School Programs

Do your books fit into my curriculum?

All of my historical novels were written with school use in mind. I strive to write engaging stories that students enjoy, carefully anchored by historical accuracy. I have an M.A. in History Education and Writing, worked as an educator for the State Historical Society of Wisconsin for over a decade, and spent ten years designing curriculum materials for the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. I am familiar with scope and sequence, and academic standards.

What age readers are appropriate for your books?

That’s hard to answer, because I’m often surprised by how young--and old--some of my readers are! But in general:

American Girl books: 2nd - 4th grade

History Mysteries: 3rd - 5th grade

Civil War novels: 4th - 9th

Highland Fling: 4th - 8th

For more information about specific titles, see the Books page. Most books also have Teacher Guides.

What types of programs can you provide?

I offer different options, but in all cases I strive to keep the programs interactive, and to excite and inspire students.

1. From Idea To Book

How does an an author go from having an idea in their mind to a book in their hand? This illustrated program takes students through the process of researching, writing, and publishing books, with time for Q&A. I emphasize the need for revision, and foster students’ enthusiasm for reading and writing. This program is available for individual classes or assemblies; second grade and up. (30 - 60 minutes)

2. Writing Historical Fiction Workshop

This workshop turns readers into writers by guiding students through the basic steps of moving from fact to fiction. I bring historical photographs and prints, and students analyze an image, use their imagination to bring a scene to life, and begin to develop characters and plot ideas for a story. Students will be poised to start writing their story by the end of the period. We end with time for Q & A. Available for individual classes only; 4th grade and up. (40 - 60 minutes)

3. Mystery Writing Workshop

In this workshop, I help students brainstorm ideas for a mystery set in their school or neighborhood. We discuss the basic elements of a mystery story, and work together to create a framework. Students will be ready to develop and write their own mystery by the end of the period. We end with time for Q & A. Available for individual classes only; 4th grade and up. (40 - 60 minutes)

4. Book Discussion

If your class has read or is reading one of my books, we use that as the basis for a more specific discussion about both the writing process and the story’s themes. These discussions also reinforce and writing process and allow plenty of time for Q & A. (30 - 50 minutes)

What do you charge?

Generally, my fee is $500 for up to four programs in a single day. Two neighboring schools can split the fee (for example, I visit two classrooms in the morning at School A, and two classrooms in the afternoon at School B).

Any additional expenses?

Outside of the Madison, WI area, add 40 cents/mile. If an overnight stay is required, I will need a hotel room and modest reimbursement for meals. The need for a hotel is based both on distance and start time.

How is your visit scheduled?

I will work with you to create a schedule for the day that meets all of our needs. In general, it’s often easiest to start at the end of the day and work backwards. I am not able to leave home before 7 A.M., and if I am driving in unfamiliar territory, I always allow half an hour extra.

I will provide a letter of agreement. My visit is not confirmed until we have agreed on a schedule, and both parties have signed the letter of agreement.

What about lunch?

Let me know if you can provide a vegetarian lunch for me on the day of my visit, or if I should bring my own.

How can we prepare for your visit?

I expect that students will have read--or at least started to read--one of my books prior to arrival. I know how busy your days are, but it’s very difficult to engage the students if they have no idea who I am or what kind of books I write.

If you wish, you can give students time to brainstorm questions they’d like to ask. I want my visit to be as relevant and helpful as possible!

If I’ll be visiting multiple classrooms, please plan to have someone available to guide me from room to room.

I have been working with kids for a long time, love doing so, and am not easily ruffled. Nonetheless, I expect that a teacher or other staff member will stay in the room and engaged while I am providing a program.

Can we include a book-signing?

Sure! You have several options:

1. Order books directly from one of my publishers, or from a distributor.

2.Let parent/guardians know that if they wish to purchase a book from their favorite vendor and send it to school on the day of my visit, I will sign it for the child.

3.Ask a local bookseller if they will handle sales. Some love to do this; some are too busy. If they agree, they may ask for advance orders, or they may be willing to bring a supply to school the day of the program.

4.If needed, I can also bring books the day of my visit. I’m always happy to bring what I have on hand. If you want to guarantee numbers of certain titles, I need orders three weeks in advance.

In any case, you will need to send a letter home several weeks in advance, discussing my visit and providing a list of titles. I can provide a current list. Parents will also need instructions regarding payment. Depending on which option you choose, books will either be paid for in advance or on the day of my visit. If you are buying books from me, I can only accept cash or checks.

Signing must also be considered in the logistical plan for the day. Some teachers have asked me to sign books at the end of the day, for distribution the next day. Others want to give students the chance to meet me individually, and so have me sign books for them at the end of a visit.

What about autographs?

With tight schedules and large groups, it’s not possible for me to provide autographs for every student. If you wish, I can write my name on a template that you can duplicate to make bookmarks for students.

I will also bring a bookmark for each student so everyone has a souvenir of my visit.

Will you need any equipment or special materials?

For Historical Fiction Workshops, I will provide two handouts in advance, and ask that you have copies waiting when I arrive. Students will also need pencils or pens.

For “From Idea To Book” programs, I can usually offer that with or without a Powerpoint program. Technical needs will be discussed as part of the confirmation process.

What’s the best way to contact you?

Usually, the easiest way to communicate is via email: k.ernst<at>kathleenernst.com (use normal formatting). If that isn’t possible you may phone me at 608-836-9218, central time zone.

Programs

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