So, I’m itching to get out into the classroom and use CRAZY as a teaching tool in reading, writing, or counseling classes.  If you are a teacher, school counselor, parent, or student,  I hope you will take a look at the following form and give me your input.  I will love to know how I can best use CRAZY to start the discussion about mental health or in the broader sense, any topics that are potentially life-threatening for teens.  On the lighter side, I love to teach writing workshops that pertain to any kind of verse for adults or teens.  The following format is a work in progress, so bring on your suggestions!

CLASSROOM AUTHOR VISIT  

1.What are we going to talk about?

This is entirely up to you. I am open to just about anything, but here are some ideas:

• Meet the Author:  life before, during, and after a book is born
• Literature Can Save Lives:  an overview of books, including Crazy, that deal with difficult subjects
• Writing From the Heart in Verse:  hands-on writing workshop that focuses on  books written in verse
• What is Bipolar Disorder?  power-point presentation on facts about bipolar and mental illness in general, and author’s personal experience

2. How might the schedule work?

Again, this is up to you, and here are some possibilities:

• Full day, beginning with “Meet the author” assembly (20-30 minutes), followed by maximum of three classroom visits (45-50 minutes) or two 90-120 minute blocks for writing workshops
• Single class or multiple class visit without assembly
• Single class visit
• Any combination of the above tailored to your specific needs

3.  What age range is Crazy targeting?

• Crazy is listed as being appropriate for ages 13 and up
• Writing workshops can be tailored for sixth grade and up
• School Library Journal says:  “It {Crazy} should be in the hands of anyone—teen or adult—who has ever felt powerless at the hands of mental illness.”

4.  How should we prepare for your visit?

• Author visits work best when the students have read all or part of the book
• Teachers may want to download a free copy of the discussion guide on Eerdmans website: https://tinyurl.com/nhsqysv
• Sign and return Author Appearance Contract thirty days prior to visit

5.What about ordering books?

• Books may be ordered through your local bookstore or from Eerdmans (cbridge@eerdmans.com or 616-459-4591) Discounts are available depending on numbers and usage.
• Be sure to allow 7-10 business days for shipping

6.What equipment might you need?

• Micro-phone for large auditorium presentations
• Screen and computer with PowerPoint access (depending on presentation)
• A glass or bottle of water is always welcome
• Lunch if it’s an all day visit, and I’m happy to sit with teachers or students

7.How much do you charge?

• $150 for two hours or less
• $350 for whole day
• If I travel over 40 miles, I will ask you to cover expenses for gas, transportation, and lodging (schools in the same city may find it advantageous to team up to share expenses)
• Free:  30 minute Skype Q & A for any classroom that has read Crazy

ATTENTION TEACHERS:  If something on the above menu strikes a chord, the Author Appearance Contract is ready to go here:

Author Appearance Contract

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Hey READERS, I would love to hear from you.

Is your MIND FULL of old thoughts or new?