Dana lives in Waterloo, Ontario, and is a member of the Writers’ Union of Canada. She presents in English to grades 1 though 6, and she also enjoys presenting to adult groups. In-person rates: $300 for one one-hour session, $550 for two on the same day, plus a travel fee of $0.70/km. Travel costs waived in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and the townships. Virtual visit rates: $250 for one one-hour session, $400 for two on the same day.
Dana writes middle grade nonfiction about animals. She has a PhD in animal cognition, which means she is very curious about how animals think, remember, learn, make decisions, and solve problems. Her books also explore habitats, conservation, and the impact of climate change. Dana is passionate about making science fun and accessible for everyone. Although she loves all animals, she gets particularly excited about bees.
2025 Paradigm Prize – Science Writers and Communicators of Canada
Dana used to teach outrageously large undergraduate classes so she really doesn’t have a size limit for her audience. She finds that her PowerPoint slides are handy for showing photos, so for in-person visits, if she could hook up her Mac laptop to a projector, that would be great. When presenting about Animal Minds, a large table will allow for demonstrations involving her gorilla and raccoon puppet sidekicks. For virtual visits, she can adapt to any platform, and if she can share her screen, even better.
Loretta Garbutt is based in Toronto, ON and developed a passion for children’s books while working at a local bookstore where she was a storyteller, bookseller and reviewer. In this magical world, Loretta was also thrilled to be putting books into the hands of tomorrow’s big readers.
Loretta has been a writer and voice performer for over 30 years and worked on many wonderful animated shows including Babar, Julius Jr. and the unforgettable Max and Ruby and her interaction with groups of children is one of her favourite things to do.
Loretta has been enjoying class visits since her first picture book, A Stopwatch from Grampa was published in 2020.
She loves the one on one discussions with students and the questions and surprises that follow. Loretta likes to keep her presentations fresh and full of interaction with writing prompts, a little drama and simple games.
MEMBERSHIPS
CANSCAIP, CCBC, SCBWI, TWUC, Author’s Booking Service & ACTRA
PRESENTS TO…
English
JK-GR 4
30-min presentation rate – $150
PRESENTATIONS
Diaper Kid
An energetic three-year-old is reluctant to make the big switch from diapers to underwear
Dash is always on the move, and he likes that his diaper lets him (quite literally) go on the go–no pit stops needed! Who needs underwear when his diaper has great crash padding and keeps his bum nice and warm?
This relatable story will resonate with both children and adults and encourage tackling a common transition with humour and lightness.
Wake Up, Little Pin! The Story of A Sleepy Sapling
A story about a mother hub tree who calls for all the elements of
the forest to help wake her sleepy sapling. From Kirkus: An intimate and accurate picture of a natural cycle.
At Mother Pin’s request, Red Squirrel asks Vole to loosen the ground by digging tunnels and enlists Porcupine to poop out a “nutritious breakfast” at Little Pin’s base. Mother Pin also asks the underground filaments of fungal mycelia to send some of her own nourishing sugars to the seedling’s roots.
Jeffrey Loves Blue
A Sheila Barry Honour Book Award
Jeffrey often gets hyper focused on things, especially the colour blue.
What happens when Jeffrey is asked to choose a new colour?
Kirkus review: Proof that adapting to change is not only possible, but also genuinely enjoyable.
The text is presented as dialogue in two voices: That of the unseen narrator—likely Jeffrey’s parent—is rendered in a black font, while Jeffrey’s voice is set in a different, blue font. This reassuring story will help children who, like Jeffrey, find comfort in structure and routine to understand that change is not only possible, but that overcoming a big hurdle can also be rewarding. The childlike illustrations are appealing and, like the book’s conversational approach, will help children sympathize with Jeffrey’s plight; readers will applaud his success.
A Stopwatch from Grampa was given a starred review from Kirkus and The School Library Journal. The book was also named one of Kirkus’ Best Books of 2020. Kirkus: “An excellent and understated portrayal of grief from a children’s perspective.”
From Canadian Review of materials: A Stopwatch from Grampa would make a strong choice for parents, teachers, and librarians to read with young children who have experienced loss. The picture book may provoke discussion about dealing with grief as well as the memories and mementos from loved ones who have passed. Highly Recommended.
