Across America
From Alaska to New England! Each year I continue to visit elementary schools across America as a guest author. Whether a class is following the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, studying Arctic animals, or working on non-fiction writing projects, I enjoy designing school programs that complement and enrich what students are learning in the classroom.
During the 2011-2012 school year, I'm looking forward to visiting schools in California, Chicago, New England, and Australia. I'm now scheduling author programs beginning in mid-October, 2011 through March, 2012. To secure a school visit date, please email me and let me know your preference month and date at debbiesmiller@hotmail.com.
SCHOOL VISITS AND AUTHOR PROGRAMS:
Introduction Author-Illustrator Program
Author Program Teacher-Librarian-Parent Comments
Author Program Topics How to Order My Books
Student Comments Take-Home Book Order Form for Students
School Visit and Author Program Itinerary
Introduction: Journey to Alaska with your students!
I enjoy presenting programs about Alaska, my books, and the nonfiction writing process in schools across America. Usually I visit several schools in one community or school district, so that expenses are shared. I traditionally visit Chicago-area schools during the first two weeks of February. If your school is located in the Midwest, this would be an ideal time to schedule an author visit. My goal is to eventually visit elementary schools in every state (I’ve been to about 21 states so far). Look at Across America to see where I've traveled for school visits.
I will continue visiting New England schools on a regular basis in February and March each year. As some of you know, my youngest daughter played college basketball near Boston so I visited schools and saw many of her games from 2006-2010. It was a pleasure sharing the world of Alaska while meeting so many enthusiastic students, teachers and librarians in Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine (see my recent Itinerary). Casey recently graduated from Merrimack College, and she is now playing professional basketball in Oviedo, Spain!
As a former teacher, I've taught primary, intermediate and junior high students, so I'm comfortable presenting to all age levels. I enjoy sharing the beauty and wonders of Alaska with students, and inspiring them to become writers themselves. I tailor my programs to meet the needs of students and teachers. I prefer smaller groups ranging from 50 to 100 students, but will speak to larger groups as well. Students, teachers and librarians should become familiar with my books prior to my visit.
I offer two types of programs for schools:
an author program, or an author/illustrator program with Jon Van Zyle. Jon and
I have collaborated on nine picture books. We enjoy visiting schools together,
but do so on a very limited basis due to our work schedules.
As an author of children's and adult books, I can speak to all ages. I most frequently visit K-6 schools, giving a maximum of four programs each day. My program includes:
*a PowerPoint show on Alaska and its wildlife with emphasis on the animals that are subjects of my books. This show takes viewers on a journey to Alaska, as they visit the areas where I have researched my books.
*hands-on materials for students such as clothing made from caribou hides by Alaska Natives; bones and antlers, artifacts, and animal puppets.
*discussion on how a nature writer works in Alaska, including the research, writing and editing process.
*discussion of the book making process with materials showing the different stages of book production.
*follow-up activities for teachers
*optional young authors lunch with 10-15 serious student writers (for full-day visits)
*I'm also available for library presentations, conferences, school district inservices, and teacher workshops.
My nonfiction books relate to a number of different study areas in the science, language arts, and social studies curriculum of elementary schools. I enjoy designing grade level programs that enrich classroom studies. Upon request by a teacher or librarian, these are some of the topics that I can focus on during my presentations:
- Life in Alaska and the Arctic: geography, environment, wildlife, people, cultures
- Animal Adaptations
- Life Cycles
- Biomes and Habitats
- Nonfiction research, writing and revision process
- Iditarod Sled Dog Race
- Climate Change/Global Warming in the Arctic
- Journal Writing
- Deserts (my forthcoming book, Survival at 120 Above, will describe the desert region of Australia and the animals and their adaptations to extreme heat).
- Water Cycle: snow, glaciers, rivers, vernal lakes
Joint presentations with Alaska artist Jon Van Zyle include:
*discussion on how an artist and author collaborate together on a book project
*presentation of materials that show both the writing and art stages of book production
*Alaska wildlife slide show relating to book research and our lives in Alaska
Comments From Teachers, Librarians, and Parents:
"Ms. Miller has twice visited Worthington Hills Elementary. During her presentations, she tells the students about her experiences in the state of Alaska and shares her research on the fascinating animals she writes about in her books. All of Mrs. Miller's books are information books on Alaska, its animals, and the uniqueness of that state. The books are beautifully illustrated and accessible to all elementary age students. For example, I have used her books on the polar bears and the caribou with kindergarten through sixth grade students. Her book, Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights is used by our first grade team as part of their study on the Arctic. The book Are Trees Alive? is used by our second grade teachers during their study of trees. I use The Great Serum Race with our sixth graders while studying about the history of the Iditarod Race which is held in Alaska every March.
