educators

Download your free Play Like a Girl teacher guide here.

It includes:

  • Discussion questions for whole group, small groups, or individuals

  • Chapter by chapter comprehension checks

  • Writing prompts

  • Fun activity sheets

Interested in an Author Visit?

Schedule Misty for author events, school and library visits, and other speaking engagements! As a teacher and parent, Misty is around kids every day and loves speaking to students about books and writing.

The suggested audience for her presentations is third through eighth grade, but they are very adaptable to other age-groups.

To book a visit, please fill out the inquiry form below.

Downloadable School Visit Flyer
Downloadable Press Kit for Play Like a Girl

What to Do Before, During, and After an Author Visit:

Before

  • Let students know an author is coming to speak. Make sure they are familiar with the author’s book(s).

  • Have students read one of the author’s books before the session to facilitate  the book discussion.

  • List the author’s visit on the school calendar and on any marquee signs leading up to the event.

  • Set the author’s books on display in the school library or put up a flyer in the hallway or classroom.

  • Have students write some questions in advance and share them with the author before the visit.

  • Facilitate book orders through a local bookseller, the publisher, or the author’s favorite bookstore. Request signed bookplates for students who purchase the book(s).

  • Promote the event via social media, where appropriate, and feel free to tag the author. If sharing pictures after the event (those covered by media releases), also be sure to tag the author.

During

  • Have teachers present during the program to help with any student questions or issues.

  • Facilitate the question and answer session after the presentation.

After

  • Tell other principals, librarians, and teachers about a successful visit.

  • Write a short note that the author can share as a testimonial.

  • Let students know when the author’s future books are published.

 

Funding an Author Visit

Many resources exist for helping educators fund the cost of an author visit. Below are a few:

Book Sales – Purchase books directly from the author’s publisher. Inform them that you are purchasing in conjunction with a school visit to activate a discount that is typically around 40% off of the suggested retail price. Schools can sell the books at full retail price and use the difference to offset the cost of the author visit.  

General Grant Resources: 
• Your local arts commission
• Your state library association
• Cooperative grant sites
• Public library disaster relief funds
• Corporate philanthropy (check local and national organizations)
• Writing-related and literacy organizations
• Sponsorships from community businesses

Author Visit Specific Grant Opportunities: 
Dollar General 
Donors Choose
Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature
Barnes and Noble
SCBWI Amber Brown Grant
National Book Fund
Aldi