School Visits

Leslie J. Wyatt

“Live for what is recorded in heaven. Care nothing for what is recorded on earth.”

Author Presentations for Children

“Being an Author”

Presents the writing process from initial idea to finished book, followed by a question and answer session.

“Fact + Fiction + Fun”

The story behind Leslie’s book—how much is fact, how much is fiction, and how students can incorporate their own family stories and true happenings in their writings.

“Sensory writing”

This interactive workshop features hands-on exercises to help students add life and interest to their writing through the use of sensory writing.

Each of these sessions are geared for upper middle-graders in the interactive environment of classroom or library and last approximately forty-five minutes. Can be adapted for high school students as well. Please allow extra time if autographing is desired, or set up a separate time when students can get their books autographed.

General Information

· SETUP: For assemblies, I need one four to six-foot table. If the room is very large, please provide a P.A. system. (Attachable mike or on a stand). A powerpoint projector may be required, depending on the session selected.

· SCHEDULE: A full day includes a maximum of three 45-minute presentations. Extra time in the day can be used for autographing, presentations by students, etc.

· ESCORT: I would appreciate an escort from place to place in your school so I don’t end up in the kitchen or janitor’s closet.

· STUDENT PREPARATION: For maximum benefit from my visit, I recommend that the students be made familiar with my book ahead of time. You might also introduce students to my Web site, where they can e-mail me their own “My Heritage” essays and/or stories about their family, and enter artwork based on Poor Is Just a Starting Place.

· BOOK SALES: I recommend that my books be offered for sale to the students so that they can have a tangible reminder of my visit. However, I cannot handle sales myself or directly supply books. Schools should send an order form home to parents before my visit. For details on selling, see Holiday House.

· ADULT PRESENTATIONS: If desired, I can present to teachers, librarians, and/or parents. Please inquire about possible topics.

· PUBLICITY. I encourage you to publicize my visit through local media, and I’m happy to grant interviews.

· TRAVEL: Please send any tickets or ticket info, travel instructions, and lodging details well in advance. An advance copy of my schedule would also be necessary.

· FINANCIAL. For current charges, please inquire via email, specifying which session(s) you are interested in, where your school is located, and desired date of visit.