Class presentations for this title focus on how the objects we have, like a stopwatch, can remind us of those we love. Her presentation includes the fun of timing games, family memories we love to share and the illustrator’s (Carmen Mok) influence on the story.
And J.J. Slept is a story about family and what makes a house a home.
From the Canadian Review of Materials:
Garbutt only mentions in the beginning that J.J. is adopted when he is brought to his new family by the adoption worker. Otherwise, adoption is not necessarily the focus of this book, but rather it’s the meaning of home and family, whether adopted or not. For some people, that could be a quiet home in the countryside or an energetic life in the city. In the case of And J.J. Slept, home for J.J. becomes a lively and busy household full of the sounds and love of his siblings and parents.
Class presentations for this title include discussion around what it means to be a part of a family and the different types of families.
What are some of your fun traditions, sleep rituals and the games you play together?
Carol Matas, Winnipeg, MB, member, Writers’ Union of Canada, English. Grades K- 12.
Virtual visits: $250 for a 45 minute session for the novel. $200 for a half hour session for the picture book.
Carol is the internationally best selling author of over 50 books for young people, which have received over 100 awards and honours and been translated into 16 languages.
Photo: Chantal Picton Holowka.
Carol has written historical, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary novels. She has written early readers, middle grade novels and young adult novels and a YA crossover book. She often gets emails from young people telling her that they didn’t like to read until they discovered her books, and she is thrilled to cultivate new readers. Many of Carol’s presentations are about her Holocaust novels. In these sessions she delves into the roots of antisemitism and racism which informed Hitler’s worldview. She loves to talk about “big questions” using books like Cloning Miranda, when she encourages discussions about what it means to be a human being.
Who’s Looking for science based presentations.
A Storm Unleashed
A gripping tale about a girl and her dog set in Berlin, Germany, during the lead up to World War Two.
After losing her mother as a young girl, twelve-year-old Mia is living in Berlin with her veterinarian father and beloved German shepherd, Max. Mia tries to focus on her hobbies, her studies and her trips to her grandparents’ farm where she cares for the animals she loves. But it’s 1935, and life has changed radically for Mia and her Jewish father over the last two years.
Antisemitism is now official state policy. At school, Mia is vilified and treated cruelly by her teachers and fellow students. Outside of school, she witnesses violence against her friends and family. And then suddenly a girl from the Nazi Youth tries to take Max. From that moment on, life becomes more and more dangerous for Mia and her father ― who is now being forced to help the Nazis train Hitler’s army of dogs.
Mia and her best friend, Frieda, must come up with a plan to navigate this new reality. But could it cost Mia more than she realizes?
Kai and Golem
Rain in the morning makes Kai say, “That’s not what I want!” After school, he wants to read stories with Bubbe, but she isn’t there. “That’s not what I want!” says Kai. Maybe, he thinks, there’s a creature that makes bad things happen. Could it be a Golem, big and scary? But maybe things aren’t so bad if you look at them in a different way…
Carol does virtual visits all over North America, most recently Atlanta, Georgia to present “The War Within,” a Civil War novel.
Also presents to adults.
Carol’s books have garnered over 100 awards and honours, including 2 nominations for the Governor General’s Award; the Silver Birch Award; a New York Times Notable book; a Sydney Taylor Award; a National Jewish Book Award finalist; an ALA Best Book of the Year for YA; a Helen and Stan Vine Canadian Jewish Book Award for Young People; CCBC Best Book for Kids and Teens; New York Public Library, book for the Teen Age; and the Geoffrey Bilson Award. They have also been translated into 16 languages and many have been best sellers. Daniel’s Story has sold over 1 million copies in the United States and Canada.
Writers’ Union of Canada member. Presentations and writing workshops in English. Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Virtual visits (45 minutes): $150+HST. Virtual kindies (Two 20-minute sessions): $150+HST. In-person visits (45-60 minutes): $250+HST for one session, $450+HST for two, $600+HST for three, $800+HST for a full day (4 sessions). Kindies: two 25-minute sessions for $250+HST. Mileage for visits 100+ km from Peterborough.
