Visits | Kimberly Marcus

visits

Please contact me at

if you are interested in having me visit your school

or library and we can discuss program details.

ITCHING TO READ! (Preschool)

Half-hour program that includes hand-plays and
interactive movement activities to go along with a lively reading of Scritch-Scratch a Perfect Match.

ITCHING TO READ AND RHYME! (Grades K-2)

This forty-five minute program includes a similar format to the program for younger children. An additional section on rhyme is added, geared to curriculum standards. Using examples of rhyming text from the story, children learn the components that go into making simple word rhymes. Following this short, fun learning exercise, the children take part in a final interactive activity reinforcing those rhyming concepts. Kimberly also shares why she loves being an author.

THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD (Grades 3-5)

Kimberly takes students through the ins and outs of how a story becomes a published book, complete with show-and-tell of her picture book at different stages of completion. She includes, as part of her talk, the use of onomatopoeia and active verbs in the development of this story. She shares the importance of revision in any piece of writing, offering tools to make writing shine, and shows examples of some of the revision that took place while writing Scritch-Scratch a Perfect Match. Question and answer period to follow.

PITSTOPS AND PLOTHOLES (Grades 9-12)

Kimberly speaks to high school groups about the wild, bumpy road she traveled in the writing and publication of her young adult novel, Exposed. Students will learn how and why the novel shifted from a story told in standard prose from one character’s point of view, to a novel in verse from the perspective of a different
character. Story elements such as word choice, character, plot development, and voice are also discussed. In addition, Kimberly shares some of her own revision process, including editorial revision letters, to help students see the importance of re-imagining one’s work. Question and answer period to follow.

TALKING ABOUT TOUGH TOPICS (Grades 9-12)

Kimberly’s young adult novel, Exposed, deals with the tough topic of sexual assault. Her background as a clinical social worker specializing in trauma puts her in the unique position to talk to teens about this sensitive issue. What, exactly, constitutes sexual
assault? What is date rape? How do I ask for help for myself, or help for a friend? At the end of Exposed, Kimberly doesn’t tie things up in a pretty bow for the reader, because she believes teens know that life is complex. With sensitivity and insight, she will help students see that hope can spring from even the darkest of circumstances.