School Visits

Bring a Nonfiction Author to Your School

Tanya Lee Stone’s author visits are akin to hiring a guest writing teacher. She loves interacting with kids about what THEY are excited to read and write, and helping them bring out the best of their writing selves. Your students will be directly engaged in her presentations as she models how to research their topics, how to write first drafts without stress or “writer’s block,” and perhaps most importantly, what revision REALLY means. She walks them through how to really dig in and get results for their writing.

Stone has school visit programs  for elementary, middle, and high schools and will do three-four presentations a day.

The Gist:

Stone’s visits generally focus on modeling how to approach Research, Writing, and Revision in a compelling and exciting way, and can be tailored to suit your needs. Stone’s interactive style hits on many important points throughout her presentations, including: how we choose what to write about, infuse our topic with passion, and make our research impeccable; the art and importance of revision; some of the juicy “behind the story” stories; and her path to becoming a writer. Her focus is always on helping students access their own writing.

For High schools (or for Banned Books Week): Tackling Tough Issues: In some of Stone’s books there are topics that make people squirm. Race, gender, inequality, and sexuality may play a role. (A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl is frequently banned.) Why does an author choose to grapple with these issues and how does she defend her choices?

Please Note: There are two requirements for school visits: (1) Students read (or have read to them) at least one of Stone’s books prior to her visit. (2) Students take home a provided book order form so that they have the opportunity to order a personally autographed book. Students are not required to buy  books.

What Teachers and Librarians Say:

“Tanya’s work with children mirrors her writing. Her wit captures the children while her expertise captures their interest in learning.” –Melinda Tate, 4th/5th grade teacher

“We were all enthralled. Your presentation touched us and left us different. Please return to illuminate our lives once again.” –J. Peitscher, Shelburne Museum

“Tanya’s presentation was one of the most engaging we’ve ever had. Our kids couldn’t help being caught up in her passion for her topics and her writing.” –Kate Messner, teacher and author

“One of the finest nonfiction writers working today, Tanya is also one of the best speakers I have heard talking about the creative process.” –Anita Silvey, Children’s and Young Adult Book Expert

What Students Say:

“I didn’t know writing could be cool.” –Jake, 8th grade

“Thanks so much for coming to our class. I didn’t like books, now I do!” –Laura, 3rd grade

“Tanya is an absolutely wonderful teacher. She was always willing to work with me to help me improve my own writing, and her down-to-earth but optimistic encouragement helped me to discover how passionate I am about children’s literature.” –Claire B. (college student)

Other Speaking Engagements:

For speaking engagements, such as book festivals, conferences, or corporate speaking please contact Tanya directly.

Credentials: Tanya Lee Stone is the author of many critically acclaimed books and the recipient of awards such as the Sibert Medal, NAACP Image Award, Boston-Globe Horn Book honor, Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, NCTE Orbis Pictus honors, Amelia Bloomer honors, ALA and CBC Notables, YALSA Nonfiction, NYPL Best Books for the Teen Age, IRA Young Adult Choice, and multiple state awards. She has been a featured speaker at IRA, ALA, NCTE, ALAN, Vermont Writers’ League, National League of Women Voters, Texas Book Festival, New England Society of Children’s Writers & Illustrators, Connecticut Reading Association, and other venues. She loves to visit schools and get kids excited about writing and literature. She is also part of the faculty in the Professional Writing Program at Champlain College.