School visits are one of my greatest joys. So much of the writing life is a solitary activity, and it is beyond wonderful to connect with young readers, to interact with the kids I do this book writing for. A number of you who read here are teachers, librarians, or parents engaged in your children’s education. With that in mind, I want to share with you information on the visits I offer — in-person and virtual — and, if you’re interested, how you might arrange a visit for your school, library, or homeschool co-op this year. Read on!
I offer a variety of presentations for grades K-8. Some tie in with specific books. Others focus on everything from the writing process, creating characters, and exploring poetry, to history, ecology, and geography. A typical visit includes three separate presentations, a lunch with students that teachers or librarians have selected beforehand, and the opportunity to purchase personalized books through a local bookstore. (These books will be available for distribution the day of the visit.) Schools can pick one presentation to be repeated three times or choose a variety of presentations — for example, one for K-1, another for 2-3, and a third for 4-5. Click through to see which presentations might best suit your community. Almost all presentations can be adapted for Zoom or Skype.
Why invite an author to your school?
A survey on author visits* revealed some amazing statistics:
- 91% of those who responded said author visits “motivate[d] students to read more”
- 74% felt visits inspired “creativity and expression”
- 68% believed visits “motivate[d] students to write more”
* 2014 Author Visit Survey by Alexis O’Neill. Over 600 respondents in thirty-nine states and eight countries.
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”
I’d like you to visit, but how much does it cost? And how do I schedule a visit?
I work with booking agent Julie Ann Hartman (julieann@thebookingbiz.com) of the Booking Biz (https://thebookingbiz.com/client/caroline-starr-rose/). Feel free to click through to my Booking Biz page or reach out of Julie Ann directly to learn more.
What if my school isn’t in New Mexico?
No matter! I am happy to travel. We can also meet virtually.
Any creative tips on funding an author visit?
Sometimes PTAs pay to bring an author in. I’ve had schools use money set aside for field trips (viewing an author visit as a field trip that comes to the school). Consider using funds earmarked for literacy programs. Apply for any number of grants that cover author visits. Or think of creative ways your school might raise money to fund a visit.
Here’s to a year of reading and writing and learning. May it be the best yet!
