Michael Shoulders

Here's initial information to get you started.

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An author visit to your school can be rewarding and informative for students, teachers, and parents. Meeting a "real-live author" connects students to books in a profound way.

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Grades K & 1 Presentations - 45 minutes

Audience size: Usually both grade levels combined, but for larger schools, I can divide this group into two separate presentations.

I discuss the fun of writing and learning. We'll discuss my books and how they are researched.  We'll discuss the importance of writing, the artist's work, and how, finally, the book is made. Just why are most picture books EXACTLY 32 pages long? I'll show PowerPoint slides during my presentation and rap sing one book. Don't worry, I can hold this age group's attention for a full 45 minutes! I use magic and humor to hold student interest and draw them into the presentation.

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Grades 2 & 3 Presentations – 50 minutes

Audience size: Usually both grade levels combined.

This presentation is basically the same as the K & 1 presentation except I dive a bit deeper into the writing process. For instance, I often show a rejection letter and share how I didn't give up - but kept trying hard in order to accomplish my goal of publishing a book.

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Grades 4 & 5 Presentations – 60 minutes

Audience size: Usually both grade levels combined.

This presentation is similar to the Grades 2 & 3 assembly. However, I base the talk around my novel Crossing the Deadline - Stephen's Journey Through the Civil War.  Additionally, I talk about the importance of goal setting. I show PowerPoint slides and discuss the most interesting facts I uncovered doing research for my Civil War novel. Did you know America's worst ship disaster happened in Tennessee? Well over 1,500 soldiers died on their way home after the civil war.

Students participate in a Q&A session.

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A TYPICAL ELEMENTARY SCHEDULE

45 minutes:  Pre K, Kindergarten, & First Grades together

20 minute break

50 minutes: Second & Third Grades together

   BREAK

25 minutes: "Lunch with the Author" for K-2 (optional activity)

                (with selected students)

25 minutes: "Lunch with the Author" for 3-5 (optional activity)

                (with selected students)

60 minutes: Fourth & Fifth Grades together

BOOK SIGNING in the library after the last presentation.

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A TYPICAL MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Are you interested in a middle school presentation? NO PROBLEM ! !

We can schedule an hour-long presentation for each grade level plus an optional "Lunch with the Author" for selected students.

During my talks to middles schoolers, I support my writing process talk with slides using Crossing the Deadline (Civil War novel) as the model.

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NEED A LITERACY NIGHT PRESENTATION?

I'M YOUR GUY ! !

Information available upon request.