I can recommend Mrs. Miller with enthusiasm and without reservation as a visiting author for any elementary school or public library. She is an energetic and enthusiastic speaker who keeps her audience of students and teachers attentive and engaged."-Maria Teresa Beck, Library/Media Specialist, Columbus, Ohio
"Debbie Miller...visited nine schools, saw approximately 2675 students, did twenty presentations and had four sit down lunches with small groups of promising student writers. A little girl figured out her process and gave a nice summation. “So you learn all the facts with your own eyes and interview people, and then you put those facts in your book.” That girl just may grow up to be a nature writer herself.
Ms. Miller’s years of teaching experience allowed her to adapt quickly and change topics when she saw a teachable moment. At the beginning of one session, she found out the group had begun a study of marine biology. She immediately switched into telling about her current research for a future book about the Olive Ridley Turtles in Mexico and showing slides of them heading out to sea. The shared interest between her and those students was palpable.
There was one difficulty that hovered all week long. Clocks kept ticking. Neither the children nor Ms. Miller were ever ready for the time to be up. One couldn’t help but wonder how long the sessions could have happily continued if there had not been a need to address another group, get to the cafeteria, or catch a bus to go home. Words of appreciation abounded after her visit from teachers, administrators, parents, and children. They might be summed up by one of the professors at the University of Southern Mississippi who had not seen a presentation himself but said, “You really got your money’s worth from Debbie Miller. There is quite a buzz around town about her visit.”
-Virginia McGee Butler, Retired Teacher/Working Writer, Hattiesburg, MS (February, 2009)
"Ms. Miller - My son is a student at Oak Grove Elementary. You appeared at his school and he came home so excited. I have never heard him come home so excited about learning and about a BOOK!!! I can't believe how much he learned from you. He has been telling us all about Alaska and honestly, I can't explain it. He retained so much and I just wanted to thank you. You really peaked his interest (he is 9) in reading and learning new things. I really wish I could explain in words how Noah was inspired and came home and told us word for word the things he learned from you. Thank you so much! You have made a difference in the life of a great 9 year old!!-a parent in Hattiesburg, MS (February, 2009)
"Ravenscroft Lower School recently hosted Debbie Miller. Mrs. Miller's presentation to our students in Grades 1-5 was both informative and entertaining. She shared her many adventures drawn from 24 years living in Alaksa and materials she has gathered over the years, such as clothing and boots, mittens, and hides from the caribou. Her presentations included a discussion of what it is like to live in Alaska and a slide show of the wildlife and natural scenery of the state. The children thoroughly enjoyed her enthusiasm for and knowledge of the caribou, polar bear, and plover! She explained journal writing, the writing and editing process, and research involved in publishing a book. In addition to presentations, Mrs. Miller worked with fourth graders who became authors of animal stories, and first graders who illustrated new text she has written and hopes to have published.
This author is a gift to the children's world of books. She is an exceptional presenter and does such a nice job of addressing each grade level appropriately. Every presentation was different in some way! She took our students on "a journey to Alaska" that they will never forget!"
-Sarah Adams, Librarian, Ravenscroft Lower School, Raleigh, North Carolina
"Our students found her presentations informative, interesting and fun! The slides were really great and helped students visualize the vastness of Alaska's wilderness. Her presentations have an excellent balance between talking, showing, and answering questions."
-Sheila Carey, Librarian, Ravenwood Elementary School
"Debbie Miller was wonderful. The children loved her presentation. They came back to class feeling they had been on a real journey."
-Chugiak Elementary School
"The audience of all ages thoroughly enjoyed her presentation. Everyone was fascinated by the articles that showed the many uses of the caribou by Alaska Natives."
