School Visits
Tanya Lee Stone is the author of many critically acclaimed books and the recipient of awards such as the Sibert Medal, Boston-Globe Horn Book honor, Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, NCTE Orbis Pictus honor, Amelia Bloomer, 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.
Tanya has school visit programs available for elementary, middle, and high schools. She does three-four presentations a day, tailored to suit the needs of your students.
For elementary and/or middle schools, she can focus on the writing and revision process, the importance of research, her life as a writer, and a Q&A. She engages students with fun writing activities as well. Tanya can also tailor a presentation to your needs.
For middle and/or high schools, her presentations also explore Young Adult fiction. Tanya can also lead writing workshops.
A Sampling of Programs:
(these are only samples, and can be combined)
Research Fuels the Author's Fire: How do we choose what to write about, infuse our topic with passion, and make our research impeccable?
Revision Revision Revision!: The art and importance of revision.
An Author's Path: How do you become a writer? Tanya talks about her background and takes kids on her journey. Customized according to age level.
The Story Behind the Story: Every book has juicy stories about the bumps and thrills along the way. We look at text & art and discuss the importance of research.
Writer-in-Residence: For ages 8 and up. Tanya embraces a multi-day project we tailor together and works with students through completion.
For High schools: Tackling Tough Issues: In some of my books there are topics that make people squirm. Race, gender, inequality, and sexuality may play a role. Why does an author choose to grapple with these issues and how does she defend her choices?
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 educator and 8th grade teacher
"Tanya has a wonderful rapport with young people. She makes writing come alive."--R. Golberg, Youth Services Librarian
"Tanya's presentation for our middle school students 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, middle school teacher and author
"Tanya Lee Stone has been a repeat visitor in my Children's Author Studies class at St. Michael's College. Her presentations have always been one of the highlights for my students. She is honest, articulate, and can analyze the writing process in detail. 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
"Stone's broad and deep body of work makes her an ideal guest author for groups of children...her thoughtful responses offer students insight into her creative process, research, and children's literature." --Valerie Bang-Jensen, Children's Literature specialist
What Students Say:
"You were so awesome. Your visit rocked!" --Jason, 10
"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, 9
"You're my favorite author. You made reading and writing fun." --Britney, 11
"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)
Please email Tanya for fees and scheduling.
Speaking Engagements Other than School Visits:
For speaking engagements, such as book festivals or conferences, please contact Tanya directly.
Want to have a school visit via Skype? EMAIL TANYA