Many schools are pivoting to virtual visits - and I am too!
Your time with us was not only entertaining and informative, but you were also impactful. Your influence has led to new dreams of being a writer or even one boy who now wants to design book covers. Many of our students do not have opportunities outside of their immediate environment, and there they were eating pizza and sharing stories with a famous author. You were engaging and respectful and an excellent storyteller (go figure). Your time with us is greatly appreciated, and we wish you all of the best in your career.
—James A. Caparula, Principal, Frank L Smart Intermediate School , Davenport, Iowa
"Thank you so much for visiting our school and giving such engaging and informative writing advice. The students could not stop talking about your visit, and you have certainly ignited their passion for reading and writing. Multiple students have already approached me with story and book ideas. We have been workshopping showing versus telling, so it was nice for the kids to hear from an author as well! I can't thank you enough for the passion you have inspired in our students."
—Mitch Overly, ELA Teacher, Cathedral School, Portland, Oregon
April captured the attention, enthusiasm and imagination of my middle school students. They enjoyed reading her books and being part of our April Henry Book Clubs! They LOVED meeting her and finding out about her, how she writes, and where she gets her ideas. Besides the obvious thrill of watching students get excited about books I found there was another great perk to having April Henry visit my school. My supervisor, my principal and assistant principal have each sent me congratulatory notes commending me on the great opportunity I provided for all of our students. They’ve also said that this was something many of our students will remember for a long time.
—Karen Martin, Librarian, Jarrett Middle School, Springfield, Missouri
"April’s visit was one of the best author visits I’ve had at my school. My students love her books so there was huge anticipation leading up to her visit but the excitement has continued to build in the couple of months since she was here. I have 99 copies of her books in my library - ALL have been checked out since her visit and there are still holds on them. It was a joy to work with April in planning her visit. She was always quick to respond to e-mails which made it easy to iron out all the details of the day. She’s also very flexible and willing to work with individual school schedules, presenting up to four sessions a day. Her presentation covers her experiences as a writer but also the research she has done to prepare for her writing. She easily grabbed and held my students’ attention with stories of her personal experiences learning about escape, evasion, martial arts, and police training – even with an audience of 250 students! I would highly recommend April for a great author visit for any middle or high school.
- Jennifer Ashby, Librarian, Shirley C Heim Middle School, Stafford, Virginia
"Thanks so much for traveling to Oklahoma to share your magnificent stories and books with Central's and Moore's students. It was an amazing experience for all of our students and faculty at Central--an unforgettable day with you!
—Caradith Craven, Central Middle School, Edmond, Oklahoma
I love reading aloud to my students. However, it is hard to find a book that will appeal to all of the students and keep their interest. Your books have the rare ability to grab the attention of all of my students. Each time I get to the end of a chapter, all of the kids are begging me not to stop. And I have to admit that I hate stopping too! Thank you for writing such engaging books!
--Kara DeFilippi, Jefferson Middle School, Arlington, Virginia
About my school visits
Today’s teens were brought up on CSI. Imagine the interest they’ll have in hearing from an author whose meticulously researched stories often feel like they’ve been ripped from the headlines.
I love talking about books, reading, and the craft of writing. Being a reader is what made me a writer.
I can tailor a visit to fit your needs. While I usually speak to students in middle and high school, I can also speak to older elementary students as well as adults. I also offer writing workshops to smaller groups and love speaking to adult groups at teacher and librarian conferences and other venues.
My school visits cover:
In general, my sessions last 45-60 minutes and work best for grades six and up. A typical full-day visit can include 3 sessions (large or small, talks or writing workshops) plus lunch with your students or other guests. I enjoy meeting with interested students in an informal setting, and book signings are always a lot of fun.
Ideally, I like to speak to all the students at a school. My books appeal to reluctant readers and strong readers, guys and girls, sixth graders to twelfth graders. If only a certain percentage of students hear me speak, then some will miss out on a chance to get interested in reading. .
For a comprehensive look at how to include my books in your curriculum (including information about Common Core standards) check out this thorough guide here.