Heather M. O’Connor’s new picture book Fast Friends is a 2021 Blue Spruce Award nominee. She writes fiction and nonfiction for kids and teens.
Heather is an enthusiastic presenter. She uses fun activities and clear, kid-friendly examples to engage with young audiences. “What it’s like to write a book? A lot like doing a school project,” she explains. Heather’s workshops and presentations can be tailored to your classroom. Most come with curriculum connections, follow-up activities and teacher resources.
Presentations: Book talks Fast Friends (Blue-Spruce-nominated picture book) Suze and Tyson become friends speedy-quick, even though Suze is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair. This story is inspired by Heather’s daughter Suze and her friends growing up. Themes and curriculum connections: body language, mime, inclusion, friendship, welcoming newcomers, working with an illustrator.
Betting Game(high-action sports novel for readers 10+, ideal for reluctant readers) Jack is a hotshot soccer player. When a new player joins the team, Jack gets drawn into gambling. Heather plays soccer herself. To research this book, she toured the Toronto FC Training Ground and met TFC head coach Greg Vanney. Themes and curriculum connections: soccer, research techniques, friendship, asking for help, teen gambling.
A writer’s life
So you want to be a writer (Spoiler alert – It’s a lot like being a student)
Digging up the facts: Research anecdotes and tips
Even authors need an editor: Revising process, tips and hacks, exercises
All roads lead to writing: Careers in writing (ideal for Grade 10 Careers)
Creative writing for young writers
“What ifs” and “I wonders” (gathering ideas)
Going on a Bear Hunt (conflict and tension)
Let’s tell a story (plot)
World-building (setting)
Story polish (revision)
Creative writing for older kid and teens and adults
Writer’s craft: Hands-on sessions that focus on a single element of story (character, setting, point of view,
conflict, plot, theme.) Book four elements, get fifth free.
Short story writing
Revision
Nonfiction presentations and hands-on writing workshops Heather’s been a freelance writer for almost 20 years. Her favourite news beat is LesPlan Educational Services. Bring her in to work with your students.
Ask the right questions: Interview techniques
Google doesn’t know everything: Research methods (archives, newspapers, oral histories)
Persuade me!: Persuasive writing
News or opinion: What’s the difference?
Writing the news (interviews, outlines, 5 Ws, inverted triangle writing)
Books titles and awards: Fast Friends, Scholastic Canada, 2020. Picture book. Blue Spruce nominee, 2021 Forest of Reading. Toronto Public Library First and Best, 2020. Betting Game, Orca Book Publishers, 2015. Young adult high-low sports novel. Recommended title, Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2015. Highly recommended, CM Magazine. Runs with the Stars, Second Story, Spring 2022. Dual language picture book, written with Darcy Whitecrow.
Audience size and equipment needed: Classroom or school library preferred. Will present in gyms or auditoriums if microphone provided. Please supply podium and table, and if possible, a digital projector and screen.
Writers’ Union Member. SCBWI. CANSCAIP. Mary Beth’s rates are $300 for one session, $500 for two, $800 for three. HST applies to all sessions. No travel costs within Toronto or if I am in your city. www.marybethleatherdale.com
Mary Beth Leatherdale is the award-winning author and editor of many books for children and youth, including You Can Be an Activist, Terry Fox and Me, and Stormy Seas. Her books have received many starred reviews and have won or been shortlisted for awards including the Silver Birch Award, the Norma Fleck Award, the YALSA Excellence in Non-Fiction for Young Adults Award, the SCBWI Golden Kite Award, and have been selected for readers’ choice awards in Ontario, British Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Texas, and Bangkok. Mary Beth has presented at schools and libraries in Ontario, British Columbia, Missouri, Texas, and Turkey. Her work has been translated into several languages, including Italian, Korean, German, and Turkish.
2025 CCBC Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction Award nominee for You Can Be an Activist: How to Use Your Strengths & Passions to Make a Difference
Before becoming a freelance editor, Mary Beth was the editorial director at Owlkids and the editor of Chirp and OWL magazines. She has a Master of Education from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE).
