Since 2004, Shelley has spoken to more than 20,000 readers of all ages at schools, libraries, and educational conferences. She enjoys sharing her books and writing process with kids and adults, and giving an insider's look at the life of a writer.

An experienced teacher, Shelley has more than a decade of teaching experience, both inside and outside the classroom. She holds a graduate degree in education and has been a public school teacher for grades 4 and 5, as well as a middle school gifted teacher. If you are interested in scheduling an author visit for your school or library, the information below will help you get started:

Program Topics

Shelley offers both large group presentations and classroom writing workshops. Her large group presentations include a visual segment and Shelley brings her own laptop and digital projector to schools. Click on the titles below to get complete program descriptions.

Organizing the Day

A full day visit at a school includes up to four large group presentations and/or writing workshops, one Lunch with the Author, and book signing time. Sessions can be offered multiple times during the day. For instance, many schools select two or three sessions of Author to Bookshelf, and one afternoon writing workshop for a smaller group of students.

Lunch with the Author is an informal time for a small group of students or teachers to talk to Shelley over lunch. Some of the most inspiring moments happen during these lunches! It can serve as an opportunity for teachers to have a book discussion, as a reward for your school's reading or essay contest winners, or as a time for kids with a particular interest in writing to meet Shelley.

Book signing time can be scheduled during or after the author visit. Shelley can sign about 70 books an hour. If students are present, book signing can take a little longer. Schools can order books at a substantial discount through the publisher or some schools and libraries opt to have books provided by a local bookseller.

Speaking Fees

$850.00 per day for Ohio schools or others within a four hour drive of the Akron/Cleveland area, plus lodging and travel expenses, where applicable. Generally, if a school is located more than 50 miles away, it is best for the author to arrive the night before the visit.

$1200 for a single day visit outside of the Ohio region, plus lodging and travel expenses. Multi-day visits (2 or 3 days in a school district or area) are $1,000 per day, plus lodging and travel expenses.

Schools and libraries interested in individual or half-day programs should contact Shelley regarding speaking fees for specific programs. Larger schools or districts may want to consider a multi-day visit in order to cover all classes.

Programs for Conferences and Teacher Workshops

Shelley offers special presentations for conferences and in-service workshops for classroom teachers. Workshop topics include the writing process, using primary sources, the Underground Railroad, and more. Click here for conference topics and workshop details.

How to Set Up An Author Visit

You can set up an author visit to your school by contacting Shelley Pearsall by phone at (330) 686-2851 or by sending her an e-mail at shellquill@yahoo.com. The months of October - December usually have more openings. Keep in mind that Shelley's schedule for the months of January - May fills up quickly. It is best to call at least four to five months in advance of the date you would like, to be assured of a spot. Check out Shelley's current schedule here.

> Check Shelley's Schedule Of Events

Final Notes...

Shelley provides an author visit packet to all schools scheduling a full-day author visit. The packet includes teaching materials and several free copies of her books.

For a meaningful author visit, it is important that teachers and/or librarians share one of her books with students (grades 4 and up) before the author visit. Books can be shared as read-alouds or independent reading, but it's important that all students experience at least several chapters -- or better yet, the entire book -- before the visit. As one student wrote in a follow-up letter, "I think I would have learned a lot more if my teacher had read us the book."

Remember that the best author visits happen when classes are well-prepared. Encourage the staff at your school to take the time to make this a meaningful and memorable day for all students!