and the Jim Crow era through the lives of boys and girls, men and women, who were there
• show how the brave, determined people in my books made a difference to America; what they did, and why, where, and when (see above eras)
• show students how an author/detective gets the facts and what she does with them.
• help your students learn that, yes, even a real author has to write it again (and again), as they see the process from idea and first notes through galleys and proofs to completed book
• slide presentation as a grand finale which neatly ties up the threads of the entire presentation.
• teacher handouts provided, with puzzles and follow-up activities.

For conferences: I discuss and teach how to use biographies in the classroom; how to research and write a biography; how a teacher can ensure that the biographies she selects for her students are absolutely accurate. Depending on the topic, I use props which include sample books to discuss; props used in school visits; galleys, etc., from the making of a book; working with the editor and illustrator; slides to elaborate on my points; detailed bibliographies; worksheets.

YET MORE DETAILS

I need one or two long tables for my materials, screen for my slides, cart for my projector, a room that can be darkened, and caffeine.

I'll be glad to autograph books after doing all presentations. You can either buy my books through your local bookstore, or I can bring them with me.

Please contact me to discuss my fees. I will do my best to work within your budget.

See Raves and Reviews for teachers' ecstatic comments!

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