John Schu Live!
Children’s book author, librarian, and former elementary school
teacher John Schu brings book joy to students and educators at
student assemblies and professional development sessions.
Author Event and
Student Assembly Experiences
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 45-minute assembly choices include sessions geared toward 3rd — 5th graders OR sessions for 6th-8th graders and include Bookelicious bookmarks with children’s book title recommendations from the program plus a preselected book package of your choice.
Professional
Development Sessions
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.
The Gift of Story
Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life
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.
This Is a 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.
Keynote Appearances
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’s the author of the acclaimed picture books This Is a School, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison, and This Is a Story, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo. He also wrote the adult study The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life. In 2024, he’ll release two books: Louder Than Hunger, a novel in verse, and The Poetry Place Is Our Space, illustrated by Holly Hatam. You can find him at JohnSchu.com and on social media at
@MrSchuReads.