For more information about having me speak, contact: Carmen Oliver at carmenoliver@thebookingbiz.com
I love talking about books, reading, and the craft of writing. Being a reader is what made me a writer.
I can tailor a visit to fit your needs. While I usually speak to students in middle and high school, I can also speak to older elementary students as well as adults. I also offer writing workshops to smaller groups and love speaking to adult groups at teacher and librarian conferences and other venues.
My school visits cover:
- A look at how authors get their ideas and shape them into stories
- How tenacity is as vital as talent
- How to take an idea and turn it into a story.
- The importance of re-writing and editing
- The fun of research - including lots of real-life adventures: being "kidnapped" in an urban escape and evasion class, attending the Writers Police Academy, and taking part in the FBI Citizen's Academy.
In general, my sessions last 45-60 minutes and work best for grades six and up. A typical full-day visit can include 3 sessions (large or small, talks or writing workshops) plus lunch with your students or other guests. I enjoy meeting with interested students in an informal setting, and book signings are always a lot of fun.
Ideally, I like to speak to all the students at a school. My books appeal to reluctant readers and strong readers, guys and girls, sixth graders to twelfth graders. If only a certain percentage of students hear me speak, then some will miss out on a chance to get interested in reading. .
For a comprehensive look at how to include my books in your curriculum (including information about Common Core standards) check out this thorough guide here.
For more information about having me speak, contact: Carmen Oliver at carmenoliver@thebookingbiz.com
How to gets students excited about a visit - examples from Caradith Craven in Edmond, OK
Skype Visits
I also offer school visits via Skype. For more information, contact Carmen Oliver at carmenoliver@thebookingbiz.com
The girls were able to learn more about April and her journey and then were able to ask her specific questions. They really enjoyed their time with her and said they learned a lot."
—Valerie Yarmesch, Librarian, Rocky River Middle School, Ohio
I've had several authors come to my school in person over the years -- and my very first Skype visit (today's) seemed much more personal and engaging. I think that says a lot for Ms. Henry's openness and her genuine concern for her audience.
—Angela Tetschner, Library, Nathan Hale Middle School, Omaha, Nebraska
Speaking to adults
For adults: I can speak to large or small groups about "Plot Your Way to Success," "Writing Mysteries and Thrillers," “How to Start a Series,” "Creating Kick-Ass Characters," or “46 Ways to Turn Up the Tension. " With sufficient notice, I can also tailor a talk to your group.
Increase your students' interest in reading and writing
"As a librarian, I am grateful that your books particularly grab reluctant, middle-school readers. I have watched one of the 8th grade girls in the group you met struggle to find books that engage her for the past two years. Girl Stolen hooked her from the first page. Your books have the right balance of character development and action to keep reluctant readers engaged. Thanks again for coming to talk with the girls and joining us for lunch. This experience will no doubt be a lasting memory for those 8th grade girls."
- Carol Ramgus, Nativity School, Portland, Oregon
You 'started a fire' here at NHS and your books have been hot property ever since. Thank you so much for meeting with us, we all enjoyed your presentation and felt inspired by it. I've had a couple of girls tell me that they are starting to read the newspaper to look for 'juicy stories.' These are girls who wouldn't be caught reading news before!"
- Liz Fox, Newport High School
"This girl is reading now and I've got tears in my eyes. Thank you so much for your books."
- From a teacher about a student who was a reluctant reader until she found Girl, Stolen and The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die
- Carol Ramgus, Nativity School, Portland, Oregon
You 'started a fire' here at NHS and your books have been hot property ever since. Thank you so much for meeting with us, we all enjoyed your presentation and felt inspired by it. I've had a couple of girls tell me that they are starting to read the newspaper to look for 'juicy stories.' These are girls who wouldn't be caught reading news before!"
- Liz Fox, Newport High School
"This girl is reading now and I've got tears in my eyes. Thank you so much for your books."
- From a teacher about a student who was a reluctant reader until she found Girl, Stolen and The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die