Ms. Leatherdale’s book, Stormy Seas, and the personal rapport she was able to develop with our students during her virtual visit have made a lasting impact on this next generation.
Alice McGoldrick, St. Rita’s School, Dallas, Texas
PRESENTATION STYLE SCHOOL VISITS:
JK- Gr. 3 – True Stories With a Twist Storytelling session with two of her picture books plus Q & A. For older children she shares a PowerPoint presentation, focusing on the challenges of finding a fresh take on a familiar story and showing how an idea turns into a book.
Gr. 4-8: – When the Water is Safer than the Land This social-justice-related presentation focuses on Mary Beth’s award-winning book STORMY SEAS. In an interactive presentation, students are invited to take on the roles of the young boat refugees featured in the book. Through discussion and PowerPoint resources, we explore the factors that force families to leave their home, the difficult choices asylum seekers must make, the challenges of adapting to and the contributions immigrants make in their a new home. Works best in a classroom or library space.
Gr. 4-8: You Can Be an Activist Want to make a positive impact on the world? But not sure how? Drawing from the You Can Be an Activist handbook, this interactive presentation leads students through a workshop on how they can use their own strengths, passions, and interests to create social change that benefits people and the planet in their community and beyond. Practical tips on choosing a cause, setting goals, making a plan and leading a team will be discussed. As well, there will be an opportunity for student-directed learning on human rights and social justice issues.
*ALL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIRTUAL VISITS.
Mary Beth is happy to adapt her presentations to meet the curriculum needs of teachers. Educator’s guides are available online.
Writers’ Union Member. $250 virtual visit or $400 in-person, plus travel. $700 for a day with two visits (two schools can share). Travel costs waived in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and the townships.
Erin writes YA science fiction and fantasy middle grade books. With multiple awards, she’s considered one of Canada’s rising stars: Quill and Quire calls her “a new master,” and the CBC says she’s “so close to YA superstardom she can probably taste it.” As a presenter she’s down-to-earth and funny, working to give students real answers and emotional honesty.
CCBC Book Awards: TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award nominee
“I’ve had many novelists visit my classes over the years, but I can honestly say I’ve never seen one connect so well with a teenaged audience. —A.J. Blauer, Acting Head of Literary Arts, Canterbury High School (Ottawa, Ontario)
Free Virtual Visits! I do free 10-15 minute virtual visits with classes or clubs who are reading one of my books. There’s no presentation, so I’m counting on the teacher or moderator to run a short, informal conversation or a Q&A
Audience: Any small group
Timing: 10 to 15 minutes
Presentation-style School Visits
For upper elementary and middle schools: How to Fail
A funny presentation on how I became an author by failing every step of the way. (Step one: don’t have a dream.)
I’ll give your students a peek behind the scenes of my creative process — research, writing, editing, and more — but the heart of the presentation is grit, growth, and being a little easier on yourself.
Audience: Targeted at grades 5 – 9. Single classes or whole-school gatherings.
Timing: Adaptable to your timetable, but generally 30-40 minutes plus a Q&A, for a total of 45-60 minutes.
For middle schools, high schools: How to Fall off a Roof
Neuroscientists have a question: when you’re falling to your death, does time really slow down? Being scientists, they’ve tested this by dropping volunteers from a great height. Any guesses on what they learned?
This presentation uses that answer — and other insights from modern neuroscience — to introduce new ways to think about how details and pacing change the emotional intensity of a scene.
Audience: Targetted at grades 7 – 12, writers’ craft classes, university classes, writers’ master classes. Works as a workshop for single classes, but can also be run as a presentation for a gym-ful.
Timing: Adaptable to your timetable, but generally 45-60 minutes plus a Q&A, for a total of 60-90 minutes.
For upper elementary and middle schools: Sort of Simon
Simon Sort of Says is my newest middle grade book.
This presentation takes your readers behind the scenes of writing this book — and creativity generally — starting from “where do your get your ideas” and covering everything from an ordinary writing day to the big phone call day where something amazing happens.
This presentation works for both classes who have read or are reading Simon, and for classes who are just curious about books, writing, and creativity.
Content note: there is a school shooting in the backstory — not on the page — of Simon Sort of Says. That comes up in the backstory — not at the heart — of this presentation.
