I have been a writer since elementary school, but how did I "grow up" to publish a real book? What kinds of books did I read as a kid? Where do I get my ideas and how do I turn them into stories? What does my writer's office look like and what do I do when I'm not writing?

In this lively presentation, Shelley shares her life as a writer from age 6 on up! A 20-minute storytelling program can be added after this program for kindergarten classes.

Grades: 1st to 3rd
Max. Group Size: 150
Length: 40 minutes
Format: Presentation

This fast-paced program introduces readers to the unique stories behind three of Shelley's books. It also focuses on the writing process: the research, the brainstorming, the cover designs, the rejection letters, and the many rough drafts!

A popular choice for Right to Read week or schools looking for a general program featuring several books. Program is tailored to grade level and correlates well with state Language Arts standards.

Grades: 4th to 8th
Max. Group Size: 200
Length: 60 minutes
Format: PowerPoint & Presentation

Follow the journey of Shelley's award-winning Underground Railroad novel, Trouble Don't Last. Shelley will share some of the real Underground Railroad sources used to create the story, including a 150-year old coded message, and she'll show the writing process -- from the first idea to the final cover design. Trouble Don't Last reading is highly recommended. Program correlates well with state standards in Social Studies.

Grades: 4th to 8th
Max. Group Size: 200
Length: 60 minutes
Format: PowerPoint & Presentation

Who says reading and math can't go together? This assembly features Shelley's third novel, All of the Above (2007 ALA Notable), which was inspired by urban middle school kids who built a record-breaking pyramid in 2003.

This math-themed program includes special visuals from the record-breaking school project and real-life pyramid examples, as well as showing the unique "geometric" writing process. All of the Above reading is highly recommended -- a great choice for reading across academic content areas.

Grades: 4th to 8th
Max. Group Size: 200
Length: 60 minutes
Format: PowerPoint & Presentation

Writing historical fiction requires research, time, and lots of imagination. In this unique workshop designed for a small group or combined classroom, students will have the chance to explore primary sources from the 1800's such as cookbooks, newspapers, sheet music, and photographs. During the second hour, students will write their own Underground Railroad short story using details they've found. A very special opportunity for a selected group of interested student writers to try out historical fiction.

Grades: 5th to 8th
Max. Group Size: 48
Length: Two 60-minute blocks
Format: Workshop (maximum of two writing workshops per author visit day)

This is a great chance for one or two small groups of students -- or teachers -- to chat informally with Shelley over the lunch hour. Some schools have used it as a reward for reading achievement or progress, while others have held special "theme" essay or writing contests to select lunch participants. It can also be used as a discussion time for teachers to ask questions and share book ideas. Often the most memorable part of any visit!

Grades: No Limit
Max. Group Size: 25 per group
Length: 60 minutes (or two 30 minute lunch groups)

This is an unstructured, informal session. It can be a question & answer time for classes to ask questions related to Shelley's books, writing in general, the life of an author, or other topics. Classes can also use the time to share book projects (skits, pod casts, writing, etc.) with Shelley. This is an informal session, not a presentation, so classes are asked to bring questions and projects with them.

Grades: 3rd to 8th
Max. Group Size: 120
Length: 60 minutes
Format: Informal, Question & Answer

Shelley has two family programs available for schools & libraries looking for evening events:

Contact Mike Winter at shelleyvisits@yahoo.com for fees for these two programs.