-Robyn Martin, Librarian, Noel Wien Library
Dear Ms. Miller: Every year our family follows the Iditarod and I do a unit study on Alaska with my 3 children. As I read "Big Alaska" to the children today I felt compelled to write to say thank you for producing such fantastic books. Your books are truly "living books" and they bring Alaska right into our schoolroom (aka my kitchen table). We may never get to see the race first-hand (although every March 1st my husband threatens to sell everything we own and head up there!) but your books have helped us get a bit closer. Iditarod is a family affair for us - I suppose what the superbowl might be to other families. Your books make these 2 weeks a richer time for us. I've read "Disappearing Lake" and "Caribou Journey" year after year. This year, "Big Alaska" and "Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights" will be new. Thank you for all the hours you have put into creating a picture of America's greatest state for those of us in the lower 48. Now that I've discovered your website, we will add 'author study' to our lessons!
-a parent in Georgia
" I wanted to say thanks for such a great visit, but I think the following email from a parent says it all. Teachers and students alike LOVED your visit!"
-Tracy Elizabeth Bryant, Library Media Specialist, Happy Hollow School, Wayland, MA
Parent email to Ms. Bryant follows:
Hey, I needed to let "someone" know that my kids have been talking non-stop about the author visit today! They have been buzzing about Polar Bears, Alaskan culture and Ms. Miller's research/writing from the time they got home. We had to enforce taking turns telling us about it because they both had so much to share regarding what they heard and saw from Ms. Miller. I had to bring this to you because I am not sure who organized/sponsored this visit and was hoping you could pass along our gratitude for this learning opportunity. Many nights when they are asked about school, kids offer up what was for lunch, or if recess was in or out... Not today, instead I marveled at finding out that a Polar Bear is only 1 pound at birth and 800 pounds fully grown and that in Alaska recess is indoor when it is less than 20 degrees below zero! I never did hear what was for lunch today!!!! Many thanks.-a parent in Wayland, MA
"As a second grade teacher, I just wanted to tell you that I loved your presentation last Friday. You have a great way of explaining things and keeping the children's attention (and mine, too!) I loved the Alaska slides including your personal touch of showing your daughters' pictures. It was fabulous! The content of the program was so appropriate for second graders as it was intriguing and informative, but not overwhelming. It was especially helpful to learn about the various types of habitats in Alaska, including tundra and lakes, as I think the kids only imagine snow and ice. They loved learning about a state in our country, but one that is so very different from our own."
-Nancy Levey, second grade teacher
Greenbriar Elementary, Northbrook, IL
"...I really enjoyed your presentation. It was just great. One day I would like to be a writer like you. What encouraged me to think about this career is that I noticed when you gave all of the information to us, you seemed to really enjoy writing yourself..."
- a fifth grader from Pleasanton, California
"...You are very lucky to live in such a beautiful state. There is such a large amount of caribou that you can go out into the wild and study their habits. Then you can put your research and notes together and write wonderful stories that tell about real life in Alaska. I hope you can continue writing about your wonderful Alaska adventures..."
- a third grader from Salem, Oregon
"...I love your stories and the paintings. The paintings make me feel like I'm in them. They really describe the words. The stories are really interesting. I really want to go to Alaska. I want to see Mr. Van Zyle's dogs and the Disappearing Lake..."
-a fourth grader from Northbrook, Illinois
"...I thought it was very spectacular the way you researched your books. I especially was fascinated when you told us 40,000 caribou were coming toward you! Also, you have experienced many things while researching like, falling flat on your face, getting your foot stuck in a crack on the sea ice, and seeing polar bear tracks around you..."
-a fifth grader from Seattle, Washington
School Visit and Author Program Itinerary (click here for my booksigning schedule):
School visits: As of December, 2011, I still have a few openings for the 2011-2012 school year. This is my current time frame for availability:
San Francisco area: Jan. 23 through Jan. 27
Chicago area schools: Jan. 31 through Feb. 6
New England schools: Feb. 7 through March 6
St. Louis: March 8, 9If you are interested in hosting a school visit, please email me with your preferred weeks or dates. debbiesmiller@hotmail.com
April, 2012: Australia
April 23-May 3: School visits in New South Wales
March, 2012: New England , St. Louis, San Francisco, Australia
March 1: Belmont School, MA
March 2: Wellington School, Belmont, MA a.m. Newport Public Library, RI, 3:30 p.m. youth program
March 3: Newport Public Library Conference
March 5: Burbank Elementary, Belmont, MA a.m.
