Currently booking author visits and PD for 2025!

2025 Events
January 14th, 15th,& 16th, 2025 - Writing Professional Development for Lincoln Park Schools in Michigan
January 22nd, 2025 - Author visit in Lexington, Kentucky
January 29th, 2025 - Guest speaker for the Positive Growth Lounge for Educators
February 5th, 2025 - Reading for various classrooms for World Read Aloud Day
February 7th, 2025 - Dare to Dream Keynote and Workshop in Whiteland, Indiana
February 11th, 2025 - Author visit for Saint Maria Goretti Elementary School
February 13th, 2025 - Speaker for Elevate Indianapolis
February 20th & 21st- Writing Professional Development for Lincoln Park Schools in Michigan
February 27th, 2025 - Author Visit at Meadowlawn Elementary in Monticello, Indiana
February 28th, 2025 - Panelist for the SCBWI NM Finding Your Voice Webinar
March 1st, 2025 - Author Visit for South Bend, Indiana Young Author Conference
March 8th, 2025 - Presenter for the Michigan State Reading Conference
March 9th, 2025 - Presenter for the Indiana Library Federation Youth Conference
March 18th, 2025 - Presenter for Olivet University in Illinois
March 20th, 2025 - Author Visit for Manning Elementary in Westmont, Illinois
March 24th, 2025 - Author Visit for Heritage Christian School
March 25th, 2025 - Presenter for the Journey to Kidlit Picture Book Writing Workshop
March 29th, 2025 - Presenter for the ICTE Conference at Grace College
April 1st-3rd, 2025 - Writing Professional Development for Lincoln Park Schools in Michigan
April 8th, 2025 - Author Visit for Pleasant View Elementary in Zionsville, Indiana
April 11th, 2025 - Presenter for the New Jersey Gifted Conference
April 17th, 2025 - Presenter for the Early Learning Coalition Program in Warsaw, IN
April 29th, 2025 - Blueberries & Books program for the Whitestown Library
May 8th & 9th, 2025 - Writing Professional Development for Lincoln Park Schools in Michigan
May 10th, 2025 - Book signing at Two Tulips Boutique in Lafayette, IN
May 15th and 16th, 2025 - Author visit and Family Literacy night in Connecticut
May 28th, 2025 - Speaker for the Eli Lillly Global Leadership Development Program
June 9th, 2025 at 2:00- Library Program in Kokomo, Indiana
June 12th, 2025 at 10:00 - Library Program in Kokomo, Indiana
June 19th, 2025 - Presenter for Jay County Library
June 21st, 2025 - Austin, Texas SCBWI virtual presenter 10:00am EST
June 24th-25th, 2025 - Presenter for the National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Minneapolis
July 13th-17th, 2025 - Presenter for Confratute at the University of Connecticut
July 22-23rd, 2025 - Presenter for Engage Teacher Conference in Texas
November 12th-13th, 2025 - Keynote for the Mississippi GIfted Conference
January 14th, 15th,& 16th, 2025 - Writing Professional Development for Lincoln Park Schools in Michigan
January 22nd, 2025 - Author visit in Lexington, Kentucky
January 29th, 2025 - Guest speaker for the Positive Growth Lounge for Educators
February 5th, 2025 - Reading for various classrooms for World Read Aloud Day
February 7th, 2025 - Dare to Dream Keynote and Workshop in Whiteland, Indiana
February 11th, 2025 - Author visit for Saint Maria Goretti Elementary School
February 13th, 2025 - Speaker for Elevate Indianapolis
February 20th & 21st- Writing Professional Development for Lincoln Park Schools in Michigan
February 27th, 2025 - Author Visit at Meadowlawn Elementary in Monticello, Indiana
February 28th, 2025 - Panelist for the SCBWI NM Finding Your Voice Webinar
March 1st, 2025 - Author Visit for South Bend, Indiana Young Author Conference
March 8th, 2025 - Presenter for the Michigan State Reading Conference
March 9th, 2025 - Presenter for the Indiana Library Federation Youth Conference
March 18th, 2025 - Presenter for Olivet University in Illinois
March 20th, 2025 - Author Visit for Manning Elementary in Westmont, Illinois
March 24th, 2025 - Author Visit for Heritage Christian School
March 25th, 2025 - Presenter for the Journey to Kidlit Picture Book Writing Workshop
March 29th, 2025 - Presenter for the ICTE Conference at Grace College
April 1st-3rd, 2025 - Writing Professional Development for Lincoln Park Schools in Michigan
April 8th, 2025 - Author Visit for Pleasant View Elementary in Zionsville, Indiana
April 11th, 2025 - Presenter for the New Jersey Gifted Conference
April 17th, 2025 - Presenter for the Early Learning Coalition Program in Warsaw, IN
