School & Library Visits
with Aaron Galvin
"Why must you write?"
It's a question I often lead with during my school visits.
The answers students provide? Thus far, "My teachers make me," has proven a frequent response. Also, "I don't. Reading and writing are boring."
Both comments are music to my ears...because I'm about to flip the script on these unsuspecting students. Most initially believe I'm visiting to just talk Shakespeare, or to back the mandated "classics."
I'm not.
Nothing against ol' Will or the classics, but your students will find my presentation more interactive. The purpose of my visit is to inspire students to harness their own ideas, teach them how to craft their stories, and engage reluctant readers.
"Why must you write?"
It's a question I often lead with during my school visits.
The answers students provide? Thus far, "My teachers make me," has proven a frequent response. Also, "I don't. Reading and writing are boring."
Both comments are music to my ears...because I'm about to flip the script on these unsuspecting students. Most initially believe I'm visiting to just talk Shakespeare, or to back the mandated "classics."
I'm not.
Nothing against ol' Will or the classics, but your students will find my presentation more interactive. The purpose of my visit is to inspire students to harness their own ideas, teach them how to craft their stories, and engage reluctant readers.
We discuss:
- What is “voice”
- Showing vs. Telling - how good authors make readers see and hear characters without telling them if the character is a guy or a girl, how old they are, or even where the character comes from.
- How to harness inspiration and build your story.
- Why we relate to flawed, gray characters and their importance in a story.
- ….and more!
Visiting schools and libraries to promote literacy is a passion of mine. I'd love to help engage your reluctant readers and fuel the creative fire in your aspiring writers.
School & Library Visits FAQs
Have questions?
Aaron has the answers.
Aaron has the answers.
“I have to tell you, I’ve heard a lot of authors speak. Your presentation is the best one I’ve ever heard for a school setting because it reinforced things they’re hearing in the classroom, and motivated them to read and write more. Thank your sister profusely for helping you nail the connection to classroom instruction. And I thank you profusely for nailing the connection to the library, not just by showing off a library card, but for talking about using the library as a writer.” - Sarah B., Indianapolis Public Library
"Aaron Galvin's author visits to our school prompt great excitement in our students. He is an inspirational young man who understands how to connect with young adolescents, engaging them with his seemingly infinite ability to characterize through voice and action. They become drawn into his world and as a result are inspired to pick up, not only his books, but others, too. Children absorbed in reading? What more could an educator or parent want?" - Erika E., Montessori School of Westfield
"I just wanted to thank you again for your delightful presentation! The kids loved it, and the teachers found it so perfect for igniting a passion for better writing. And we have decided, by the way, if we preface all lessons by saying, “Aaron Galvin says…” that they listen much better!" - Stacey B., Hamilton Heights Middle School
“I have seen many authors visit schools. Some are pretentious and don’t connect with the kids – they are merely selling a book. Some are great and inspire the kids not only to read, but to create. Aaron Galvin is the latter. His visit sold a love for storytelling. While he shared instances where he was inspired to write his own stories, he dared students to examine life and find their own characters, settings, and plots to cultivate and share. He was personable and made an immediate connection with my students – which isn’t easy to do with middle schoolers. Students devoured his books, whole series, after having met him, and still continue to read his books. His visit was easily one of the highlights of the year. I am grateful that he took the time to visit us and accommodate our schedule.” -Alvin A., Carmel Middle School
"You brought the house down!!! You had a great rapport with the students, and even our reluctant readers actually paid attention to what you said. You spoke their language and got them involved. The fact that you got some of our emerging readers to read out loud in front of a jam-packed cafeteria is quite an achievement!" -Wendy L., library teacher, Portola Middle School
"Aaron Galvin's author visits to our school prompt great excitement in our students. He is an inspirational young man who understands how to connect with young adolescents, engaging them with his seemingly infinite ability to characterize through voice and action. They become drawn into his world and as a result are inspired to pick up, not only his books, but others, too. Children absorbed in reading? What more could an educator or parent want?" - Erika E., Montessori School of Westfield
"I just wanted to thank you again for your delightful presentation! The kids loved it, and the teachers found it so perfect for igniting a passion for better writing. And we have decided, by the way, if we preface all lessons by saying, “Aaron Galvin says…” that they listen much better!" - Stacey B., Hamilton Heights Middle School
“I have seen many authors visit schools. Some are pretentious and don’t connect with the kids – they are merely selling a book. Some are great and inspire the kids not only to read, but to create. Aaron Galvin is the latter. His visit sold a love for storytelling. While he shared instances where he was inspired to write his own stories, he dared students to examine life and find their own characters, settings, and plots to cultivate and share. He was personable and made an immediate connection with my students – which isn’t easy to do with middle schoolers. Students devoured his books, whole series, after having met him, and still continue to read his books. His visit was easily one of the highlights of the year. I am grateful that he took the time to visit us and accommodate our schedule.” -Alvin A., Carmel Middle School
"You brought the house down!!! You had a great rapport with the students, and even our reluctant readers actually paid attention to what you said. You spoke their language and got them involved. The fact that you got some of our emerging readers to read out loud in front of a jam-packed cafeteria is quite an achievement!" -Wendy L., library teacher, Portola Middle School