March 7: St. Louis Science Seminar Lecture
March 8,9: St. Louis schools
March 13: California Academy of Science, San Francisco 2:00 p.m. Children’s Program 7:00 p.m. Arctic Program
March 19-23: New South Wales and Victoria, Australia School visitsFebruary, 2012: Chicago area and New England
Feb. 1: McKenzie Elementary, Wilmette, IL
Feb. 2: Greeley Elementary, Winnetka, IL
Feb. 6, 7, 8, 9: Open dates
Feb. 10: Bell Elementary, Marblehead, MA
Feb. 14: Sheehan Elementary, Westwood, MA
Feb. 16: Boyden Elementary, Walpole, MA
Feb. 27: Lyme School, Lyme, NH
Feb. 29: Haggerty Elementary, Cambridge, MAJanuary, 2012: San Francisco and Chicago areas
Jan. 20: Town School, San Francisco
Jan. 23-27: School visits in S.F. Bay area
Jan. 24: Hillsborough schools
Jan. 30: Harper Elementary, Wilmette
Jan. 31: McKenzie Elementary, WilmetteDecember, 2011: Fairbanks, Alaska
Dec. 6: University of Alaska Children’s Literature Class
November, 2011: Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska
Nov. 8: Chugach Optional, Anchorage
Nov. 9: Bayshore Elementary, Anchorage
Nov. 10: Aquarian Charter School, Anchorage
Nov. 11: Northwood ABC School, Anchorage
Nov. 12: Writers Institute, Anchorage
Nov. 16: Denali Elementary, Fairbanks
Nov. 18: Weller Elementary, FairbanksOctober 2011: Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka, Alaska
Oct. 4: Pearl Creek Elementary, Fairbanks
Oct. 6: University Park Elementary, Fairbanks
Oct. 17-18: Alaska State Literacy Conference, Juneau
Oct. 19: Mendenhall River Community School, Juneau
Oct. 20: Auke Bay Elementary , a.m., Juneau Harborview Elementary, p.m.
Oct. 21: Gastineau Elementary, a.m.
Oct. 26: Kettleson Memorial Library Youth Program, Sitka
Oct. 30: Kettleson Memorial Community Program, SitkaApril 2011: Alaska
April 25: Children's Literature Class, Guest Speaker, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
March 2011: New England author tour
March 1: Wellington School, Belmont, MA
March 3: Franklin Elementary, a.m., Newton, MA
March 4: Bell School, a.m., Marblehead, MA
March 7: Burbank Elementary, a.m., Belmont, MA
March 8: Haggerty Elementary, Cambridge, MA
March 9: Lincoln-Eliot Elementary, Newton, MA
March 10: Downey Elementary, Westwood, MA
January-February 2011: Chicago and New England author tour
Jan. 31: McKenzie Elementary, Wilmette, IL
Feb. 1: Harper Elementary, a.m., Wilmette, IL
McKenzie Elementary, p.m., Wilmette, IL
Feb. 2: Winnetka schools
Feb. 3: Greeley Elementary, p.m., Winnetka, IL
Feb. 3: Booksigning at the Book Stall, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Winnetka, IL
Feb. 4: Greenbriar Elementary, Northbrook, IL
Feb. 7: Boyden Elementary, Walpole, MA
Feb. 10: Hardy Elementary, Wellesley, MA
Feb. 11: Martha Jones Elementary, Westwood, MA
November 2010: Kodiak and Anchorage author tour
Nov. 1-5: Kodiak Schools
Nov. 8: Ocean View Elementary, a.m.
Nov. 9: Chugiak Elementary
Nov. 10: Sand Lake Elementary
Nov. 11: Willow Crest
Nov. 12: Muldoon Elementary, a.m.
October 2010: Fairbanks author tour
Oct. 18: North Pole Elementary
Oct. 19: Ann Wien Elementary
Oct. 20: Hunter Elementary, p.m.
Oct. 21: Two Rivers Elementary, a.m.March 2010: New England author tour
Mar. 1: Burbank elementary, Belmont, MA, a.m.
