Author Visits to Schools

Author visits to schools are one of the most rewarding aspects of being an author. I love watching young readers connect with the story and the illustrations. Through sharing with children, I always learn something new about myself and my book.

Author Visits Benefit Children

Author visits to schools build relationships between children and the written word, authors can inspire children to write and make connections with lessons they are learning in their classrooms.

Author visits encourage reading and writing for fun and often motivate reluctant or struggling readers and writers. After an author visit, children often see themselves as real writers and part of a writing community.

Author Visists to-School
Author Visists to-School
Author Visists to-School
Author Visists to-School
Author Visists to-School
Author Visists to-School

About Gertie Saves the Day

Gertie Saves the Day is about a groundhog who wants to be selected to predict if there will be 6 more weeks of winter or not. A competition will be held and Gertie’s class is participating. Gertie desperately wants to win. However, her classmate Jeff declares he is going to win and discourages her for being too short.

Gertie gives it her all during the competition. But is her determination enough to win the coveted role as this year’s famous groundhog? This story explores several childhood theme of competition, disappointment, kindness and friendship.

gertie saves the day cover website with awards

Two Wins for Wiley

Wiley is his team’s best hitter. With the play-offs around the corner, the pressure is on for Wiley to practice and play his best But there’s one big problem. Wiley suffers from frequent stomach aches, and they’re only getting worse.

When his coach suggests that he tries acupuncture, Wiley must make a difficult decision. He can either face his fear of needles and get better for the big game, or risk losing the play-offs as he watches from the sidelines. Will Wiley conquer his fear and bring his team to victory?

Two Wins for Wiley

Now Booking!

Engaging author visits for schools, libraries, and community events—perfect for grades Pre-K to 3.

What Children Learn:

  • How stories are created

  • The power of perseverance & confidence

  • That their voice and imagination matter

What’s Included:

  • Interactive read-aloud

  • Age-appropriate writing activity

  • Q&A with a real author

  • Optional book signing

Perfect For:

  • Literacy weeks

  • SEL programming

  • Author days

  • Library events

My goal is to engage and entertain your students by supporting classroom instruction. Each visit can be individualized to meet the needs of your students.

FAQ

How do we book the author visit in our school?

You can book an author visit below. Simply fill out the form.

Will we get a recording of the session?
How many children are allowed to attend?
How do we access the classroom materials?
How do we get a copy of the book prior to the visit?
Can we collaborate on a visit presentation?

Book a Visit!

Author visits are an investment in your students. Children walk away with a different perspective on reading and writing, and often are inspired to become writers.

Teachers see their lessons supported and validated as authors reinforce the importance of revision, incorporating feedback and perseverance.  Book a visit today!

Testimonials

"I liked how it was a children's story, but anyone no matter their age can read it and get the message of kindness."

5th-grade student

"It was cool to listen to the author read her own actual book to us. She could really express how she wanted the book to be read."

5th-grade student

"The message was sometimes you might get scared, but if you have a good friend, they will help you through it."

5th-grade student

“My class was thrilled to have Karen visit our classroom. Her story kept the children engaged and asking questions. She had fun, and age-appropriate activities to share. We all enjoyed Karen’s visit.”

2nd-grade teacher

"It was such a pleasure having the opportunity to have our students participate in a live read-aloud of Gertie Saves the Day by Karen Nespoli. Karen took the time to answer questions students submitted to her about herself and her experience as a writer. I loved the message of how kindness and friendship will always win in the end! The students were all very engaged during the reading and really enjoyed the experience as well!"

5th-grade teacher

"Our class really enjoyed listening to "Gertie Saves the Day." It was also a great opportunity for our students to learn about the process of writing a story and ask questions from a local author."

5th-grade teacher

"Celebrating World Read Aloud Day and Groundhog Day with author Karen Nespoli will be something our students will always remember. Nespoli connected students with rich text and vivid illustrations, through an interactive read-aloud. Being able to ask a children's author questions about how to generate ideas and put ideas to paper helped our students appreciate what goes into becoming a writer, both as a career and in everyday life. Meeting Gertie and Nespoli planted seeds for future success, as lifelong readers, writers, and learners."

Dennis Schug, Principal (Hampton Bays Middle School, Long Island, New York)

"I love your book and I love Gertie! I am going to write a book.  I'm so happy to meet you in person."

3rd-grade student

"Most children do not have the opportunity to meet a 'real life' author. It meant a great deal to them to have the chance to see the book and meet the author at the same time. A great big thank you!”

1st-grade teacher

“I would recommend Karen for an author visit. She is professional, friendly and very patient. My class had a lot of questions and she answered every one!”

2nd-grade teacher