Presentations

The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth: The True Story

After dramatizing the true story of Jackie Mitchell, I “personalize” the writing process by showing students my mounds of research and stacks of drafts.  As I reveal this research, I show actual footage of Jackie’s strikeout.  (This video turns skeptics into believers!)

Although this presentation focuses on baseball, it also inspires young people to read, write, and answer their dreams.

All ages, especially Grades 2-up.  Length:  60 minutes.  Group size:  Unlimited.

When speaking with students, I wear a replica
of Jackie's 1931 Chattanooga Lookout uniform.
.

Mount Rushmore, Dynamite, and the Writer's Life

I begin by introducing students to my kitchen table (where I write), my routines, and the challenges that I face as an author.  Next, I give students an inside look at two of my books:  Who Carved the Mountain? The Story of Mount Rushmore and Face to Face with Mount Rushmore.

During this visual and interactive presentation, I discuss how and why Mount Rushmore was carved.  I also emphasize the power of dynamite, teamwork, and democracy.

Meanwhile, I help students understand why sculptor Gutzon Borglum chose George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt to symbolize the history and ideals of the United States.

All ages.  Length:  45-60 minutes.  Group size:  Unlimited.

Attention South Dakota educators:  This presentation is a great supplement to the South Dakota history unit!

During my presentation about Mount Rushmore,
I emphasize the importance of a writer's notebook.

Snowplows and Poetry

In this presentation, I read to students from If I Had a Snowplow, a month-by-month picture book about a young boy who uses machines to help his mother.  Using small replicas of trucks and heavy machinery, I lead students in a group writing activity and talk about the extraordinary power of words.

Preschool-Grade 1.  Length: 30-35 minutes.  Group size:  40 students maximum.  (If your group will be larger, please let me know in advance.)

Students listen as I talk about machinery, poetry, and the importance of helping one another. 

Discovering Dolley

Dolley Madison (1768-1849) was kind, energetic, and brave!  As I tell students about the process of researching and writing Dolley’s biography, I emphasize Dolley’s perceptions of the nation, her emotions following the British invasion of Washington in 1814 (which are similar to our 9/11 feelings), and her far-reaching contributions to American life.

Grades 3-up.  Length: 45-60 minutes.  Group size:  100 students maximum.

Animals and the Writing Process

As I discuss Cows, Cats, and Kids: A Veterinarian’s Family at Work, I use photographs, veterinary tools, and other visual aids to demonstrate the writing process, the varied skills of a veterinarian, and the importance of writing about one's own life.

Grades 3-up.  Length: 45-60 minutes. Group size: 100 students maximum.
 

Author in the Classroom

In this informal "presentation," I visit a classroom in your school.  Students prepare their questions ahead of time and surprise me with their questions.     I'm willing to talk about almost anything!

All ages.  Length: 30-45 minutes.  Group size:  One classroom (approx. 25 students).