Melissa Stewart enjoys visiting schools, libraries, and nature centers to talk about her books and the topics she’s written about. If you’re interested in having her visit, please contact her for more information.

Typical Programs:

Writer’s Workshop
For grades 4 and up

Many successful authors and poets began writing at a very early age. Louisa May Alcott, E.B. White, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Rachael Carson all published their first works before they graduated from high school. This multi-session workshop introduces students to the creative techniques used by professional writers. Working in a supportive environment, children will be encouraged to tap into their imaginations and develop their own narrative voices. As students share their works-in-progress, they will learn from one another and gain self-confidence in their abilities.

“I got a lot of helpful hints on how to write. I think you inspired me to become a writer myself.”

—Fourth grade student, Stow, MA

Wild for Nature
For grades K to 6

Melissa Stewart enjoys exploring the natural world almost as much as she enjoys writing. By weaving together stories about her childhood experiences in the fields and forests of western Massachusetts and her travel adventures in Africa, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Mexico, and Europe, Melissa will discuss what inspired her to write particular books. In the process, she will help students understand how all living things depend on one another as well as the non-living elements in their environment.

“Thank you for coming to Shaker Lane School. I think it’s cool that you know so much about butterflies and other insects. I like the way you read your book. You really showed a lot of heart. I think you are a great author.”

—First grade student, Littleton, MA

“Thanks for coming to our school on Tuesday. I never knew about the big bang or that the same minerals can be found on Earth, Mars, Venus, and the Moon. I learned a lot.”

—Fourth grade student, Acton, MA

Creating Nonfiction: Researching, Writing, and Revising
For grades 4 and up

Students learn the steps necessary to create winning nonfiction, from researching at the library and on the Internet to creating engaging prose and bringing out the best in a piece through revision. Using her own books as examples, Melissa Stewart describes the process behind engaging, fact-filled nonfiction writing.  

“I never knew real writers had to do so many revisions. I guess I shouldn’t get frustrated with my teacher when she makes us do it once.”

—Fifth grade student, Shrewsbury, MA

Elements of a Story
For grades 4 and up

What do all great stories have in common? The beginning should do more than set the scene and introduce the characters, it needs to hook readers and establish the conflict, or challenge, the main character will face. Throughout the middle of a story, the plot advances through action and dialog. Tension builds as the main character tries to solve the problem. As soon as he or she is successful, or mostly successful, the story ends. Melissa Stewart shows young writers how to work these critical elements into their stories.

"You don't really notice it, but there are sort of these rules for writing a story. From now on, I'm going to look more closely at how a writer 'builds' a story."

—Ninth grade student, Lowell, MA