SCHOOL and LIBRARY VISITS
I
spend about thirty days out of each year visiting middle schools, high schools,
and libraries. It’s a good way for
me to meet my readers, it gets me away from my computer, and it feels great to
get students excited about reading and writing. If you are interested in having me visit your school or
library please don't hesitate to get in touch. I will address large or small groups. Using examples drawn from my young
adult novels, I talk about where ideas come from, how ideas become stories, and
how stories are turned into books.
My
presentations vary depending on the age of the audience, the books they may
have read, the specific needs of the school or library or conference. Some prefer that I focus on writing and
idea generation, others would rather I talk about reading, some want me to
discuss a particular title.
Generally,
my presentations fall into two categories:
1. Book Talks
Book talks are my favorite way to connect with students and share
ideas about the writing process, how ideas happen, and what it's like to be a
writer. I usually discuss a
specific book, talk about the ideas behind the book, and describe how I came to
write it. These book talks are most effective when all or most of the students
have read the book under discussion.
Time: 40 to 60 minutes, plus time for book signing.
Number of students: 5-50
2. Large Group Presentations (assemblies)
Unless a school has a student body so extraordinarily literate
that every last kid has read my latest novel (there are a few), I like to keep
these large group talks very general to keep the non-readers engaged. I talk about how I came to be a writer,
how I get ideas, how and why I write novels, what a writer's life is like, etc.
Time: 30 to 60 minutes, plus time for questions and book
signing. Number of students: As
many as you want!
For
information on cost and availability, email or call Jean Dayton at Dayton Bookings
(812-323-1732).
FAQs
• What is the appropriate age level for your novels?
It varies quite a bit from school to school, and from student
to student. Some of my most ardent
fans are sixth graders, and others are seniors. I would say most of my YA books are most effective for
grades seven, eight, and nine. The
three Bloodwater Mysteries (Snatched, Skullduggery, and
Doppelganger) are aimed a slightly younger readers, grades five, six, and
seven.
• How far ahead should we book a visit?
Most of my visits are booked a year in advance. However, I can often accommodate a
shorter “event horizon.”
• What do you charge?
For information on cost and availability, email
or call Jean Dayton at Dayton Bookings (812-323-1732).
• Which of your books is best for our “reluctant readers?”
I occasionally get emails from students who claim they had
never read a whole book before picking up one of my novels. I have no idea whether or not it is
true. The books these kids mention
most often are Invisible, Godless, and Mr. Was.
• Are you warm and cuddly, or scary and weird?
I hope to fall somewhere in between.
• Are teacher’s guides available for any of your books?
Teacher’s guides for some titles are available right here on this website. My website also offers information on
Reticulated Elf Weasels, the Sipapuni, vampires, water towers, and other items
of interest.
• How do we order books for our event?”
I encourage schools and libraries to order my books through
their usual wholesaler or local bookstore. Independent booksellers need your
support, and will usually offer a discounted price for quantity orders. If that
is not practical, Simon & Schuster will accept direct orders from schools
for author appearances only. The "author appearance discount" is 40%.
Orders must be prepaid (no P.O.'s). To place an order, call their toll-free
customer service number at (877) 989-0009.
• My students are intrigued by your book Godless,
but I am concerned about how some parents will react if I bring a
fire-breathing godless apostate such as yourself into our school.
That is not a question, it’s a statement. But let me say this: First, Godless is not an
anti-religion book, nor is it an atheistic screed. It’s a book about personal power, peer pressure, and the
power of religion. Second,
discussions with students tend to be about the characters and their
motivations, not about theology.
Third, I do not breathe fire.
• When you visit our school, would you be willing to sign
books?
Absolutely!
However, I will not sign body parts or books written by other authors.
The Books
MR. WAS
This time travel adventure was nominated for an Edgar Award
by the Mystery Writers of America. It was an ALA notable
book for 1997, and received the Michigan Library Association
award for Best YA Novel. Teachers
Guide Available.
NO LIMIT
An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, No Limit is the
story of a teen who becomes a professional card player. This book is my
personal favorite. Teachers
Guide Available.
HOLE IN THE SKY
Set in the Grand Canyon in the year 2038, Hole in the Sky is
both sci-fi adventure and mystical romance. A Children's Choice book for
2002. More.
SWEETBLOOD
Sweetblood is a uniquely "reality-based" vampire novel
about a smart, troubled teen struggling to find herself in the face of a
chronic, potentially deadly disease-insulin dependent diabetes. Teachers Guide Available.
GODLESS
Godless is the story of Jason Bock, who starts his own
religion worshipping the local water tower. A humorous, irreverent,
nondenominational look at the power of religion. Teachers Guide included in
back of paperback edition.
INVISIBLE
Invisible is about a maladjusted model train buff with an
unusual friend. Hard to describe. Teachers Guide to come. Maybe.
RASH
Rash has been described as "1984 meets Holes." I
think of it more as "Things to Come" meets "One Flew Over the
Cuckoo's Nest." It's a funny book--until you start to think about it.
ALL-IN is the sequel
to No Limit—Denn Doyle moves to Las Vegas and takes on the big boys. Lots of poker action, but no poker
knowledge required.
SNATCHED, SKULLDUGGERY, AND DOPPELGANGER
This series of three mysteries is written for slightly younger
readers, ages 9-12. The mysteries
feature 16-year-old "investigative reporter" Roni Delicata and 13-year-old
science nerd Brian Bain. This series is co-written by mystery author and poet
Mary Logue.
For
information on rates and availability, email or call Jean Dayton at Dayton Bookings
(812-824-5017).