Presentations

The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth: The True Story

After dramatizing the true story of Jackie Mitchell, I “personalize” the writing process by showing students my mounds of research and stacks of drafts.  As I reveal this research, I show actual footage of Jackie’s strikeout.  (This video turns skeptics into believers!)

Although this presentation focuses on baseball, it also inspires young people to read, write, and answer their dreams.

All ages, especially Grades 2-up.  Length:  60 minutes.  Group size:  Unlimited.

When speaking with students, I wear a replica
of Jackie's 1931 Chattanooga Lookout uniform.
.

Jackhammers, Dynamite, and the Writer's Life

In this presentation, I give an overview of my books, my routines, and my challenges.  I also give special emphasis to the research and the writing process of my newest book, Who Carved the Mountain? The Story of Mount Rushmore.                                     

During my presentation, I discuss how and why Mount Rushmore was carved.  Using an interactive approach, I emphasize the importance of dynamite, teamwork, and democracy.

Meanwhile, I help students understand why sculptor Gutzon Borglum chose George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt to symbolize the history and ideals of the United States.

All ages.  Length: 45-60 minutes.  Group size:  100  students maximum.  (Please let me know if your group will be larger.)          

During my presentation, I talk with students about my research at Mount Rushmore.  When I show them this photograph, I emphasize the importance of a writer's notebook.

Snowplows and Poetry

In this presentation, I read to students from If I Had a Snowplow, a month-by-month picture book about a young boy who uses machines to help his mother.  Using small replicas of trucks and heavy machinery, I lead students in a group writing activity and talk about the extraordinary power of words.

Preschool-Grade 1.  Length: 30-35 minutes.  Group size: Flexible.  (If you anticipate that your group will be larger than 40, please let me know in advance.)

Students listen as I talk about machinery, poetry, and the importance of helping one another. 

Discovering Dolley

Dolley Madison (1768-1849) was kind, energetic, and brave!  As I tell students about the process of researching and writing Dolley’s biography, I emphasize Dolley’s perceptions of the nation, her emotions following the British invasion of Washington in 1814 (which are similar to our 9/11 feelings), and her far-reaching contributions to American life.

Grades 3-up.  Length: 45-60 minutes.  Group size:  100 students maximum.

Animals and the Writing Process

As I discuss Cows, Cats, and Kids: A Veterinarian’s Family at Work, I use photographs, veterinary tools, and other visual aids to demonstrate the writing process, the varied skills of a veterinarian, and the importance of writing about one's own life.

Grades 3-up.  Length: 45-60 minutes. Group size: 100 students maximum.