School Visits Speaking to students at the Florida Governor's Mansion What do sinkholes, flesh-eating flowers, salt, and haboobs have in common? They're all topics found in my many nonfiction books! During a school visit program, I provide a visual presentation, and, depending on the topic, may bring some props as well. I'll engage students in Q&A about the topic and about how to research and write a book. My programs are tailored to the age group and size of the group.   FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS Florida is FUN!   Engage elementary school students in the natural and cultural wonders of Florida, as covered in my book Florida (Charlesbridge Publishing). Talk about what's special in and around their own community, show images from around the state, bring in a few Florida-related props, and talk about what it's like to be a writer and how I do my work. Details of the program are tailored to the age group and I can work with you on including specific information to help your class meet their Florida fourth grade standards. FOR MIDDLE GRADES Sinkholes!   They open up quickly and swallow cars, trees, and houses. They also start slowly and make the earth settle gently. Florida is full of them—but most states and almost every country in the world has them, too. From my book Sinkholes (Pineapple Press), find out the why and how of sinkholes, what is found inside them, how they affect you, and where you can see a sinkhole near you! Exploring Planet Earth   Glaciers, hoodoos, haboobs, and fumaroles—they’re all a part of processes in motion across the face of Planet Earth, changing our landscapes and affecting our lives. I present a cross-section of earth science topics from my Twenty First Century Books series Exploring Planet Earth, with images from around the globe. FOR HIGH SCHOOL Take That Hike!   Walking in with a backpack full of my typical gear for an outdoor adventure, I’ll set up my tent in front of the students and engage them in discussion about their views of the outdoor world and how they explore it, then talk about the fundamentals (including principles of Leave No Trace and the 10 Essentials for Hikers) of hiking, the rigors of backpacking, the joys of being outdoors, and an overview of where they, too, can take that hike in their area. Writing Nonfiction   For small groups, I’ll present writing workshops on how to take your idea, do the research, shape it into a nonfiction book, and get it published. Students will be expected to come with an idea and pen and paper to work on their idea during the session; we will share and discuss student ideas as a part of the process. Florida in the Civil War   Based on my book of the same name, a presentation of Florida history during the War Between the States, linking events with locations, talking about attitudes of the day, the split between Florida residents on their support of the war, and how the war changed Florida. FOR PARENTS An informal Q&A session about getting your children involved in outdoor activities, engaging their senses, encouraging their creativity, and specific information on where you can take your own “family field trips” in your area. GETTING READY Prior to a school visit, I'll work with you in regards any specific topics the students might want me to cover. As I'm a nonfiction writer, good starting points include the process of research and writing, fun facts uncovered during research, where digging into a subject can lead you, and how to make nonfiction fun to read. BOOK SALES My published work covers many different topics, and my books range from hardcover school & library editions to trade paperbacks you can find in your local bookstore. Since most of my children's books are school & library editions, book sales on these titles may not be an option for your group. My young reader's book Florida (Charlesbridge Publishing) and the hardcover book Sinkholes (Pineapple Press) are most appropriate for elementary and middle school students, and I can work with you on ordering copies in advance at a discount. For teens and adults, depending on topic and locale, I can bring copies of my Florida hiking or travel guides specific to your area. HONORARIUM Full day visits (3 sessions) $800 for schools in Alachua, Citrus, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy, and Marion Counties as well as the Lakeland-Winter Haven area $1000 full day plus travel expenses for all other Florida locations $1500 full day plus travel expenses out of state Half day visits (2 small groups or one large group) in state only $500 for schools in Alachua, Citrus, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy, Sumter, and Marion Counties $800 plus travel expenses for schools elsewhere in Florida  Small group workshops, library talks, or sessions with parents (1 session, 1 hour) in state only $350 plus travel expenses; negotiable within Marion County I can offer discounts if my research has me coming your way, or if you team up with another school in your area for a multi-day stay. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   and provide details about the event, the date, and your phone number; I'll follow up with an email and call. Thank you for your interest!