At this time, Laurie is not scheduling any more visits until further notice. (She must write!!!)  If you would like to be alerted when scheduling will open, please join her newsletter by clicking on the Newsletter icon to the right.

Perfect for:  Historical fiction lovers and older teenagers, school and public libraries

What She’s Written:   Fever 1793, Chains, Forge, Speak, Twisted, Wintergirls, Prom and Catalyst

How the Visit Works: You must be familiar with Skype (www.skype.com), have necessary internet connection and equipment, and must schedule an event by contacting Laurie’s Assistant, Louise at queenlouise@madwomanintheforest.com.

Requirements:

Prior to Event:

• Phone number to use the day of event and Skype name to be emailed
• The name, address, phone and fax numbers of the school/library. In the case of a school, name of school district is also required to be emailed
• Prior reading/discussion of highlighted book(s) is required
• Students should write down questions and have them in front of them prior to beginning of visit (some tend to get nervous and forget)
• Due to audio issues in the past, we would greatly appreciate that these questions be submitted in an email 24 hours prior to event.
• Notification to Louise of who will be in the room during the visit other than students, ie teachers, school officials

Day of Event:

• Video taping or recording of the event is prohibited
• Please use “Laurie Halse Anderson” as the Skype name to contact (this is to be used only for this event and may not be given out as a method in which to contact Laurie.  If students have questions, please direct them to email Laurie at laurie@madwomanintheforest.com ) It is understood that YOU will be contacting LHA on day of event.
• Louise will snail mail a W9 and invoice to the address provided
• Teacher/Librarian is to remain in the room at all times during visit

After the Event:

• We would love to receive an email from the teacher/librarian describing the reactions/comments to the event.
• If you would like to pass along this information to someone who is interested in conducting a visit with Laurie, please ask them to contact Louise.

Fee:  2011-2012 School year – $300  (visits are from 45 to 60 minutes long)
(Subject to change)

• A check made payable to Laurie Larrabee a/k/a Laurie Halse Anderson in the amount of $300.00 should be sent within 30 days after the event, to Laurie Halse Anderson, PO Box 906, Mexico, New York 13114.
• By scheduling an event, you have initiated a contract.  Notice must be given 1 week in advance for cancellation.

Quotes from Kids and Teachers About the Skype Experience

“Laurie related very well with the students….made them feel like she was right here in the library”.

“I want to listen to her again! When can we have her again??”

“She made us feel important with our questions.”

“…appreciated Laurie sharing her writing process and explained the steps she goes through; the students could related to her webbing when writing; they do webs a great deal.”

“Hosting a Skype chat with Laurie Halse Anderson was a fantastic experience for my library; Laurie relates really well with the teens, laughter and commentary made up the crowd, and the teens couldn’t wait to speak one-on-one with her.”—Sarah Wethern, Teen Librarian at the Pueblo City-County Library District

“I want my students to know every single one of them can be a writer if they want it badly enough. Hearing your thoughts and advice helped them see that more clearly. I know, too, that getting to visit with you made many of them want to read some of your other works. I so want them to be hungry for books!”—Carol Dahl, 6th Grade Reading Teacher, Coulson Tough School, Texas

“After reading Ms. Anderson’s book, Chains, as a class read-aloud, the students were so excited to be able to meet the author and ask her the questions that had been “buzzing” in their heads. They were fascinated by the factual information in the text (we looked up many places and events as we read), and they enjoyed hearing about the time and effort that went into researching the background for the story. Visiting with Ms. Anderson via Skype was almost like being in her living room! The students felt a strong connection to her and could tell that she cared about them too. We had done some research on her home in upstate New York, so they enjoyed learning more about her “green” life. I think we all wish we had a writing cabin like hers! Our visit with Ms. Anderson strengthened our connections to the book, and we are anxiously awaiting the publication of the sequel.”—Annette Fisher, 6th Grade Teacher, Armstrong Elementary

“Reading and studying the book, Chains, with the sixth graders this year was a real highlight for me. We integrated the story right into our social studies units, and were able to expand on what we had been learning about the time period just before the American Revolution. The story was wonderful because it not only connected with what we were learning about American History, but it also “personalized” it through the book’s main characters. Additionally, it gave us new insight into a forgotten population of people (the slaves) and allowed us to discover what life was like for them during this time period. As a reading teacher, I loved the fact that we kept journals as we read the story. We wrote about feelings, predictions, questions, surprises, and new learning. We also looked at the author’s craft a lot as we noticed her use of metaphors, different fonts, and overall “style” (for example, when she did things like repeat a phrase over and over for emphasis). When we ended the story, the students felt like they still had “burning questions” about the book and what went into researching and writing it. The Skype visit was a wonderful way to let the kids have an “up close and personal” experience with the author, giving them a chance to ask their questions, learn about her as a writer, and connect with her as a person. The experience for the students was both educational and memorable, and we would definitely do it again.”—Donna Mecca, Reading Teacher, Armstrong Elementary