During in-person school visits, John Schu will booktalk must-read titles, share what it means to be a reader and a writer, and discuss how stories can change us, inspire us, connect us to others, answer our deepest questions, and help us heal. John’s assembly choices include 45-minute sessions geared toward 3rd – 5th graders or 6th – 8th graders, or 30-minute sessions geared towards 1st – 2nd graders. All assemblies include Bookelicious bookmarks with children’s book title recommendations from the program plus a preselected book package of your choice.
Two in-person professional development offerings for schools and districts are available. These 120-minute professional development events are geared towards librarians, literacy coaches, teachers, student teachers, and school administrators. Sessions can accommodate groups from 25 – 500 and include a 90-minute presentation, plus a 30-minute book signing.
Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life
John Schu invites readers to consider literacy beyond its academic benefits, highlighting the ways story speaks to our hearts and brings us together. This PD offering studies the five affective elements of story – healer, inspiration, clarifier, compassion and connector. Participants will explore how the universal truths found in stories can change us, inspire the readers we support, connect readers to each other, answer our deepest questions, and promote healing. This program includes 25 copies of John Schu’s book,The Gift of Story.
Connecting Hearts and Communities through Booktalks
The best booktalks are those delivered from the heart. It’s the way we share our love and passion for favorite titles and books that inspires students and colleagues. Join children’s book author and librarian John Schu as he invites us to imagine the many ways books can foster connection and understanding. He’ll share some of the best new books and ways to easily incorporate them into your school reading culture to increase reading motivation, stamina, and growth. This session includes 50 copies of John Schu and Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo’s This Is a Story.
John Schu is also available for Keynote appearances.
Please inquire for John’s availability and package pricing.
Questions? Please contact Dawn Molignano at dawnm@bookelicious.com
John Schu is the children’s librarian for Bookelicious, a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, and a former classroom teacher and teacher-librarian. He is the New York Times best-selling author of Louder Than Hunger, a Schneider Family Book Award Honor Title; This Is a School, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison; This Is a Story, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo; Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea, illustrated by Holly Hatam; and The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life. John lives in Naperville, Illinois; you can find him at JohnSchu.com and on social media at @MrSchuReads.