Cultivating Young Readers and Writers

Hosting an author in your classroom or library not only enriches your students' understanding of storytelling but also encourages a love for reading and writing.

Author visits help foster a life-long love for reading. They bring books to life on a whole new level, and they help students develop a greater appreciation for literature and the written word.

Your teachers are doing the hard work day-in and day-out. But hearing another adult repeat the importance of reading or using sensory words or asking hard questions – sometimes that outside perspective is all it takes to make things click for students.

Through author visits, students learn that authors often struggle with brainstorming, fine-tuning ideas, editing and revision, and accepting criticism. They learn that first drafts are just that. Real writing takes place during re-writing.

Programs by Grade Level

Pre-K — 25 minutes

Short classroom visits with an introduction and read-aloud. Optionally we can have a lesson on corn and the different types/purposes.

K–1st — 45-60 minutes

Meet the Author — My journey from farmer to author

A read-aloud of The Hibernating Combine

The Visit that Inspired Me — How one author changed my path

Igniting the storyteller in all of us

2nd–3rd — 45-60 minutes

Meet the Author — My journey from farmer to author

A read-aloud of The Hibernating Combine

The Visit that Inspired Me — How one author changed my path

Igniting the storyteller in all of us

Resilience & Rejection — Why “no” helps writers grow

Writing with Story Seeds

Q&A

4th–5th - 45-60 Minutes

Meet the Author — My journey from farmer to author

A read-aloud of The Hibernating Combine

A read-aloud of a rejected manuscript

Discussion on the differences between the manuscript vs the published story

The Visit that Inspired Me — How one author changed my path

Igniting the storyteller in all of us

Resilience & Rejection — Why “no” helps writers grow

Writing with Story Seeds

Q&A

Programs can also be tailored to meet your schools needs or goals.

Costs

Option A – Flat Rate: $300 for the day (books available for $20 each, signed).

Option B – Book Sales: School commits to 35 book sales ($20 each, signed).

***I am located in Michigan. There is no charge for travel within 35 miles of Hastings. A travel fee will be added for distances beyond 35 miles.***