April 29th, 2025 - Blueberries & Books program for the Whitestown Library
May 8th & 9th, 2025 - Writing Professional Development for Lincoln Park Schools in Michigan
May 10th, 2025 - Book signing at Two Tulips Boutique in Lafayette, IN
May 15th and 16th, 2025 - Author visit and Family Literacy night in Connecticut
May 28th, 2025 - Speaker for the Eli Lillly Global Leadership Development Program
June 9th, 2025 at 2:00- Library Program in Kokomo, Indiana
June 12th, 2025 at 10:00 - Library Program in Kokomo, Indiana
June 19th, 2025 - Presenter for Jay County Library
June 21st, 2025 - Austin, Texas SCBWI virtual presenter 10:00am EST
June 24th-25th, 2025 - Presenter for the National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Minneapolis
July 13th-17th, 2025 - Presenter for Confratute at the University of Connecticut
July 22-23rd, 2025 - Presenter for Engage Teacher Conference in Texas
November 12th-13th, 2025 - Keynote for the Mississippi GIfted Conference

Author Visits
Shannon’s author visit to our school was two full days filled with excitement! From Junior Kindergarten to grade 8. The students were excited and engaged. Many teachers used the visits as springboard activities in their classes. The students were wanting her to return for a third day because she inspired them to write poetry. Shannon has a gift that needs to be shared. My goal is to have her back each year.
Christopher M. Evans, Principal, Saint Stanislaus, Michigan City, IN
Shannon visited our K-5 school and provided so much energy and enthusiasm with her author assemblies as well as her visits to our classrooms getting students excited about poetry! In addition, she provided an afternoon of professional development with our staff in the areas of writing and growth mindset that was amazing! Thank you for sharing your love of reading, writing, and growth mindset! You are an inspiration to us all!
~Greg Fairchild, K-5 principal at Banner Elementary School in Dunlap, IL
"Positive! Personable! Passionate! Shannon Anderson is all of this and so much more! With her author visit this past spring, Mrs. Anderson touched the lives of three hundred elementary students in our school in upstate New York. In addition, her positive and powerful mini-PD with teachers led to an eagerness by all to have her return for a two-day summer PD session... and WOW! In those two enriching days with teachers, Shannon enthusiastically shared her personal experiences teaching writing, social-emotional learning, and reading. Her passion for enriching and supporting the whole child, with emphasis on kindness, community, and overall wellness and wellbeing, was transparent and authentic. The numerous ideas and activities presented were real, practical, and most importantly, could be implemented with any program! Shannon Anderson's messages are inspirational and bursting with positivity!"
~Lura Hughes, Principal at Edward-Knox Elementary, NY
“Coldwater Elementary had the pleasure of hosting Shannon for an author visit during our Right to Read Week celebration. She was absolutely amazing as she shared a message about always being kind, having a growth mindset by never giving up, and her love of reading and writing. Our students and staff commented that Shannon was the best author we have ever had visit Coldwater Elementary and I agree! Thank you Shannon for getting our students and staff excited and energized about reading and writing!”
~Mike Etzler - Coldwater Elementary School Principal - Coldwater, Ohio
"I was so impressed with Shannon’s presentation to our elementary students! In fact, it was the best presentation on writing for young people that I have seen in 21 years of teaching! She shared many specific writing tips with our students, and I could see my writers drinking in all she had to say. Her emphasis on revision and responding to feedback was especially good, and I think it helped my readers accept my critiques of their writing more readily."
-Gina Boyd, 4/5 High Ability Teacher
Passionate, engaging, and practical, Shannon definitely has the “write” stuff! She provided my students with the push they needed to see themselves as successful writers. Her mini-lessons for teachers are amazing, as they really encourage students to have fun while writing. And the best part is that they can be utilized in the classroom the very next day!