Audience: Targetted at grades 5 – 9. Single classes or whole-school gatherings.
Timing: Adaptable to your timetable, but generally 30-40 minutes plus a Q&A, for a total of 45-60 minutes.
Workshops
Writing Workshop: How to Walk Across a Room
This highly interactive, on-your-feet workshop draws on improv exercises and group brainstorming to help students make characters come to life on the page.
This workshop is at its absolute best as a series of short workshops and writing exercises that build on each other over the course of several writing days. Some of these can be teacher-run — I have sharable lesson plans. Contact me if you’re interested.
Audience: Targeted at grades 7 – 12, writers’ craft classes, university classes, writers’ master classes. Best for single classes.
Timing: Adaptable to your timetable, but generally 45-60 minutes plus a Q&A, for a total of 60-90 minutes.
Writing Workshop: How to Fall off a Roof
Neuroscientists have a question: when you’re falling to your death, does time really slow down? Being scientists, they’ve tested this by dropping volunteers from a great height. Any guesses on what they learned?
This workshop uses that answer — and other insights from modern neuroscience — to introduce new ways to think about how details and pacing change the emotional intensity of a scene.
Jam-packed with weird science and fun examples, this workshop is the least interactive one I do, and can also be a presentation to a gym-ful.
Audience: Targetted at grades 7 – 12, writers’ craft classes, university classes, writers’ master classes. Works as a workshop for single classes, but can also be run as a presentation for a gym-ful.
Timing: Adaptable to your timetable, but generally 45-60 minutes plus a Q&A, for a total of 60-90 minutes.
Writer in Residence options
Want to take it up a notch? These workshops add together to create a great program for a writer in residence. Think every day for a week, or twice a month for a semester, or even more.
This is my absolute favourite thing to do — it’s a game changer for me, for the kids, and for the teachers I work with.
Writers’ Union Member. Now doing virtual visits only: $200 for one 60 minute session, $350 for 2, $525 for 3, $675 for 4. Maximum 4
sessions per day. JK to SK: two 30-minute sessions for the price of 1.
Cinders presents to JK to Grade 3. Single class size is best for discussion, but Cinders is flexible.
Author-illustrator of the Moneybunnies financial literacy for young children series, published by Penguin N.Y. She is also a well known human rights cartoonist and musician. Cinders has 20 years’ experience in Canadian and British books and newspapers, is the creator of the 8-year-old Broomie Law cartoon and one of the few published, women political cartoonists in the world. She is also an experienced performer (singer, songwriter, double bassist with a record on Billy Bragg’s label) and cartoon workshop presenter. She wrote and illustrated EARN IT! SPEND IT! SAVE IT! and GIVE IT! for ages 3- 8 because it’s never too early to teach children about money. The Moneybunnies series is popular with STEM educators.
Writers’ Union Member. Silver Birch winning author available for school, public library, and conference visits. Member of The Writers’ Union of Canada.
Mahtab, in Persian, means moonlight. She won the Silver Birch award for her debut novel, The Third Eye. Many of her other novels have garnered critical acclaim. Mahtab loves connecting with her readers and encourages discussions about diversity. She’s comfortable with an adult audience as well as grades 4-8. As Writer-In-Residence at the Toronto District School Board and presenter at the Toronto Public Library, she has given numerous writing workshops and loves it!
Currently, due to travel constraints, she is focusing on Skype visits for Grades 4-8. Starting April 2020 when her latest picture book will be released, she will also include Grades 1-3, and will be able to present to the entire school in a day.
Skype Presentations: Duration: 30 Minutes each Cost: $200 plus HST for one session, $350 plus HST for two back-to-back sessions, $450 plus HST for three back to back sessions and $500 plus HST for four back-to-back sessions.
Equipment:
A PC or MAC with webcam, and a wired Internet connection
Skype Software and Skype ID
Other Details:
Questions will be written down in advance after having read at least one book. Each student will come up to the webcam and read out the question. For Skype visits, payment is due in advance.
Mahtab’s books include a strong element of her Indian roots and she encourages discussions and questions on world cultures, and especially diversity. She immigrated to Canada in 1997 and is happy to share the struggles she faced while trying to fit into Canada.
