School Visits & Events
I love connecting with young readers and writers through school visits, story times, author events, and more! Email me via my contact page if you would like to discuss your event or scheduling one of the following:
Full and half-day in-person school visits (*More info below)
4o-minute virtual classroom visits
Writing workshops
Library and bookstore story times
Community and book festival story times
Author and publishing panels
Craft workshops for picture book authors
Platform/marketing workshops for authors
School Visits: Presentations & Rates
Presentation #1:
DANCING WITH DADDY: Story Origins & Disability Representation
Length: 30 to 45 minutes
Grade level focus:
Pre-K to 2: Emphasis on dance as a unifying activity, includes dance break
Grades 3 to 5: Discussion about disability and communication tools
Includes: About the author, read aloud, and Q&A session
Presentation #2:
WILLOW AND BUNNY: Favorite Things, Friendship & Fiction
Length: 30 to 45 minutes
Grade level focus:
Pre-K to 2: Emphasis on friendship and helping others
Grades 3 to 5: Discussion of fiction and personification in storytelling
Includes: About the author, read aloud, and Q&A session
Rates:
In-Person
Half day (3 presentations): $250
Full day (6 presentations): $500
Virtual
One class (1 presentation): $75
School-wide (1 presentation): $200
Testimonials
"Anitra gave our students such a wonderful day! So many of our teachers came through the LRC after dismissal to let me know what a wonderful presentation she delivered for each and every grade. She proved that you can engage grades K-5 for 45 minutes. It was incredible!"
- Librarian, Montgomery, IL
“The kids loved being able to not only enjoy Anitra’s new book, but also hear about what inspired her work. I appreciate how Anitra brings so much of herself to the conversation to show students that the things around them can give them ideas. The information about personification was great, as well, and I know that the teachers can use it as a jumping off point for further conversations.”
- Library Media Specialist, St. Louis, MO
“I was so impressed by how Anitra personally connected with the students and was able to ‘meet them where they were.’ She designed her presentation to be flexible enough to accommodate different groups. They all were mesmerized by her story. It was a truly memorable library experience.”
- Librarian, New York, NY
“I had so many positive comments from teachers about Anitra’s presentation. They loved her story and the way she was able to engage the students.”
- Librarian, Olathe, KS
“Anitra's presentation was an amazing, authentic experience for my students. They were inspired to learn that the same writing process they go through in class mirrors what real authors experience beyond the classroom walls. Anitra explained ways she adds elaboration in her writing through using her senses and figurative language. This connected perfectly to what the students learn in our writer’s workshop. A classroom teacher’s goal is to help students bring their ideas to life through careful description, and Anitra beautifully displays this in her wonderful presentation.”
- 3rd Grade Teacher, Geneva, IL
Photograph by Katie Reilley
Manuscript Critiques
I also critique picture book manuscripts for writers of stories for children, with a focus on fiction manuscripts. Critiques delivered within two weeks of receipt. (Fee: $65) Email me via my contact page to connect - I can’t wait to read your work!