-Jason Curry, Teacher at Iles IB School, Springfield, Illinois
"Shannon is a terrific writer and a dynamic speaker! I highly recommend her for presentations about writing or speaking to kids about books."
-Teresa Robeson, author and artist, Bloomington, Indiana
"Shannon Anderson's visit to Mayflower Mill was fantastic. She was a joy to work with. The children were captivated and the teachers were very complimentary. I would recommend a visit with her anytime."
-Susie Eros, Library Aide, Mayflower Mill Elementary School, Lafayette, Indiana
"Shannon visited our K-6 school. The response from all teachers and students was overwhelmingly positive. The teachers were especially pleased with the fact that Shannon explained the process she goes through from draft to publication as a writer. Shannon has great rapport with students. I was so pleased to have teachers tell me that this was the best author visit we've ever had at our school!"
-Molly Henry, Literacy Coach, Greenwood Elementary, Toledo, Ohio
"Shannon is an energetic, fun speaker and incredibly talented writer."
-Jed Doherty, Reading with Your Kids Podcast founder, Readville, Maryland
"Thank you again for sharing your afternoon with us yesterday. You are an inspiration to the young and old at heart. How you can motivate the average person to want to go and write their own book the same day they meet you, it is just captivating! I will share that one of our 3rd Grade Teachers is starting her very own "Deed Diary" today! Another 3rd Grade Teacher is looking to begin an Author's Night. All of these things are happening because of YOU!"
- David Myers, Title One Director, Kankakee Valley School Corporation
"I loved your visit with Mintonye! Your background knowledge and experience teaching, was very helpful when it came to relaying information to the student authors. You did a wonderful job relating to the students and speaking their language."
-Karin Schurman, Kindergarten Teacher, Tippecanoe School Corporation
"I wanted to send a huge thank you for your time and presentation of your hard work. I truly enjoyed your session on writing and sharing your love of writing as well as your presentation to the students. My students can't stop talking about how exciting it was to meet an author! Your books are so great, entertaining, and such a great example of excellent writing. Today we read "Nicken Chuggets" and created our own spoonerism posters. Again, I so much appreciated having you visit our school."
-Chris Ellert, 4th grade teacher, Prairie Heights Elementary
“Shannon Anderson’s presentation to my English students and her work with my creative writers were exceptional in all ways. Her ability to engage the students, hold their attention, and leave a lasting impression resonates still today. The students still talk about her and how much they enjoyed their time with her. Administrators and teachers should do whatever they can to have Shannon visit their schools and make an indelible impact on the students. Shannon is the “Real Deal.”
-Sandy Herre - High School English Teacher
School Visit Pricing
In-Person Visits:
Single Presentations - $500 (+ travel expenses)
50-60 minute author assembly
Standard Package - $1500 (+ travel expenses)
Typical Schedule (I'm flexible and this can be adjusted, but not to exceed 3 hours worth of presentations/sessions):
Pre-K - K student session - 25 minutes (Read aloud of one of my books and interactive 3 Bears Rap song)
1st-5th grade session - 50-60 minutes (The story behind my stories, why I LOVE writing, what it's like to be an author, and Q&A)
30 minute poetry writing session for up to 50 kids (2 classes)
30 minute poetry writing session for up to 50 kids (2 classes)
30 minute poetry writing session for up to 50 kids (2 classes)
Optional free bonus 30 minute book-signing time where students who ordered books can receive them and interact personally with me.
Small Package- $1000 (+ travel expenses)
Pre-K and/or K student session - 25 minutes (Read aloud of one of my books and interactive 3 Bears Rap song)
1st-5th grade session - 50-60 minutes (The story behind my stories, why I LOVE writing, what it's like to be an author, and Q&A)
30 minute poetry writing session for up to 50 kids (2 classes)
Optional free bonus 30 minute book-signing time where students who ordered books can receive them and interact personally with me.
Family/Evening Presentation - $500 (+ travel expenses)
45 minute session + book signing
Teacher Professional Development
Full day - $2000 (+ travel expenses)
5 hours of instruction
*You can do a full day writing PD, a full day SEL PD, or a half day of each.
