TALKS
Sarah enjoys engaging with curious learners of all ages to discuss the American Revolution, the writing process, perseverance, and the importance of active citizenship in our diverse democracy.
Presentations are designed for 3rd grade and above, and can be tailored to meet specific needs and reinforce key concepts.
Book Talk: MOST WANTED / THOMAS PAINE
Sarah shares a behind-the-scenes look at how the American Revolution is brought to life on the page through her books Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word and/or Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock & Samuel Adams. All presentations include time for Q and A.
Includes author's journey, inspiration, research, early rough drafts & illustrations, and revision process. How do we determine fact from legend? Sarah will discuss and share her primary and secondary sources. What does “We the People” mean today? Students will learn the importance of widening the lens of history and the persuasive power of our own words.
2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Virtual visit rates: $200 for a 45 - 60 minute presentation.
Feel free to contact Sarah for in-person visits or more information.
Art by Cottage Lake Elementary
“I would love to have you back
every YEAR until I retire...”"Thank you again for coming to our class and sharing such an interesting, interactive lesson. It was jam packed with history and fascinating facts, and I know the students learned so much that I couldn't have taught them."
— 5th grade teacher“you taught me that I don't have to
publish a book i can just wright.”— 5th grader
"highly engaging"
— Elementary school librarian
"You gave us, teachers and students,
so much excellent information"“I particularly appreciated your dedication to finding out the absolute truth when creating your stories. I loved the visuals you used, the explanations and the honesty with which you discussed the entire creative process.”
—Elementary teacher
Art by Cottage Lake Elementary
EVENTS
2024 EVENTS
Februrary 7 - School visits, World Read Aloud Day (Virtual)
June 2 - writer’s workshop “The Anxious Person’s Guide to Narrative Nonfiction”, SCBWI-WWA (Virtual)
2023 EVENTS
February 1 - School visits, World Read Aloud Day (Virtual)
March 29 - School visit, 5th grade Highly Capable, Everett, WA
2022 EVENTS
February 2 - School visits, World Read Aloud Day (Virtual)
March 2 - School visit, 5th grade, KY (Virtual)
March 19 - nErDcamp Bellingham, Bellingham, WA. (Educators welcome)
April 26 & 27 - School visits, 4th grade, New Jersey (Virtual)
May 6 - Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award announcements, NY (Virtual)
November 19 - Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Awards, NY (Virtual)
June 18 - Thomas Paine Festival, New Rochelle, NY (Virtual)
2021 EVENTS
February 3 - School visits, World Read Aloud Day, VT, NJ, GA, OK, IL, KS, NY, TX, MA (Virtual)
February 8 - School visit, World Read Aloud Day, CT (Virtual)
March 26 - School visit, 5th grade, CA (Virtual)
April 6 - Author visit, 3rd grade, NY (Virtual)
2020 EVENTS
January 18 - Faculty, Winter Great Critique, SCBWI Oregon, Portland, WA. (Writers welcome)
February 5 - World Read Aloud Day, Classroom Skype visits: MA, IN, CT, CA, SC, GA, TX, IL, WA, NY.
March 1 - nErDcamp Bellingham, Bellingham, WA. (Educators & authors/illustrators welcome)
April 23 - Virtual Patriot’s Day, Lexington Historical Society, MA. (Online, public welcome)
April 25 - History Summit, online (Online, recorded).
May 31 - Inside Story, SCBWI Western Washington, (Online, recorded, begins at 39:40).
June 8 - Author visit, 5th grade, Bothell WA (Virtual)
2019 EVENTS
January 31 - Skype visits, middle school (TX) and 4th -5th grade (IL)
February 1 - Skype visits, World Read Aloud Day, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio.
February 8 - Skype visit, 8th grade (OH).
February 24 - nErDcamp Bellingham, Bellingham, WA. (Educators welcome)
April 11 - Skype visits, 8th grade (TX)
May 10 - Skype visit, 4th grade (NJ)
May 14 - Author visits, 5th grade, Sammamish, WA.
May 18 - Author Panel, SCBWI Western Washington “Imagine That!” conference, Seattle, WA.
September 8 - Visit with Thomas Paine Society UK, Lewes, England
October 12 - Speaker, An Evening With Northwest Authors, PEO, Everett WA. (Public welcome)
November 5 - Podcast interview (part 1), Ready Pause Go.
November 11 - Podcast interview (part 2), Ready Pause Go.
2018 EVENTS
March 13 - Writing workshop & author visit, 3rd grade, North Bend, WA.
March 26 - Persuasive writing workshop; 3rd-5th grades, Young Authors Celebration, Bellingham, WA.
March 29- Author visit, 3rd grade, North Bend, WA.
May 6 - Author presentation, SCBWI Western Washington’s Inside Story, 3-5pm, Bellevue Library in Bellevue, WA. (Public welcome)
June 3 - Book launch for THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD, 3pm, Brick & Mortar Books in Redmond, WA. (Public welcome)
June 6 - Author visit, writing workshop, and American Revolution presentation, 3rd-5th grade, Woodinville, WA.
June 7 - Author visit and American Revolution presentation, 5th grade, Everett, WA.
September 25 - Speaker, Fall Academy, Forefront Suicide Prevention, University of WA.
September 28 - Guest author, Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA) Tradeshow, Tacoma, WA.
October 9 - Author visit, 3rd-5th grade, Mukilteo, WA.
November 3 - Speaker, Full of Hope fundraising dinner, Forefront Suicide Prevention, University of WA.
November 17 - Guest author, Lower Columbia Literacy Council, Vancouver, WA. (Educators welcome)