“My goal is to inspire excitement about writing so that even before I leave the building students are catching firefly sparks, mining their minds and hearts for ideas, and writing... spark*spark*spark*” —Coleen Paratore   

 

Short Bio

With 17 books in her first 8 years as an author, Coleen loves sharing what she has learned with great enthusiasm and encouragement.  Author of the bestselling The Wedding Planner’s Daughter, now a 6-book series and soon to be a movie, the critically acclaimed Sunny Holiday series, and award winning picture books such as 26 Big Things Small Hands Do, Coleen’s new release, praised by Laurie Halse Anderson, Jerry Spinelli, and others, is Dreamsleeves (Scholastic Press).  She lives with her family in Troy, New York.  www.coleenparatore.com

 

PROGRAMS

l) Full Day:  K-12 – Can be structured however the school prefers.  Here is one popular model:

An upbeat Kick-Off Assembly followed by grade-level gatherings where students actively participate, write, and share; concluding with an autograph session. Request a visit.

• Kick-off Assembly:  (40 minutes) Everyone (teachers/staff too) brings a favorite book, a writer’s notebook, and a pen.  (Props needed:  2 long tables and a clip-on microphone)

• Grade-level Gatherings: (30 minutes each) In a comfortable space, conducive to writing, students (wearing name tags) bring writer’s notebooks, pens and questions. (Table, chair, clip-on microphone)

• Book Signing:  as the culmination of our day together (with parents, as a party, however you wish)

***Advance Preparation:  Please have students read the author’s books before the visit to ensure a truly meaningful and memorable experience for all.

 

2) Writer Residency

A week or month-long intensive program where Coleen coaches students from firefly sparks through drafts, critiques, revision, publication and a culminating sharing celebration. Request a visit.

 

3) Book Chat

Perfect for a grade level reading one of Coleen’s books; an hour-long conversation and signing. Request a visit.

 

4) Conferences & Festivals

Coleen frequently speaks to educators and librarians at state and national conferences and festivals and enjoys giving keynote addresses as well as breakout sessions and panel discussion groups.  She offers inspirational talks about the writing life, filled with anecdotes and humor, followed by Q&A, and a signing.  Request a visit.

 

A/V Tech Needs

Two long tables and a clip-on microphone.

 

Honorarium

Please contact the author visits manager Antonio Gonzalez at authorvisit@scholastic.com for current rates/travel/mileage costs.

 

Book list

ISBN	TITLE	PUB	PRICE
Grades 5 – 12
9780545310208	DREAMSLEEVES	2012	16.99
9780545094016	FORGET ME NOT: FROM THE LIFE OF WILLA HAVISHAM	2009	16.99
9780545094047	FORGET ME NOT: FROM THE LIFE OF WILLA HAVISHAM (Paperback)	2010	5.99
9780545094054	FROM WILLA, WITH LOVE	2011	16.99
9780545094061	WISH I MIGHT	2010	16.99
9780545094023	WISH I MIGHT (Paperback)	2011	6.99
Grades 2 – 4
9780545075886	SUNNY HOLIDAY (Paperback)	2010	5.99
9780545075794	SUNNY HOLIDAY	2009	15.99
9780545075824	SUNNY HOLIDAY #02: SWEET AND SUNNY	2010	16.99

 

Ordering Books

Schools and libraries may order books at a discounted rate by visiting the Scholastic Teacher Store or by calling 1-800-SCHOLASTIC.