Choose from:
Writing from Scratch
Integrating Social and Emotional Learning into Your Classroom
Single Session Teacher PD - $500 (+ travel expenses)
60 minute session
Choose from:
Writing from Scratch: Whip up Delicious Writing Lessons Your Students Will Eat Up!
Bossy Pants, Perfectionists, and Slackers, Oh My!
The Go-Getter’s Guide to Growth Mindset
40+ Ways to Spark Reading Excitement
B is for Belonging
The Mighty Read Aloud: A Swiss Army Knife of Literacy
50-60 minute author assembly
Standard Package - $1500 (+ travel expenses)
Typical Schedule (I'm flexible and this can be adjusted, but not to exceed 3 hours worth of presentations/sessions):
Pre-K - K student session - 25 minutes (Read aloud of one of my books and interactive 3 Bears Rap song)
1st-5th grade session - 50-60 minutes (The story behind my stories, why I LOVE writing, what it's like to be an author, and Q&A)
30 minute poetry writing session for up to 50 kids (2 classes)
30 minute poetry writing session for up to 50 kids (2 classes)
30 minute poetry writing session for up to 50 kids (2 classes)
Optional free bonus 30 minute book-signing time where students who ordered books can receive them and interact personally with me.
Small Package- $1000 (+ travel expenses)
Pre-K and/or K student session - 25 minutes (Read aloud of one of my books and interactive 3 Bears Rap song)
1st-5th grade session - 50-60 minutes (The story behind my stories, why I LOVE writing, what it's like to be an author, and Q&A)
30 minute poetry writing session for up to 50 kids (2 classes)
Optional free bonus 30 minute book-signing time where students who ordered books can receive them and interact personally with me.
Family/Evening Presentation - $500 (+ travel expenses)
45 minute session + book signing
Teacher Professional Development
Full day - $2000 (+ travel expenses)
5 hours of instruction
*You can do a full day writing PD, a full day SEL PD, or a half day of each.
Choose from:
Writing from Scratch
Integrating Social and Emotional Learning into Your Classroom
Single Session Teacher PD - $500 (+ travel expenses)
60 minute session
Choose from:
Writing from Scratch: Whip up Delicious Writing Lessons Your Students Will Eat Up!
Bossy Pants, Perfectionists, and Slackers, Oh My!
The Go-Getter’s Guide to Growth Mindset
40+ Ways to Spark Reading Excitement
B is for Belonging
The Mighty Read Aloud: A Swiss Army Knife of Literacy
FAQ's
- How do you handle book orders?
- I will email you a book order form to distribute to students. I'll check back with you right before my visit to see how many books to bring. (Or ship, if I'm flying there. Shipping charges apply.)
- What does your presentation consist of?
- I have an energetic approach to sharing my passion for writing. My goal is to motivate students to not only want to write, but to become better writers. I share my top writing tips and examples. (Teachers have told me they especially love referring back to my message about revision.) Kids and teachers alike enjoy hearing about the behind the scenes scoop on getting a book published as well. I also share the story behind my stories and expand on my book topics, such as growth mindset, kindness, and perseverance.
- Do you have suggestions for funding a visit?
- You may consider collaborating with another local school(s). I can present at two or three schools in one day if they are not too spread apart. That allows you to split travel expenses.
- Some schools have used extracurricular funds, local or educational grants, Title I funds, Gifted and Talented funds, PTO groups, sorority donations, library/media funds, or read-a-thons.
- Have other questions that weren't answered? Click the button below to email me with you specific questions.
SEL Presentations:
"Northwest ISD was blessed to have Shannon Anderson as a featured speaker at our annual ENGAGE Conference in July. The wisdom she shared, coupled with her kindness and relatability, had our teachers calling their friends to ensure they would not miss her next session! In each session, her joy and passion for teaching and learning were contagious and inspired our teachers to renew their focus on students’ social and emotional learning. Shannon taught practical ways for teachers to connect with students through growth mindset skills and provided concrete visuals to support even the youngest learners. Teachers often struggle connecting social and emotional learning to content learning, but with Shannon’s expertise and willingness to share ideas and her books, our teachers are more confident in blending both SEL and curriculum content to begin this school year!
