Author Visits

Celebrate Literacy!

There are many ways to make reading and writing a vital part of a classroom community. One idea you might consider is inviting an author to your school.

A survey on author visits* revealed some amazing statistics:

The UK’s National Literacy Trust reported in June 2019 that students who had authors visit their schools:

• “Were twice as likely to read above their expected level for their age”
• “Were more likely to enjoy reading and writing”
• “Were more likely to be highly confident in their reading”

School visits are one of my greatest joys. I offer a number of presentations for grades K-8 that focus on everything from the writing process, creating characters, and exploring poetry, to history, ecology, and geography. I also offer presentations for writers, teachers, and librarians. If you’re interested in learning more, please read on! If you’d like to schedule a visit, please contact Julie Ann Hartman of The Booking Biz.

* 2014 Author Visit Survey by Alexis O’Neill. Over 600 respondents in thirty-nine states and eight countries.

testimonials

It was our pleasure to welcome Caroline Starr Rose to Cornerstone Christian Academy. Her warm personality drew in both teachers and students alike. She was personable and friendly to everyone, all while being a great teacher and patient listener. Students responded well to both her book discussions and interactive activities. Her flexibility with scheduling and ability to keep the attention of her audience (pre-k to 6th grade) shows her ability to adjust to many situations and grade levels.

— Margaret Rixom, librarian
Cornerstone Christian Academy (Abingdon, VA)

Many of the girls were concerned going in that it might be hard to talk to a PUBLISHED AUTHOR. After meeting and speaking with Ms. Rose, they were impressed to see that she is so personable and easy to talk to. Some commented that they never thought of authors as real people until they met Ms. Rose. I was especially impressed by Ms. Rose’s attention to valuing each question and answering each student with real thought and care. She took time to honor their interpretations and explain to them that sometimes readers take different things from a work than the author may have originally intended and that is not only ok, but it is a good thing! In sixth grade, young readers often view reading as a black and white process where there is only one “right” interpretation or answer. Hearing Ms. Rose explain that different interpretations are important is invaluable in guiding students on their journey as readers.

— Deidre Thomson, sixth-grade teacher
The Hockaday School (Dallas, TX)

Getting dyslexic students interested in reading is a challenge. But Caroline Rose delighted our students by bringing them back in time to May B.’s home in the 1800s with an interactive, hands-on presentation. We learned of May’s life-changing struggles and victories. Our students wanted more of the story and were inspired to read the book! And we learned some valuable insights on what it’s like to be an author. Thank you, Mrs. Rose and May B.

— Angela Patten, Head of School,
The Sage School (Suwannee, GA)

Caroline shared her creativity and enthusiasm for reading and writing with my 5th graders. She helped my students to understand that even authors have a process to complete writing projects and not all of it is easy. We loved learning how an author can take her passion for a character and time period and create a novel.

— Beth Little, fifth-grade teacher,
Double Eagle Elementary (Albuquerque, NM)

presentations

A typical visit includes three separate presentations. Feel free to pick one presentation to be repeated three times or choose a variety to best meet the needs of your students. Some presentations work better in a small-group / classroom setting (no more than 35 students), others are suited to large groups (no more than 100) or assemblies (over 100 students). Read below to see which presentations best suit your community. Almost all presentations can be adapted for Zoom or Skype. To learn more, click through to Virtual Visits.

The Poet’s Toolbox: Rhythm, Rhyme and Repetition: Learn about these three poetry tools by clapping, jumping, and chanting poetry! (grades K-2) Suitable for any group size.

Books Up the Mountain: Meet the Packhorse Librarians: Learn about the brave women who traveled rough mountain paths and rushing streams to bring books to the people of Appalachia, people who’d never had access to libraries before. (grades 2-4) Suitable for any group size.

A Race Around the World: The True Story of Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland: Journey with two very different journalists, Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland, as they race each other around the world! (grades 2-4) Suitable for any group size.

Character is the Heart of Story: Using a simple graphic organizer, students will learn to create well-rounded characters with specific traits represented by various parts of the body. (grades 3-8) Suitable for a small-group setting.

Poetry 101: This introduction to poetry helps kids understand poetry is accessible, fun, and not just about love and flowers. Students will learn poetry basics, experience a variety of poetry, and create color poems. (grades 3-8) Suitable for small and large-group settings.

Buckboards, Buffalo Chips, and Bloomers: A hands-on presentation about life on the 1870s frontier. Pairs well with students who have read or plan to read May B. (grades 3-8) Suitable for small and large-group settings.

The Writing Process, From Idea to Publication: A glimpse into the ways authors work, including a question and answer session. (grades 3-8) Suitable for any group size.

Take This Wonderful Medicine Before it’s Too Late! This presentation is for classrooms that have read or soon plan to read Miraculous. Students will learn about the era of patent medicines, the traveling medicine show, and the persuasive nature of advertising. They’ll reflect on the question do charlatans and cure-alls still exist today? (grades 4-8) Suitable for small and large-group settings.

The Power of Poetry and Flames: In this presentation about The Burning Season, students will learn poetry basics, the power of verse novels, and wildfire’s complicated place in our world. (grades 4-8) Suitable for any group size.

Writing, Poetry, and You: Learn about the writing process, poetry basics, the power of verse novels, and the “secrets” of being a creative person. (grades 4-8) Suitable for any group size.

The Lost Colony: What Really Happened?: Learn about the real history behind Blue Birds and what might have happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. (grades 5-8) Suitable for any group size.

The Work Behind the Work: Discovering the Creative Process of Authors and Illustrators:
Teens will learn how authors and illustrators approach their work and find strategies to encourage their own creativity. (grades 9th-12th) Suitable for any group size.