Mar. 2: Sheehan elementary, Westwood, MA
Mar. 3: Plummer-Motz Elementary, Falmouth, ME
Mar. 4: Boyden Elementary, Walpole, MA
Mar. 5: Bell School, Marblehead, MA
Mar. 9: Woodland & Country schools, Weston, MA
Mar. 10-11: Craneville Elementary, Dalton, MA
Mar. 12: Haggerty School, Cambridge, MA
Mar. 16: John F. Kennedy School, Blackstone, MA
Mar. 18-19: NSTA conference, Philadelphia, PAFebruary 2010: Chicago and New England author tour
Feb. 1-5: Chicago area schools
Feb. 8: Wilmington Public Schools, Wilmington, MA
Feb. 9: Wilmington Public Schools, Wilmington. MA
Feb. 10: Fenn School, Concord, MA
Feb. 11: Wilmington Public Schools
Feb. 12: Paul Hanlon Elementary, Westwood, MA
Feb. 16: Thetford Elementary, Thetford, VT
Feb. 22: Wilmington Public Schools
Feb. 23: Wilmington Public Schools
Feb. 25: Marion Cross School, Norwich, VT
Feb. 26: Franklin Eelementary, Newton, MA, a.m.January 2010: New England author tour
Jan. 5: Burgess Elementary, Sturbridge, MA
Jan. 11: East Falmouth Elementary, North Falmouth, MA
Jan. 19: Wilmington Public Schools, Wilmington, MA
Jan 20-21: David Mindess School, Ashland, MA
Jan. 25: Hardy Elementrary, Wellesley, MA
Jan. 26: St. Joseph's Elementary, Needham, MA
Jan. 27: Maine Audubon Society 7:00 p.m. program: Naturalists' Forum: Alaska's Arctic with Debbie Miller
Location: Gisland Farm Audubon Center, Falmouth, ME. For more information visit: www.maineaudubon.org
December, 2009: New Endland and Kentucky author tour
Dec. 9: Mason Rice Elementary, Newton, MA
Dec. 16: Wilder Elementary, Louisville, KY
Dec. 17: Murray Independent Schools, Murray, KY
Dec. 18: Kentuchy Country Day, St. Francis School, Louisville, KYNovember 2009: San Francisco and New England author tour
Nov. 9: Town School, San Francisco
Nov. 10: Marin Garden Club, Ross, 10:00 a.m.
October 2009: Alaska
Oct. 18-19: State Literacy Conference, Fairbanks
April 2009: Alaska
April 15: Salcha School, Salcha, AK
April 2009: Massachusetts author tour
April 2-3: Massachusetts Reading Association 40th Annual Conference, Sturbridge, MA
March 2009: New England author tour
Mar. 2: Burbank elementary a.m., Belmont, MA
Mar. 3: Boyden Elementary, Walpole, MA
Mar. 4: Bell Elementary, a.m., Marblehead, MA
Mar. 6: Alcott Elementary, Concord, MA
Mar. 11: Merriam School, p.m., Acton, MA
Mar. 12: Woodland School a.m., Weston, MA
Mar. 12: Butler Elementary p.m., Belmont, MA
Mar. 13: Angier School, Newton, MA
Mar. 17: Plummer-Motz Elementary, Falmouth, ME
Mar. 19: Baldwin School, a.m., Cambridge MA
Mar. 19: King/Amigas School, p.m., Cambridge, MA
Mar. 20: Mitchell Elementary, Needham, MA
Mar. 23: East Falmouth Elementary, Falmouth, Cape Cod, MA
Mar. 26: Lincoln Elementary School, Winchester, MA
Mar. 27: Rockport Elementary School, Rockport, ME
Mar. 30: Country School, Weston, MAFebruary 2009: Mississippi, Illinois, and New England author tour
Feb. 2-6: Mississippi school visits, Hattiesburg/Pine Belt area, MS
Feb. 7: SCBWI Conference, Hattiesburg, MS
Feb. 9: Central Elementary, Wilmette, IL
Feb. 10: McKenzie Elementary, p.m. Wilmette, IL
Feb. 11: Harper Elementary, a.m., Wilmette, IL
Feb. 11: Greeley Elementary, p.m., Wilmette, IL
Feb. 12: McKenzie Elementary, Wilmette, IL
Feb. 24: Mason-Rice Elementary, Newton, MA
Feb. 25: Deerfield School, a.m., Westwood, MA
Feb. 25: Jewish Community Day School, p.m., Watertown, MA
Feb. 26: Deerfield School, Westwood, MA
Feb. 27: Newton Solomon Schechter Day School, Newton, MADecember 2008: Massachusetts/New England author tour
Dec. 4: Ames Free Library, children's programs, 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., North Easton, MA
Dec. 5: Parkview Elementary School, Easton, MA
Dec. 8-10: Springfield Public Schools author visitsNovember 2008: Seattle author tour
Nov. 12: Clyde Hill Elementary School, Bellvue, WAOctober, 2008: Alaska
October 16: Hunter Elementary School, Fairbanks, AK
September 2008: Anchorage and Seattle author tour
Sept. 12: Muldoon and Creekside Elementary Schools, Anchorage, AK
Sept. 14: Burke Museum, Arctic Wings Public Program, in conjunction with opening of
Arctic Wings photo exhibit, Seattle, WAJuly 2008:Fairbanks, Alaska
July14-25: Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival: Creative Writing Guest Instructor
March 2008: Ohio and New England/Massachusetts author tour
Mar. 4: Burbank and Butler Schools, Belmont, MA
Mar. 5: Boyden Elementary, Walpole, MA
Mar. 6: Haggerty School, Cambridge, MA
Mar. 7: South Elementary, Andover, MA (a.m.)
