SCHOOL VISITS: I love doing school visits. I speak to elementary school students about reading, writing, and all things books. I tell them what it takes to be a writer and what a great job that is, and why it's important to be able to tell their stories whether they become writers or not. I show them that reading connects them to the human tribe, and that stories prove what a wide and welcoming tribe it is, with plenty of room wherever they fit in. I let them in on some secrets about the books they love. I'm happy to do a book signing while I'm there. Learn more and request a date...

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SKYPE VISITS: My Skype visits are shorter versions of my in-person school visits. I have three different versions: one for 1st and 2nd graders, one for 3rd and 4th graders, and one for 5th and 6th graders. All include a presentation with background graphics, a quick writing exercise, and a Q & A session. Learn more and request a date...

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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS: I address librarians, reading specialists, and teachers about many aspects of children's literature from the writers' perspective: what inspires us; what matters to us; how we get the reader's attention and connect them to our characters. Learn more and request a date...

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TEACHING: I am available to teach Children's Fiction at writing conferences. Because my book experience is so diverse, my classes cover the entire range of writing for children - including Beginnings, Character Development, Creating a Series, Finding Your Voice, Revisions, and the Current Publishing Environment - and are geared to all genres of children's fiction, from picture books through YA. Learn more and request a date...