~Kelly Suarez, NISD Science Coordinator, Texas
Shannon Anderson was a speaker at Engage, our back-to-school professional learning conference. Over the course of two days, she presented on a range of social/emotional topics to a wide variety of classroom teachers. Her sessions were widely
attended with great feedback. Several teachers commented to me how engaging she was and how she was full of practical, great information.
~Audra Rowell, Advanced Academics Coordinator, Northwest ISD, Texas
Writing Workshop for Teachers
"Shannon's presentation was full of useful ideas and examples that can be implemented in any classroom. If you weren't sure about the importance of writing and the steps to help facilitate appropriate writing practices, her presentation puts everything in perspective. Shannon makes teaching good writing techniques simple and provides examples that can and should be used everyday."
-Amy O'Boyle, DIrector of Special Education at St. Charles in Fort Wayne, Indiana
"Shannon is knowledgeable, relatable, and a fantastic presenter. She will engage your teachers and provide so many high-interest, easy-to-implement writing ideas. Check out her awesome books and resources too!"
- Jen Molitor, Principal for Blanchester Intermediate School in Blanchester, Ohio
Guest Speaker for Education Majors
“Shannon is an inspiring example of a successful classroom teacher and children’s author. When speaking with our future elementary teachers, she infused her tales of classroom experiences with a multitude of proven teaching tips and creative ideas. Shannon is a wonderful role model, a positive influence and a dynamic speaker. “
-Cindy Prather, Director of Teacher Education for Franklin College
Thank you so much for last night’s concrete ideas and inspiration! So grateful and thrilled for our students who were blessed by your insights into creating wonderful learning experiences and communities. I would love to continue to have our Grace students learn from you and hope to invite you back for future courses!
-Dr. Lorinda Kline, Director of Student Teachers at Grace College
"Northwest ISD was blessed to have Shannon Anderson as a featured speaker at our annual ENGAGE Conference in July. The wisdom she shared, coupled with her kindness and relatability, had our teachers calling their friends to ensure they would not miss her next session! In each session, her joy and passion for teaching and learning were contagious and inspired our teachers to renew their focus on students’ social and emotional learning. Shannon taught practical ways for teachers to connect with students through growth mindset skills and provided concrete visuals to support even the youngest learners. Teachers often struggle connecting social and emotional learning to content learning, but with Shannon’s expertise and willingness to share ideas and her books, our teachers are more confident in blending both SEL and curriculum content to begin this school year!
~Kelly Suarez, NISD Science Coordinator, Texas
Shannon Anderson was a speaker at Engage, our back-to-school professional learning conference. Over the course of two days, she presented on a range of social/emotional topics to a wide variety of classroom teachers. Her sessions were widely
attended with great feedback. Several teachers commented to me how engaging she was and how she was full of practical, great information.
~Audra Rowell, Advanced Academics Coordinator, Northwest ISD, Texas
Writing Workshop for Teachers
"Shannon's presentation was full of useful ideas and examples that can be implemented in any classroom. If you weren't sure about the importance of writing and the steps to help facilitate appropriate writing practices, her presentation puts everything in perspective. Shannon makes teaching good writing techniques simple and provides examples that can and should be used everyday."
-Amy O'Boyle, DIrector of Special Education at St. Charles in Fort Wayne, Indiana
"Shannon is knowledgeable, relatable, and a fantastic presenter. She will engage your teachers and provide so many high-interest, easy-to-implement writing ideas. Check out her awesome books and resources too!"
- Jen Molitor, Principal for Blanchester Intermediate School in Blanchester, Ohio
Guest Speaker for Education Majors
“Shannon is an inspiring example of a successful classroom teacher and children’s author. When speaking with our future elementary teachers, she infused her tales of classroom experiences with a multitude of proven teaching tips and creative ideas. Shannon is a wonderful role model, a positive influence and a dynamic speaker. “
-Cindy Prather, Director of Teacher Education for Franklin College
Thank you so much for last night’s concrete ideas and inspiration! So grateful and thrilled for our students who were blessed by your insights into creating wonderful learning experiences and communities. I would love to continue to have our Grace students learn from you and hope to invite you back for future courses!
-Dr. Lorinda Kline, Director of Student Teachers at Grace College
Testimonials from teachers
Teacher Testimonials Video from the Illinois Gifted Children Conference
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Teacher testimonial from Lead Learners Writing Summit Workshop
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