Mar. 10: Glover Elementary, Marblehead, MA
Mar. 11: West Elementary School, Andover, MA (p.m.)
Mar. 12: Woodland School, Weston, MA
Mar. 14: Malcom Bell Elementary School, Marblehead, MA
Mar. 17: Lincoln Eliot School, Newton, MA
Mar. 19: Clintonville Academy, Columbus, OHFebruary 2008: Chicago and New England/Massachusetts author tour
Feb. 1-7: Chicago area schools:
Feb. 1: Brentwood Elementary, DesPlaines, IL
Feb. 4: Central Elementary, Wilmetet, IL
Feb. 5: Harper Elementary, Wilmette, IL (a.m.)
Greeley Elementary, Winnetka, IL (p.m.)
Feb. 7: University Club of Chicago, Arctic Refuge: Songs from Around the World. 12:00 p.m.
Feb. 11: Memorial Elementary, Burlington, MA (a.m.)
Feb. 12: Sheehan Elementary, Westwood, MA
Feb. 13: Greenwood School, Wakefield, MA
Feb. 15: Fox Hill School, Burlington, MA
Feb. 21: Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, VT.
"Journey to Alaska" program and booksigning, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 22: North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, VT.
Naturalist Journeys Lecture Series: 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 25: Pine Glen Elementary, Burlington, MA
Feb. 26, 27, 28, 29: North Andover Schools, North Andover, MAJanuary 2008: New England/Massachusetts author tour
Jan. 3: Burgess Elementary, Sturbridge, MA
Jan. 7-8: Woodland Elementary, Milford, MA
Jan. 9: Country School, Weston, MA (a.m.)
Jan. 30: McKenzie Elementary, Wilmette, IL (p.m.)
Jan. 31: McKenzie Elementary, Wilmette, ILDecember 2007: New England/Massachusetts author tour
Dec. 4: Burr Elementary Schoo, lNewton Public Schools Showcase presentations,
Newton, MA
Dec. 6: The Field School, Weston, MA
Dec. 14: Zervas Elementary, Waban, MA
Dec. 21: Angier Elementary, Waban, MANovember 2007: New England/Massachusetts author tour
Nov. 13-14: Conant School, Acton, MA
Nov. 15-16: Gates School, Acton , MA
Nov. 17: Greater Boston & South Shore Reading Councils, Quincy, MA.
Author lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Nov. 28, 29, 30: Burlington, Vermont : Visits to six elementary schoolsOctober 2007: Vermont author tour
Oct.11: Sterling College. Arctic Refuge: Songs from Around the World
Oct. 12: Craftsbury School, Craftsbury, VTMarch-April 2007: Fairbanks and North Pole, Alaska author tour
Mar. 26 and 28: North Pole Middle School
Apr. 9: North Pole Middle School
Apr. 11: North Pole Middle School
Apr. 13: University Park Elementary School
Apr. 17: North Pole Middle SchoolFebruary-March 2007: Massachusetts author tour
Feb. 28: Haggerty School, Cambridge, MA
Mar. 1: David Mindess School, Ashland, MA
Mar. 2: Thomson Elementary, Andover, MA
Mar. 5: Country School, Weston, MA
Mar. 6: Happy Hollow School, Wayland
Mar. 7: Loker School, Wayland, MA
Mar. 8: Woodland School, Weston, MAFebruary, 2007: Chicago author tour
Feb. 5: Central Elementary, Wilmette
Feb. 6: Romona Elementary A.M, McKenzie Elementary, P.M., Wilmette
Feb. 6: DePaul University: Arctic Refuge program, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 7: McKenzie Elementary, Wilmette
Feb. 8: Harper Elementary A.M., Greeley Elementary P.M., Wilmette & Winnetka
Northwestern University: Arctic Refuge program, 7:00 p.m.December, 2006: Massachusetts author tour
Dec. 3: Eric Carle Picture Book Museum: 2:00 p.m. Youth Program
Dec. 4: Lincoln Elementary, Springfield
Dec. 5: Bowles Elementary, Springfield
Dec. 8: The Field School, WestonNovember 20, 2006:Chelsea Elementary, Manhattan, New York
February, 2006: Palmer and Wasilla, Alaska author tour
February 10: Goose Bay Elementary A.M. Midnight Sun Learning Center P.M.
