Author visits are one of my favorite parts of being a writer, and I'm constantly blown away by the creativity and imagination of the kids I meet.​ Visits include a 35-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute Q&A and book signing. If there are other activities/topics you’d like me to cover, please reach out! You can contact me at kategmcmillan@gmail.com for more information.

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Creating a Character (Grades 2-6): In our interactive presentation, my co-author, Ruthie Prillaman, and I discuss our middle grade illustrated novel, Maple's Theory of Fun and the sequel, Maple's Formula for Victory. We collaborate with kids on a series of live-drawing, character-building exercises where we create a main character followed by a side character who pushes the main character to grow. Our goal is to show kids that they CAN draw and they CAN write, and whenever they feel stuck, they can reach into their toolbox and find a new idea.​​​

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Sustainable Structures (Grades 3-6): In a visual presentation, I walk kids through the key principles of sustainable design, starting with questions like what it sustainability? Why use local materials? I showcase example buildings from around the world, asking kids to think about how their own lives can reflect these same sustainable principles. My goal is to show kids how they make important design decisions every day, whether they're an architect or not! This presentation can be paired with any of the free sustainability activity worksheets available here. 

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Please make sure you have:

1.) the means to project a power point presentation

2.) a working microphone for visits held in cafeterias or other large spaces.​

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Some past school visits include:

Crossroads

The Kinkaid School

Holton-Arms

Linwood Howe Elementary

Queens Academy

The Girls' School of Austin

AESA Prep

St. Francis School​​​​​​