Karen is comfortable presenting in a classroom, library, or auditorium. Maximum number of students is 100 per session for book talks and 30 per session for writing workshops, although she will accommodate more in an auditorium situation.īook talks and workshops can be virtual or in person. Writing is then shared through positive peer discussion using anti-racist feedback techniques. Her technique promotes intuitive writing using a variety of stimulating activities, including word games, masks, story dice, photos, and character games. Workshops typically include a discussion of specific story-writing techniques as well as inspirational writing exercises designed to generate story ideas and practice particular techniques. Karen delivers customized writing workshops for all ages – children, teens, and adults. Performance and visual arts are also featured in these titles. Issues such as bullying, depression, social justice, and prejudice may be explored. Issues such as tolerance and believing in oneself may be discussed.įor grades 7 to 12, Karen’s novels and short stories for teens will be highlighted, including Punch Like a Girl, Cut the Lights, The Yo-Yo Prophet, Pure, and Take the Stairs. Her goal is to inspire audience members to share her passion for reading and writing.įor grades K to 2, Karen will showcase her picture book Sour Cakes with a focus on social-emotional learning.įor grades K to 2, Karen will showcase her picture books Sour Cakes and One Tiny Bubble with a focus on social-emotional learning, community, and prehistory evolution (STEM).įor grades 4 to 6, Karen will showcase her middle-grade novels: Bog, The Castle Key, and possibly Cut the Lights. She introduces her books by discussing how they were written, how a story is structured, and the writing techniques used. They may include how she evolved as a writer, the writing life, an introduction to the work, a short reading, a discussion of issues raised by the reading, an oral storywriting exercise involving the audience, and questions and answers. The goal of Karen’s book talks is to promote literacy.

Take the Stairs by Karen Krossing