Author Visits

Author Visits "I wish you could have talked forever. "--Melissa, age 13

I enjoy author visits to schools and libraries, giving keynote addresses to all kinds of groups, and giving in-service programs for educators. I will talk about one , several, or all of my books, the research and writing process, and/or the history that inspired a particular event, such as the orphan trains, or what happened to children in the Holocaust. Here are some of the topics I have spoken on:

Writing for young readers-the toughest audience! Techniques for bringing history to life on the written page I have an idea, now what! How to write a nonfiction book The special challenges in writing about children The orphan trains The homestead pioneers Children in the Holocaust Themes in my books

	We are a group of middle school students in Oregon, Wisconsin who participate in a weekly book club. We rate each book we read and your book "Surviving Hitler" received the highest score of five stars from every member. We all loved it. Thank you for writing your wonderful piece of literature! Mary, Erin, Mike, Paul and Michaela

I have been the guest author in many schools, talking to all grade levels. I have also keynoted events for librarians and educators, been featured at writers conferences, and provided in-service education for teachers, librarians and administrators. I have been interviewed on NPR several times, and am featured in the upcoming historical documentary, A Magnificent Vision, produced by Emmy award winner Diane Asser.

A few of the groups I've given presentations for include

Nebraska Writers Guild	Martinsville, Indiana, Public Schools
New England Library Association	Ozarks Writers League
Orphan Train Heritage Society of America	American Book Festival
Outreach Conference for Missouri Educators	Nebraska State Reading Association
Ottawa Literature Festival	Kansas City, Missouri Public Libraries
Ohio State Literature Conference	Kansas State Teachers of English
Dallas Children's Book Fair	University of Kansas Literature Festival
Truman Presidential Library	Shawnee Mission, Kansas Public Schools
Louisburg, Kansas Public Schools	Grand Island, Nebraska Public Schools
Independence, Missouri Public Schools	Drexel, Missoui Public Library
Clinton, Missouri Public Library	Parkville, Missoui Public School
Parkville, Missoui Public School	Tonganoxie, Kansas Public Schools
Kansas City North Public Schools	Lawrence, Kansas Author in Schools
Blue Springs, Missouri Public Schools	Hickman Mills, Missouri Public Schools
Olathe, Kansas Author in Schools	Conroe, Texas Public Schools
The Woodlands, Texas, Public Schools	Dedication of the KU Children's Literature Collection

"You did a wonderful job holding the children's interest and answering their many questions. It was truly exciting having you with us. You're a great speaker." --S. Gleason, Elementary Principal, Grand Island, NE

I have been featured twice on National Public Radio, C-SPAN's "Booknotes," and the programs Crossroads, Writers on Writing, Between the Lines, Meet the Author, and CBS This Morning. I have been interviewed in a long list of publications, including the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, and the Kansas City Star. I have appeared at the Truman Presidential Library, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and at several dozen schools, libraries, and universities across the country. My books are regularly reviewed in such publications as Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and The Horn Book.

"We received many enthusiastic comments about your presentation and want to have you back." --Kathleen O-Dell, Events Chair Writers Hall of Fame, Writers Conference, Springfield, MO

	I am happy to travel out of town or out of state. Because I make my living as a writer, and travel--much as I enjoy it--takes me away from my work, I must charge a fee, plus expenses if my visit is out of the Kansas City area. If you are interested in setting up an event, please contact me via e-mail with information regarding who you are, the type and length of event, and its location. I will respond and will discuss all the particulars with you.

"The teachers who attend your in-service program loved your presentation. We look forward to your return." --Mary Ellen Grant, Media Coordinator Olathe, KS, Public Schools

E-mail Andrea Warren | Updated July 2006 | E-mail Webmaster