Authors in Schools Fiction Writers

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Invite an inspiring author to your school!

AuthorsInSchools is a speakers’ bureau designed to help you find nationally-known or regional authors whose presentations, availability, and fees fit your organization’s needs. Here you’ll find detailed information about more than 45 poets, fiction and non-fiction writers, storytellers, illustrators, musicians, and entertainers who have received high ratings from schools for their ability to motivate students to enjoy reading and writing.

Allison Whittenberg NEW!
Allison Whittenberg, a Philadelphian, is the author of the young-adult fiction novels Sweet Thang, Life Is Fine, and Hollywood and Maine (Random House). She is also a poet and playwright and has extensively studied tap and modern dance. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a Master of Arts in English, she has taught at several colleges such as Drexel University, Hamline University, and the University of Pennsylvania. An avid traveler, she has visited all parts of the United States, along with the Caribbean and Russia.

Click here to learn more about Allison Whittenberg NEW! .

Neecy Twinem NEW!
Neecy Twinem is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator of over twenty-five published books. Her rich, brightly colored artwork and simple text invites readers to explore the natural world. Neecy has illustrated for a variety of children’s markets, including book covers, educational books, classroom readers, and magazines. Neecy has given hundreds of presentations and has been a regular speaker at schools, conferences, and literacy festivals across the country for over 13 years. She loves to share the process of creating books with children and adults. She provides presentations, workshops, and artist-in-residence programs.

Click here to learn more about Neecy Twinem NEW! .

Suzanne Williams NEW!
Award-winning children’s author Suzanne Williams (Library Lil, My Dog Never Says Please, and the Princess Power series) loves to share her passion for reading and writing with others. Though now a full-time writer, Suzanne was an elementary-school librarian for twenty-four years and also taught writing. She has spoken at over 250 schools across the country and at conferences for teachers and librarians. A firm believer in every student’s ability to learn to write well, Suzanne relishes the challenge of making the craft of writing “user friendly.” She loves seeing students discover and give voice to the stories within their lives.

Click here to learn more about Suzanne Williams NEW! .

Phyllis Shalant NEW!
Award-winning author Phyllis Shalant has conducted school visits and writing workshops for over twenty years. She decided to become an author when she was in the fourth grade. Her belief in the power of friendship and her love of animals are present in all her books for young readers, including Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi and her popular series, The Society of Super Secret Heroes. Her experience teaching an after-school children’s creative writing program for twelve years, combined with her enthusiasm for sharing her work with children, provide students and teachers with both an exciting and educational program.

Click here to learn more about Phyllis Shalant NEW! .

Mary Hogan
Formerly an editor at 'TEEN Magazine, Mary Hogan is the author of several popular young-adult novels: THE SERIOUS KISS, PERFECT GIRL (April '07), SUSANNA SEES STARS, SUSANNA HITS HOLLYWOOD (March '07), SUSANNA COVERS THE CATWALK (April '08), and PRETTY FACE (2008). Mary has also published many articles in national magazines and has written for network television. Her informative presentations give students the inside scoop on what it's like to make a living in three different writing professions: TV sitcoms, novels, and national magazines. In a different vein, Mary draws on her experiences as a magazine editor to offer presentations on the sneaky ways in which the media influences body image.

Click here to learn more about Mary Hogan .

Irene Smalls
Irene Smalls is an author, storyteller, and historian from Boston, MA. Her first book, "Irene and the Big, Fine Nickel," was named an Outstanding Book in a New York Times book review and one of the Most Outstanding Children’s Books of the Year by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. Her interactive, high-powered presentations combine a variety of instructional approaches, including reading aloud, word study, and movement.

Click here to learn more about Irene Smalls .

Paul Owen Lewis

Paul Owen Lewis is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator from Seattle, WA. His titles include Davy’s Dream, Storm Boy, Frog Girl, and The Jupiter Stone. Storm Boy was nominated for the Caldecott Award, and received several other prestigious regional and national awards, including the 1996 American Book Award. For fifteen years Paul has inspired and enabled thousands of students to write and discover their creative abilities through his engaging school presentations.

Click here to learn more about Paul Owen Lewis .