February 12: Palmer Public Library, program and signing
February 13: Larsen Elementary
February 14: Tanania Elementary A..M. Wasilla Sports Complex P.M.February, 2006: Chicago area author tour
February 2: Harper Elementary A.M. Greeley Elementary P.M
February 3: Central Elementary
February 7: Romona Elementary A.M. McKenzie Elementary P.M.
February 8: McKenzie ElementaryDecember, 2005: North Pole, Alaska author tour
December 19: North Pole Middle School
April, 2005: Columbus area author tour
April 25: Brookside Elementary
April 26: Worthington HillsApril, 2005: Chicago area author tour
April 19: Romona Elementary
April 20: Greeley ElementaryFebruary-March, 2005: Valdez, Alaska author tour
February 28 & March 1: Valdez schools
February, 2005: Chicago area author tour
Feb. 7: Central Elementary
Feb. 8: Central Elementary a.m., McKenzie Elementary p.m
Feb. 9: McKenzie Elementary, Wilmette
Feb. 10: West School, Glencoe
Feb. 10: 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.: Booksigning at the Book Stall in Winnetka
Feb. 11: Norman Bridge Elementary SchoolFebruary, 2005: Houston area author tour
Feb. 14: Fort Bend Baptist Academy
Feb. 15: River Oaks Baptist School
Feb. 16: St. Francis Episcopal(half-day)
Feb. 17-18: Kinkaid ElementaryFebruary, 2004: Chicago area author tour
February 9-19: Wilmette, Winnetka, Glenview, and Northbrook schools
December, 2004: Fairbanks
Dec. 9: Noel Wien Library, 7:00 p.m.: Nature's Voice: Environmental writing through creative nonfiction
November, 2004: Juneau author tour
Nov. 4: Mendenhall River Elementary, a.m, Gastineau Elementary, p.m.
Nov. 5: Glacier Valley School, a.m., Auke Bay Elementary, p.m.
Nov. 5: Juneau Public Library: 7:00 p.m. Program on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Nov. 6: Juneau Public Library: 3:00 p.m.: Children's programNovember, 2004: Atlanta area author tour
Nov. 8: Fernbank Nature Center, 7:00 p.m., presentation on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land, with photographer Subhankar Banerjee. Slide show, photo exhibit, reading, and booksigning.
Nov. 10: Lovett School
Nov. 11: The Children's SchoolNovember, 2003: Kodiak Island, Alaska
Nov. 10-14: Kodiak schools
October, 2003: Wasilla, Alaska
October 23 and 24: Wasilla schools
February, 2003: Indiana and Chicago author tour
February 3-7: Indiana schools: Rensselaer Middle School, Lake Village Elementary, Wheatfield Elementary, and Van Rensselaer Elementary
February 10-18: Chicago area schools: McKenzie Elementary, Central Elementary, Harper Elementary, McKenzie Elementary, Greeley Elementary, Romona Elementary
December, 2002: Anchorage area author tour
Dec. 2: Chugach Optional and North Star
Dec. 3: Orion Elementary
Dec. 4: Fairview Elementary and Lake Hood
Dec. 5: Kenai schools(tentative)May, 2002: San Francisco, Fairbanks
May 1-2: International Reading Association, San Francisco
May 17: Preschool Program, Noel Wien Library, FairbanksApril, 2002: Fairbanks
April 17: Crawford Elementary
April 19: Ladd ElementaryFebruary, 2002: Illinois author tour
February 11-19: Wilmette schools
February, 2002: Colorado author tour
February 4-7: Denver area schools
February 8-9: CCIRA Conference presenter, DenverFebruary, 2001: Illinois author tour
February 5-9: Wilmette schools
December, 2000: Atlanta author tour
December 4-8: Atlanta area schools
November, 2000: Anchorage area author tour
November 13-17: Anchorage area schools
April, 2000:
April 17-21: Denali Elementary, Fairbanks
March, 2000: Anchorage area author tour
March 20-23: Anchorage, Alaska, area schools
February, 2000: Illinois author tour
February 16: McKenzie Elementary, Wilmette
February 17: Central Elementary, Wilmette
February 18: Harper Elementary, WilmetteFebruary, 2000: Colorado author tour
February 4: Dutch Creek Elementary School, Littleton
February 7: Campus Middle School, Englewood
February 9: Loyola Elementary School, Denver
February 10: Kent School, Denver
February 11: Antelope Ridge Elementary and Timberline Elementary, Denver area
February 14: University Hill Elementary, Boulder
February 15: Bixby Elementary School, BoulderNovember, l999: Anchorage author tour
November 30: O'Malley Elementary
October, l999: North Carolina author tour
October 4-5: Ravenscoft Elementary School, Raleigh.