Format: Here is what we will cover in the 30 minute session:
Where I come from and how I became a writer
Diversity in Writing: How to use what you know, and your background in your books. The life of an immigrant in Canada and how I worked to fit in.
My latest book and how it came about: the process of writing it, where I got the inspiration for it.
15 Minutes of Q&A. Students will have read at least one book of mine and come prepared with questions.
Mahtab tailors her presentations to the age of her audience and makes them fun and interactive. Her talk is peppered with personal anecdotes about the challenges she faces when she writes, as well as tips and tricks she uses to meet her daily writing goals.
I also conduct Writing Workshops for grades 7-8 where I will give writing exercises and provide tips for writing creative fiction.
In-Person Presentations:
Duration: 1 hour Cost: $300 plus HST for one session, $500 plus HST for two sessions, $750 plus HST for three sessions and $1000 plus HST for four sessions, plus travel per Canada Council mileage rates.
Equipment: A microphone, table, projector screen and multi-plug power socket. Flip-chart and markers for workshops. Venue: All, though libraries and classrooms preferred. Maximum number of students per session: 100 for presentations and 16 for workshops. This is slightly flexible so please contact her to discuss.
Writers Union Member. Fiction & NF, Multi awards, internationally bestselling. All ages. $400 plus HST for 1 session, $650 for 2, $900 for 3 and $1100 for 4, + travel (.68 cents per kilometer, round-trip for SW ON).
Virtual Visits: $300 plus HST, per session.
Marsha is an experienced and passionate speaker who tailors each presentation to the group in front of her. As the author of picture books, middle grade novels, narrative non-fiction and YA novels, she can present to an entire school over the course of a day. She also loves speaking to adult groups and she loves loves loves giving writing workshops.
Presentations by grade
For most presentations, Marsha reveals her struggles with dyslexia and not being able to read until she was 9. Marsha talks about why she writes about war from a kid’s point of view and why she considers herself a librarian/detective. She also explains how she became a princess if asked.
Here is an example of her themes by grade:
JK to 1: two 30 minute storytelling sessions for the price of one full session ($400+HST) using When Mama Goes To Work.
2 to 4: 45 to 60 minutes: Storytelling session plus Q&A on topic/book of your choice. Most of Marsha’s books delve into the issue of war and displacement from a kid’s point of view. For this age group, this topic can best be presented via specific books:
Ukraine’s long struggle under war: Silver Threads, Enough.
Vietnamese refugee books: Sky of Bombs Sky of Stars, Too Young to Escape and Adrift at Sea.
Armenian Genocide, orphan refugees: Aram’s Choice, Call Me Aram.
4 to 8: Most of Marsha’s books are for this age group and she can present her WWII novels, and Winterkill, set during the Holodomor, but Marsha’s most requested presentation right now is about her brand new Kidnapped from Ukraine trilogy. Book one, Under Attack, has received rave reviews including starred reviews from Kirkus and Bookist, plus this from Canadian Children’s Book News: “…Under Attack is an invaluable must-read and must-have educational resource for public, schools and home libraries everywhere. Lingering long after the last compelling page is turned, this timely book is inarguably a stirring catalyst for in-depth discussion…” Very highly recommended
Book 2, Standoff, is published on Oct 7, and book 3, Still Alive, will be published in April 2026.
Maximum group sizes for presentations: 45 for JK to 3. 100+ for everyone else.
Writing Workshops work best with 16 or so participants
Writing Workshop Topics:
Teaching fun self-editing techniques to students in grades 4 to 12.
How to create an awesome villain.
How to assist gifted student writers (of any age) without tearing your hair out in frustration.
Techniques for punching through writer’s block.
Grade 12 Writers’ Craft personal memoir writing
Other topics upon request.
All Venues, library preferred. Equipment required: A glass of water, lunch (egg salad sandwich on brown bread) if she’s staying for the day. A table to spread her things out on. A microphone for larger groups or in the gym, or if the room acoustics are questionable. A screen and projector for power-point.
Please note: Her surname is pronounced SKRIPP-ick.
