Speaking

Nancy is currently scheduling virtual visits and limited in-person events that adhere to CDC recommendations. 

School and Library Visits

Nancy’s programs are adaptable for schools, libraries, homeschooling, and scouting groups. Scroll down for more information about programs.

Author visits can be geared around any of Nancy’s books. Older students can learn about biodiversity and get excited about planning their own eco-action project or school garden. Or they can discover the recipe for research. Younger students can decide what they would pack for a trip around the world, like Nellie Bly.

Nancy encourages students to find their own story and discover the joys of writing and research in classroom workshops and assembly programs. Research emphasizes fact finding and exploration.

Teachers decide what format of presentation works best for their students.

Nancy can help arrange a sale with a local bookstore for the school. Autographing is always available. She loves small group lunch time chats with students, if possible!

Sharing books at a school visit

Sharing books at a school visit

Nancy’s intention for every visit is to:

  • inform participants about the world around them with age-appropriate content (including NGSS)
  • inspire an appreciation of the natural world
  • further STEM topics and research
  • empower readers to become curious and involved citizens
  • encourage cross-curriculum connections
  • introduce the nitty gritty of book publishing and author-life

Summer Public Appearances

 

June 5, 2022, Climate Presentation, Taghkanic Firehouse, 4 pm, Claverack, NY

August 5, 2022, Hotchkiss Library, Connecticut

August 28, 2022 Rhinebeck Farmers Market, 10:30 am, Rhinebeck, NY

 

 

Meet Nancy at a book festival

Meet Nancy at a book festival

Presentations:

Nancy enjoys exploring science and research with middle school and high school students and is happy to visit science classes during her visits to a school district. Schools can team up and host her in area schools to share expenses.

Author q & A

  • Available for kindergarten through adult
  • 15-60 minutes (free virtual 15-min Q&A often available for classrooms)

It is meaningful for students to have the opportunity to read one or more of Nancy’s books before her visit. Nancy is happy answering questions about any of her books, from research to publication.

SNIFFING OUT A GOOD STORY

  • Available for grades 3-12
  • 30-60 minutes

Research is a treasure hunt and is useful for all writing! This program ties in with SNIFFER DOGS to explore the tips and tricks of researching to uncover facts. 

THE STORY OF SEEDS

  • Available for grades 5-12
  • 30-60 minutes

Program discusses the interconnection of STEM, history, and geography topics that include, biodiversity, WW2, and worldwide food security.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

  • Available for grades 4-12
  • 30-60 minutes

Program focuses on good news conservation stories that emphasize the ways people come together to make a difference. Community science, endangered species, environmental history, and civics are all included. Program ties in with BACK FROM THE BRINK, MISSION POLAR BEAR RESCUE, KEEPING OUR EARTH GREEN and others. 

WHEN THE WORLD RUNS DRY

  • Available for grades 6-12
  • 30-60 minutes

Program focuses on global water security, citizen science, activism, and civics are all included.

WRITING FOR ADULTS

  • 30-90 minutes

Find out more about writing, research, and revision from Nancy at an SCBWI event, library conference or teacher professional development program. Nancy would be pleased to speak to you about using nonfiction in your classroom setting. As the Regional Advisor of the Eastern NY SCBWI region, Nancy gives regular programs on nonfiction writing and children’s publishing. Please contact Nancy to plan a presentation for your group or program.

Costs

Author visits range from $250 for a library program to $1200 for a full day school visit with up to 6 sessions. Out of town expenses are additional. Talking with other school in your district or neighboring district can make visits much more affordable. Week-long residences are also available and discounted. Please contact me if you are writing a grant and need assistance!

Funding Ideas for Your Author Visit

  1. Treat the visit as a field trip that doesn’t involve travel! Each student can pay a small amount to offset the author fee.
  2. Apply for the Amber Brown Grant through the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Two schools are selected each year to receive an all expense paid author/illustrator visit.
  3. Check your local arts council or education council for available grants.
  4. Offset the cost with a book sale! Many indie bookstores will help coordinate a sale that will serve as a fundraiser for your school.
  5. Team up with another school, a local library, bookstore, or museum to share the costs to bring an author/illustrator to your area.
  6. Take advantage of authors attending a regional book festival, reading association conference, or other book event in your area. Find out what authors are attending and contact them ahead of time so they can make a stop at your school while they are in the area. Nancy is happy to arrive a day early or stay a day late and visit a local school if she is speaking at NCTE, a reading council, or local festival.

Sample Elementary Day Schedule:

9:15- 9:45 Presentation #1 – 5th grade in the library — Sniffing Out a Good Story

10:15 – 10:45 Presentation #2 – Grade 2 Around the World with Nellie Bly (Students discover a real person who followed her dream. Perfect for Women’s History Month)

11- 11:30 Presentation #3 – Grade 1 read THE FARM THAT FEEDS US (The path of a picture book and a tasty read!)

12:00-12:30 Presentation #4 – Grade 3 Around the World with Nellie Bly

12:30 – 2:15 – Lunch/Book signing and sale (I love having lunch with small groups of students! Signed bookplates are available for virtual visits )

2:30-3 – Presentation #5 – Grade 4 – Sniffing Out a Good Story