October 7: Lynn Road /elementary School, Raleigh
October 8: Durham Academy, DurhamApril, l999: Ohio author/illustrator tour with Jon Van Zyle
April 21: Titus Elementary; Huber Heights, Ohio
April 22: Valley Forge Elementary; Huber Heights, Ohio
April 23: Montgomery Elementary; Cincinnati, Ohio
April 26: Doherty Elementary; Cincinnati, Ohio
April 27: Lotspeich School; Cincinnati, Ohio
April 28-30: Piqua City Schools; Piqua, OhioFebruary, 1999: Ohio author tour
Feb. 11-13: Speaker, Ohio State Literature Conference; Columbus, Ohio
Feb. 15: Medary Elementary; Columbus, Ohio
Feb. 16: Slate Hill Elementary; Worthington, Ohio
Feb. 17: Glenford Elementary; Glenford, Ohio
Feb. 18: Groveport Elementary; Groveport, Ohio
Feb. 19: Sedalia Elementary; Columbus OhioFebruary, 1999: Illinois author/illustrator tour, with Jon Van Zyle
Feb. 1: North Shore Country Day, Crow Island Elementary; Winnetka, Illinois
Feb. 2: Hickory Point Elementary, Shabonee Elementary; Northbrook, Illinois
Feb. 3: Northbrook schools; Northbrook, Illinois
Feb. 4: Central Elementary; Wilmette, Illinois
Joseph Sears Elementary; Kennilworth, Illinois
Feb. 5: Harper Elementary; Wilmette, Illinois
Joseph Sears Elementary; Kennilworth, Illinois
Feb. 8: Central Elementary; Wilmette, Illinois
Feb. 9: McKenzie Elementary; Wilmette, Illinois
How to Order my Books for School Visits and Author Events
Most local bookstores and regional distributors either stock my books or can order them for you. Publishers will give you a 40% discount if you order multiple copies of books for a school visit or other author events. I'm happy to autograph books for any author visit.
For these eight children's book titles: Survival at 40 Below, Big Alaska, The Great Serum Race, Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights, Are Trees Alive?, A Polar Bear Journey, and Disappearing Lake, contact Bloomsbury/Walker. Call Dustin Ross at 800-221-7945, ext. 5370.
For River of Life contact Clarion Books: 800-225-3362
For new hardcover and softcover editions of A Caribou Journey and A Woolly Mammoth Journey, contact University of Chicago Press at 888-621-2736. In Alaska please contact the University of Alaska Press at 888-252-6657.
For my adult books and essays:
For Midnight Wilderness: Journeys in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Braided Rivers, 2011). In May, 2011, the new color edition of Midnight Wilderness will be released by the Braided Rivers imprint of Mountaineers Books. You can preorder this 20th anniversary edition at 800-553-4453.
For Arctic Wings: Birds of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and Arctic Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land, contact: Mountaineers Books: 800-553-4453.
There are many bookstores that partner with schools and non-profits. They can bring in books for an author event, usually giving a small percent of the proceeds to the hosting organization. Or they give an educational discount. Contact the local bookstores in your community for more information.
Debbie S. Miller
It's
in Fairbanks, Alaska
