Speaking

Please contact Kathleen to inquire about scheduling a presentation.

Grab Them: Books with Real Guy (and Gal) Appeal!

Toilets. Bathroom Habits. Gladiators. Body noises. Man-eating Tigers. War planes. BMX. Gross stuff. Forensic science. Unsolved real-life mysteries.

All of the above topics have one thing in common. Boys love them! And books about them and other popular topics make fine booktalks to grab boys and attract their interest.

SLJ columnist Kathy Baxter’s laughter-filled session, all done with PowerPoint, gives suggestions for the kinds of books boys really like, including illustrations that get kids interested and sections to read aloud.

This presentation can last from 45 minutes to 5 hours.

Get Real: Getting Kids Excited About Nonfiction

Through practical experience booktalking to thousands of kids, School Library Journal columnist Kathleen Baxter, the Nonfiction Booktalker, feels that nonfiction can be the key to getting kids to read. The Common Core Standards require it. Participants will be motivated and energized as they acquire a practical repertoire of dozens of booktalks and books that appeal to kids in this laughter-filled, fast-moving PowerPoint presentation.

This presentation can last from 45 minutes to 5 hours.

If flying:

One day, up to five hours presenting—$1500, plus expenses

Each additional consecutive day at the same location on the same trip—$750, plus expenses, at different locations in the same general area, a discount from the $1500 can be negotiated for additional days.

Kathy tries to keep expenses as reasonable as possible.
She normally does up to four discounted presentations each year.
Be sure to ask if you need a discounted presentation.

If driving:

(less than 150 miles—mileage paid for at government rate):

One day, up to five hours presenting—$1000, plus expenses
Each additional day on the same trip—$500, plus expenses
Kathy flies out of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport.

Equipment:

LCD projector for laptop pc (she will bring her own PC)
Clip on wireless microphone
Podium, if possible—if not, a table
Screen and media cart
Long cable for connecting laptop and projector (if possible)

“I want to be like Kathleen when I grow up. She rocks!”

“Kathleen is excellent! Enjoyable, entertaining, fun, yet informative. “

“She is excellent! I want to clone this lady!”

“Kathleen was awesome! Energetic, cheerful, consummately prepared.”

“Outstanding! Entertaining! Very informative. Full of great ideas for books for boys and girls too. One of the best workshops I have ever attended!”

“I came to this seminar looking to specifically save a few boys in my class. I am leaving feeling saved myself. I would recommend this seminar to all teachers, educators, parents and readers.”

“A cornucopia of suggestions and ideas for librarians, teachers and parents. Her passion for books and for reading is certainly contagious. Not afraid to read aloud and be silly or ‘get into character,’ a must for kids to get hooked on books. Too much good stuff in too little time! Thank you!”

“This was a stellar presentation. The presenter’s knowledge, experience and enthusiasm vibrate throughout the day. She has energized all the participants.”

“Excellent! Time has never flown so fast.”

“Ms. Baxter’s passion for children and children’s literature was very inspiring. She shared her tremendous knowledge in a clear, meaningful way.”

“Kathleen did a phenomenal job presenting this seminar. I am leaving eager to use all of these books in the classroom. She was wonderful and entertaining!”