The Writers’ Union of Canada member. Fiction and nonfiction writer.
Heather’s rates are $300 for one session, $550 for two, $800 for three. For virtual presentations: $300 for one session, $500 for two. HST applies to all sessions. No travel costs within Toronto or if I am in your city (I travel to Montreal several times a year). Able to present in English and French.
HEATHER CAMLOT is an award-winning author of a dozen books for young readers.
Her middle-grade nonfiction include What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? True Stories of Imagination and Determination,The Prisoner and the Writer, and One Goal: How Soccer Can Help Save the Planet. Heather is also an accomplished fiction writer. Her two middle-grade novels are Clutch and The Other Side.
Fall 2026 will see two new nonfiction books, Have a Bite! How Food Connects Us and Beyond Words: The Meaning and Impact of Signs and Symbols. Two more books are slated for 2027 Champions for Change: How Athletes are Making a Difference and Poster Child: The Story of Artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, her first picture book.
Heather’s books have been honoured as a Best Book pick from Kirkus Reviews, a Canadian Jewish Literary Awards winner (juvenile category), Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, an Outstanding Science Trade Book (NSTA/CBC) and Skipping Stones Honor Awards. They have also been shortlisted for provincial, national, and international awards, including Forest of Reading, CCBC Book Awards, and Prix littéraire FETKANN – Maryse Condé.
PRESENTATIONS (60 minutes, grades 3+)
Heather aims to entertain and educate, engaging students with a fun and interactive presentation, lively discussion and themed activities. We’ll talk about a specific book (choose from the list below), inspiration, challenges, themes and of course writing.
Heather is happy to collaborate to create a customized presentation.
Books and themes:
Clutch: Baseball, family, tradition, 1940s, Montreal, Jackie Robinson, Judaism, World War II, Holocaust, Canada, government of Canada, historical fiction, sports, courage, injustice
The Other Side: Mystery,family secrets, illness, soccer, 2014 World Cup,World War II, Germany, Canada, inter-generational, injustice, courage, history, present
What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows?: Social justice, human rights, imagination, real-world crises, asking big questions, courage, change, peace, reconciliation, bravery, injustice, leadership, history, present
I Can’t Do What?: Laws, rules, human rights, sports, art, entertainment, injustice, technology, family, crime and punishment, weird, governance, social justice
The Prisoner and the Writer: Dreyfus Affair, antisemitism, Judaism, advocacy, racism 19th century, France, media literacy, bias, fake news, treason, betrayal, courage, true story, justice, equality, prejudice, scandal, misinformation
One Goal: Soccer, climate change, World Cup, Olympics, sports, social justice, human rights, sustainability, environment, reduce, reuse, recycle
Beyond Words: Symbols, hate, peace, support, protest, social justice, human rights, history, racism, 2SLGBTQI+, sexism, physical and mental health, marginalized
Have a Bite: Food, food history, social justice, family, tradition, climate change, history, culture, trade, geography, connection, politics, food safety, food waste
WORKSHOPS (60 minutes, grades 3+)
Where do ideas come from?: In this idea-generating workshop, we’ll discuss where to look for fiction and/or nonfiction book ideas – starting in our own lives. Students will get writing with two exercises to jumpstart the creative process. Based on ONE GOAL: HOW SOCCER CAN HELP SAVE THE PLANET.
What’s news?: Bias in the media is difficult to spot. In this media-literacy workshop, we’ll look into how to determine if what you’re reading is fact…or fiction. I’ll test students’ knowledge of news fact vs news fiction through a fun game and we’ll create a reference guide to better judge whether what they are reading, seeing, and hearing is objective, biased or completely fake. Based on THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER.
You can find more presentation and workshop descriptions available on Heathercamlot.com.
Maximum presentation size: 100 (flexible) / maximum workshop size: 30 (flexible) Teacher and/or librarian must be present.
Heather offers the services of professional editing, copyediting, proofreading, andtranslating. She also provides manuscript evaluations – fiction and nonfiction.
Writers’ Union Member. Now doing virtual visits only: $200 for one 60 minute session, $350 for 2, $525 for 3, $675 for 4. Maximum 4
