How do writers turn everyday events into fantastic adventures? I’m happy to share some of the tricks and techniques I use when I visit your school or library. My presentations are fun, interactive, and tie into the curriculum, so they’re just right to get students motivated as you kick off a writing, science, or social studies unit or reinforce concepts they’ve already learned.
Below you can find the programs I have on offer. If you don’t find something that suits your needs, please reach out—I am happy to work with you to develop a program for your school or organization.
Large-Group/Assembly Programs
Making of a Picture Book*
In this program, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how picture books go from a spark of an idea to a full-color read-aloud that can be enjoyed again and again. We’ll look at the whole process, from brainstorming, story-boarding, and early drafts to full layouts, sketches—and eventually a book. Appropriate for all ages.
Into the Field: How Writers Do Research*
What does it take to research a nonfiction book? This program offers a behind-the-scenes look at the journey an author takes long before they write a single word. Where do they get their information, and how do they know it’s accurate? We’ll talk about library and online sources, take a detour to discuss generative AI (and why I never use it), dive deeper with primary sources, and wrap up with some of my adventures in the field. Grades 3 and up.
Ecosystem Superheroes*
This program introduces students to some of the incredible critters that play an essential role in maintaining their ecosystems. With an emphasis on plant-animal interactions and ecosystem processes, the presentation reinforces upper-elementary science topics. We talk about features that make these animals powerful protectors of their ecosystems and the remarkable role of the often-overlooked “side-kicks,” including towering trees, giant kelp, and teeny-tiny phytoplankton. Grades 3 and up.
Solving the Mysteries of North America’s Ancient Past*
This program introduces students to the idea that our continent used to look very different than it does today. But how do we know? Students will uncover the scientific mysteries surrounding Nebraska’s Ashfall Fossil Beds. What were rhinos doing in the middle of North America? Why did horses have three toes? And where did all that ash come from, anyway? A great way to tie Language Arts and Social Studies to Science. Grades 3-7 with a focus on geology and fossil evidence or grades 1-2 with a focus on the features of ancient North American mammals.
Small-group/Classroom Programs
Making Sense by Using our Senses
This program dives into the five main senses to understand how each one gives us different kinds of information about the environment. Some senses work better in certain situations. How can we decide which ones to use? Students will try their hand at solving a mystery using their senses. This highly interactive, hands-on presentation is limited to one classroom at a time. Grades 2 and up.
Think Like a Scientist
Alison is a former scientist! In this program, students will learn to think like scientists do. We’ll start with close observations, wonder what-why-how, formulate questions, and brainstorm ways to answer those questions. Students will record every step of the process in their think-like-a-scientist journal (provided), so they can share at home. Because this presentation is hands-on, group size is limited to one classroom at a time.
Grades 2 and up.
(Re-)Writing to Get it Right Revision Workshop
Many students dislike having to revise their work. In this workshop they’ll quickly discover that not only is revision an essential part of the writing process, but it can also be fun. Includes Revision Rules handout. Grades 4 and up.
Non-Fiction Writing Workshop
In this workshop, I talk about what it’s like to write National Geographic Kids’ Weird But True Ripped from the Headline books: how I found topics, how chapters came together, and how I created fun-to-read stories. Students will get to choose from an assortment of ideas and use these to practice writing Weird-But-True-style short stories. We will cover: how to find interesting information and be sure it’s true, hooking your readers, and making your writing fun and snappy. Grades 3 and up.
Fiction Writing Workshop
This workshop starts off with an assortment of photos of wacky events—the perfect prompts to ignite the imagination. As a group, we will select one image and use it to brainstorm story ideas, then write our group story. Students will then choose their own images and practice brainstorming and writing their own stories using the techniques we covered in the first part of the workshop. Grades 3 and up.
Meet the Author Q&A*
Have students interested in becoming writers? This is their chance to ask their burning questions! Small, teacher-selected group meets with Alison to talk about what it’s really like to make a living as a writer and what it takes to achieve big writing goals.
Fees
In Person Visits
See below for discounts!
Single session – $400 (includes book signing)
Full day – $1,000 (3 presentations, 30-minute Q&A with high-interest students, and a book signing)
Plus travel for schools more than 50 miles from Lincoln, NE and accommodations for schools more than two hours away. (I have family in the Denver and Seattle areas and will not need accommodations for visits to these locations.)
Virtual Visits
*Starred presentations work well for virtual virtual visits.
Single session – $200
Full day – $600
30-minute Q&A – $75
World Read Aloud Day – free!
I know money is tight these days, so I am discounting my honorarium by $5 for each book purchased by your school community. Does not apply to National Geographic titles. Arrange book sales through me to earn this discount; I will coordinate sales through your nearest bookstore if you have a local indie or my local bookstore if you don’t.
But wait, there’s more! Independent bookstores often provide a 10% to 15% discount for schools and/or large orders. If your community members pay the full price for their books, many bookstores will allow your school to keep the discount (or send you a check for the discounted amount), which you can apply toward my honorarium.
Need Additional Funding?
Education Grants for Books, Author Visits, and more
Talk to your school’s PTO. These powerhouse organizations have funded many of my school visits.
Dedicate some of the funds from your next book fair to an author visit.
Talk to school donors. Many are excited about the prospect of providing an opportunity for students to meet a real author. I’ve even had school donors buy books for each student to take home.