School and library Visits
I enjoy talking with students about reading, writing, superheroes, annoying pets, Albert Einstein, and sundry other topics. Presentations can range from giganto auditorium-style speechamajigs to hands-on writer's workshop thingamados to classroom Q&A whatchamacallits or any combination thereof. If you are interested in having me come talk to your school, book club, rampaging mob, or general gathering of word-loving peoples, feel free to contact me at johndavidandersonauthor@gmail.com.
I also offer virtual visits with individual classes, book groups, or reading clubs for free. My only requirement is that your young readers come with lots of questions because conversations are more fun than lectures.
Here are a few librarians and other important educator types reflecting on past visits of mine:
"They had a BLAST! I've never heard them laugh so hard or have as much fun as last week's group did. Thank you so much for spending a bit of your time with us. My ultimate goal in hosting these sessions is to inspire kids in their reading, but also draw a personal connection with the author. Then the book being read becomes much more than just a good story. It becomes a portal towards exploration and the probability of them telling their own stories. That goal was clearly met." - Rebecca Dunn, Lawrence Library, KS
"John David Anderson spent a day with our middle school students, including a full assembly for grades 5-8 and writing workshops with smaller groups. There was laughter, superhero posing, audience participation (key with this age!), all with a thoughtful lesson about what it means to be hero snuck in there. You know an author visit is a success when these things happen: kids ask the author to autograph their clothing with Sharpies; you get a ton of requests in the library for the book(s); kids ask whether you have in inside track on getting the author's next book before anyone else; and, most of all, there is just a palpable sense of joyful inspiration and delight in words/books/reading. I highly recommend Dave as a visiting author!" - Carolyn LaMontagne, Libriarian, Collegiate School, VA
"If your school is looking for a charismatic author/speaker who will deliver a fun and interactive presentation, then look no further than John David Anderson. The students of Brookville Middle School flocked to meet Mr. Anderson. Funny and engaging, he tirelessly used his energy and talents to connect with a new league of fans. As a result, this Sidekicked author has inspired dozens of students to be the best superhero they can be." - Beth Wade, Librarian, Brookville Middle School, IN
"Thank you for speaking with the fifth grade students at my school on January 29 as part of our celebration of Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! I don’t think we have laughed so much about the writing process. You have such an engaging personality that was perfect for the fifth graders. You have definitely helped to create a special memory for their last year of elementary school. Thank you again for taking time to do this." - Laura Holton, Media Sepcialist, Ortona Elementary, FL
"A HUGE thank you for skyping with us today - the kids were absolutely buzzing as they left the room and I could hear them telling their friends in the hallway all about the session. They wrote some great reflections and take-aways afterwards and I know that you really inspired them. We so appreciate you taking time out of your day to Skype with us - it was such an entertaining and informative session. Thank you again!" Courtney Woods, Superior Middle School, CA
"Our students LOVED the skype session. You gave helpful, practical, and often humorous answers to their questions about writing that led to a great discussion after the skype about how writing is a craft that takes time and hard work. I'm sure the students will remember it for a long time!" Lili Boyd, Adams Elementary School, VA
I also offer virtual visits with individual classes, book groups, or reading clubs for free. My only requirement is that your young readers come with lots of questions because conversations are more fun than lectures.
Here are a few librarians and other important educator types reflecting on past visits of mine:
"They had a BLAST! I've never heard them laugh so hard or have as much fun as last week's group did. Thank you so much for spending a bit of your time with us. My ultimate goal in hosting these sessions is to inspire kids in their reading, but also draw a personal connection with the author. Then the book being read becomes much more than just a good story. It becomes a portal towards exploration and the probability of them telling their own stories. That goal was clearly met." - Rebecca Dunn, Lawrence Library, KS
"John David Anderson spent a day with our middle school students, including a full assembly for grades 5-8 and writing workshops with smaller groups. There was laughter, superhero posing, audience participation (key with this age!), all with a thoughtful lesson about what it means to be hero snuck in there. You know an author visit is a success when these things happen: kids ask the author to autograph their clothing with Sharpies; you get a ton of requests in the library for the book(s); kids ask whether you have in inside track on getting the author's next book before anyone else; and, most of all, there is just a palpable sense of joyful inspiration and delight in words/books/reading. I highly recommend Dave as a visiting author!" - Carolyn LaMontagne, Libriarian, Collegiate School, VA
"If your school is looking for a charismatic author/speaker who will deliver a fun and interactive presentation, then look no further than John David Anderson. The students of Brookville Middle School flocked to meet Mr. Anderson. Funny and engaging, he tirelessly used his energy and talents to connect with a new league of fans. As a result, this Sidekicked author has inspired dozens of students to be the best superhero they can be." - Beth Wade, Librarian, Brookville Middle School, IN
"Thank you for speaking with the fifth grade students at my school on January 29 as part of our celebration of Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! I don’t think we have laughed so much about the writing process. You have such an engaging personality that was perfect for the fifth graders. You have definitely helped to create a special memory for their last year of elementary school. Thank you again for taking time to do this." - Laura Holton, Media Sepcialist, Ortona Elementary, FL
"A HUGE thank you for skyping with us today - the kids were absolutely buzzing as they left the room and I could hear them telling their friends in the hallway all about the session. They wrote some great reflections and take-aways afterwards and I know that you really inspired them. We so appreciate you taking time out of your day to Skype with us - it was such an entertaining and informative session. Thank you again!" Courtney Woods, Superior Middle School, CA
"Our students LOVED the skype session. You gave helpful, practical, and often humorous answers to their questions about writing that led to a great discussion after the skype about how writing is a craft that takes time and hard work. I'm sure the students will remember it for a long time!" Lili Boyd, Adams Elementary School, VA
