School/Library Visits
Through an interactive presentation, Mary introduces her love of writing and how that passion began and evolved into her becoming an author. Mary will share the various stages of how a book evolves, outlining the development of an idea with a special focus on revising. Mary will show samples of her latest book at its various stages, including illustrating, and involve the children in the theme of the book, which is overcoming areas of learning difficulties with a special emphasis on Jeremy’s password “I can do it.” While eliciting from students areas that are challenging to them, both inside and outside the classroom, Mary very subtly helps children understand that we all have areas that are challenging and that it takes courage to perform in front of others no matter what we do.
Note: A signed copy of School Is Not For Me, Jeremy James Conor McGee will be donated to the classroom.
Cost:
$175 per classroom of no more than 30 students
$500 for three classes
$600 for four classes
Student Comments:
Dear Mrs. Mahony,
When you read to us on Tuesday, your book 'Stand Tall Harry' made me imagine,
"what could've happened to harry?" I honestly didn't want you to stop reading.
One of the things I imagined to happen to harry was that he had hit his head on
the ice in the hockey game. The other part you read, when he was taking about his
great grandfather hiding his chess pieces was cool. I never thought that there was chess
in slavery time. I never thought about it. Thank you for coming to our class.
-Olivia i - write back!
Dear Mrs. Mahony,
You've have inspired me and have reminded me that everyone, even authors are all just regular people. It was very interesting to hear you talk about how your books became published and edited. Being an author is something that I'm considering to be when I am an adult. I haven't thought of every step that an author gos through to create that books that fill my bookcases and spark my imagination. My sister has been writing just for fun for a while now, and I have wished to the same, but I could never just sit down and write. So many distractions and everything, which of course, you understand. But now, after your visit, I feel more empowered to write. I like to use my imagination, and I just absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to read. Your visit has left me with so many ideas and thoughts to help me get started on my dream. It was interesting how you drew little stick figures resembling the characters in the book School is Not For Me and wrote the traits you wanted them to have. I look forward to trying this plan. The information about how an author goes about getting a book published was very fascinating. Reminding me about how authors can make the same exact mistakes that anyone else could have made, made it seem like I could actually be an author some day. Thank you so much for visiting my school, I trully appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Yulin
It was a true honor to have you come over to our classroom on January 19th. I thought it was very fascinating how a writer has so many thing to do in the writing process. I suggest you write another book about bullying. It might help a person who gets bullied overcome their problem. Please email me back on the address below.
Length of program: 45 minutes
Travel: For schools more than 30 minutes outside the Greater Boston area, a travel fee will be calculated.
RECORDING OR VIDEOTAPING ANY PART OF THE PROGRAM IS PROHIBITED. Thank you for your understanding.