An award-winning author of both non-fiction and fiction, Megan Clendenan lives in Vancouver, BC. She is a member of the Writers’ Union of Canada and presents in English to grades 3 through 9. Her books have STEM, environmental, social justice, innovation, inclusion, sustainability, friendship, and perseverance themes.
In-person rates: $250 for one one-hour session, $450 for two, $675 for three, $900 for a full day (four sessions). Travel fee if outside Metro Vancouver of $0.50/km. Virtual visit rates: $150 for a one-hour session, $125 for each additional session on the same day.
Megan loves writing non-fiction that explores the connections between history, society, and the environment. She is the author of three middle-grade nonfiction books: DESIGN LIKE NATURE:BIOMIMICRY FOR A HEALTHY PLANET, which earned a starred review from School Library Journal (2021, co-authored with Kim Ryall Woolcock), FRESH AIR, CLEAN WATER: OUR RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT (2022), which won the 2023 Green Earth Book Award, and CITIES: HOW HUMANS LIVE TOGETHER (2023). She is also the author of a middle-grade novel, OFFBEAT (2018). When she’s not writing or reading, Megan is often running or biking on her local trails, or learning how to grow food in her backyard.
Presentations for Grades 3-9
Problem-Solve with Nature
Can we learn from nature to solve environmental problems and live in better harmony with our world? Yes, yes we can! In this presentation drawing from DESIGN LIKE NATURE, students have an opportunity to learn about the exciting new science field of biomimicry and how it can help us adapt in the face of climate change. Students will have the chance to use their creativity to sketch their own biomimicry invention.
Best for grades 3-6
What Makes a City a Good Place to Live?
Drawing from CITIES: HOW HUMANS LIVE TOGETHER, this presentation looks at the history of cities and how they can be more sustainable and inclusive places for all people to live. Students will discuss what makes an ideal city, and learn about issues like food security, population growth, transportation, renewable power sources, and safe water. Includes interactive and hands-on activities.
Best for grades 3-7
Exploring Positive Ways to Create Change
Drawing from FRESH AIR, CLEAN WATER: OUR RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT this presentation introduces social and environmental justice and kid activists from around the world. The presentation is grounded in hope and includes interactive activities that give students a chance to learn about activism, human rights, government systems, laws, equality, and citizen science.
Best for grades 4-8
From Spark to Fire: Developing Story Ideas
How does a book get from the kernel of an idea to an entire story? In this workshop, Megan explores how sparks of ideas are fueled into stories and the creativity behind that process. She uses writing prompts that get students’ creativity revved up! She also talks about being an author and saves time for Q&A.
Best for grades 6-9
Write, Rewrite, Repeat!
After you’ve written your first draft, the fun of revising begins! This presentation focuses on techniques for revision, and that it can be a fun part of the creative process. Megan will use examples from her published books and show students her early drafts, the editing process, and then the final product. She also talks about being an author and saves time for Q&A.
Best for grades 6-9
For in-person visits, connecting her Mac laptop to a projector is helpful. For virtual visits, Megan can use Zoom or Google Meet, and she can adapt to other platforms. Screen sharing helps her show fun examples! Megan prefers to present in either the classroom or the library. 35-40 max group size preferred for one session.