David Patneaude
David Patneaude is the award-winning author of nine mystery and suspense novels for children that have been nominated for more than 30 state awards. He tailors his presentations to meet a school's expectations, and he conducts sessions for faculty and parents as well as students. He has visited hundreds of schools from coast to coast and has presented a variety of programs with one factor in common: the kids had a great time learning!

Click here to learn more about David Patneaude .

Peter Mandel
Peter Mandel is an adventure travel journalist and photographer and the author of nine fiction and nonfiction children’s books. His books have been included in exhibits at the Museum of Natural History in New York, the Smithsonian, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Peter’s interactive presentations incorporate humor and fast-paced discussions with the aim of drawing out student ideas, creative input, and lots of questions.

Click here to learn more about Peter Mandel .

Timothy Tocher
Timothy Tocher is a retired teacher and writer from New York state. A sports enthusiast and historian, he is the author of the middle-grade novels Long Shot and Playing for Pride. His novel Chief Sunrise, John McGraw, and Me was named a 2005 "Best Book for Young Adults" by the American Library Association. Timothy magically transforms an auditorium into a warm fireside chat. By interacting with his audience and performing humorous stories, Timothy will leave your students and staff buzzing with excitement.

Click here to learn more about Timothy Tocher .

Don Hoffman
Don Hoffman is a noted children's book author, award-winning television reporter, former director of communication and public affairs for one of the nation's largest urban school districts, and a sought after children's acting coach. His popular Billy Is a Big Boy and Abigail is a Big Girl series helps children to celebrate the milestones of growing up, affirm their accomplishments, and develop self-esteem.

Click here to learn more about Don Hoffman .

Gerald Hausman
Gerald Hausman is a multicultural storyteller from Bokeelia, FL and the author of over 50 adult and children's books. His books have received numerous awards in the categories of Native America, mythology, and African American and West Indian culture. Gerald's lively presentations have earned him praise from storytellers, speakers, writers, and listeners across the world. He offers both large assembly presentations and small workshops, shaping each presentation to fit the age of the audience.

Click here to learn more about Gerald Hausman .

Steve Isham
Steve Isham, a former high school art teacher, is the author and illustrator of numerous children's books capturing the rich folklore and unique wildlife of Australia. His books delight and fascinate readers of all ages with rhymes and riddles waiting to be discovered on every page. Steve tours schools in the United States twice a year, offering interactive workshops that spark students' creativity and empower them to write and draw.

Click here to learn more about Steve Isham .

Bill Dodds
Bill Dodds—a critically acclaimed novelist and poet from Seattle—has written more than two dozen books, including the critically acclaimed middle-grade novel My Sister Annie (Boyds Mills Press). Bill leads a skills-oriented workshop that engages and inspires students to write fiction. He will custom build a program according to your goals.

Click here to learn more about Bill Dodds .

Bruce Lansky
Best-selling children's writer Bruce Lansky is editor of the popular Girls to the Rescue and Newfangled Fairy Tales anthology series. Bruce has appeared at hundreds of elementary schools and teachers' conferences around the country, getting children and their teachers excited about reading and writing. In large-group assemblies or classroom workshops, Bruce’s presentations are motivating, informative, and entertaining. He stimulates students to write stories and perform them, using his successful anthologies as guides.

Click here to learn more about Bruce Lansky .

Mike Graf
Mike has written over 70 books for children. He has backpacked in our most famous national parks, interviewed storm-chasers, rafted through spectacular caves, rock-climbed in Yosemite, explored ghost towns, hiked to glaciers, encountered scorpions, participated in dinosaur digs, and much more. Mike’s books are inspired by these adventures and his love of the outdoors. Mike enjoys sharing his experiences through school talks and workshops on weather, science, national parks, caving, the writing process, and more.

Click here to learn more about Mike Graf .

Diane Z. Shore
Funny, fun, and full of life, award winning, Atlanta, GA children's author, Diane Z. Shore, puts the "awe" in Author with her lively, ultra-energy performances. She writes picture books, chapter books, early readers, poetry, and nonfiction. Her first book, "Bus-A-Saurus Bop"--a rollicking and rhyming read-aloud--was a 2004 Children's Choice Award. Her second book, "Look Both Ways" has been translated into German and French and is a blast to read in German!

Click here to learn more about Diane Z. Shore .