The Balkin Buddies Blog Catherine Balkin's Facebook

   
 
Author/Illustrator
State of Residence
Grade level
of books
Grade level for presentations
 
NY
K-YA
K-YA + Adults
 

Sample Titles
Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat (gr 1-5)

The Snowball (P+)

A Three-Minute Speech (gr 3+)

Steal Away (gr 5+)

Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World (gr 5+)   Fire-Us Trilogy (gr 5+);

In My Hands (gr 7+) Shattered (gr 7+)

Comments
 Winner of many awards for fiction, nonfiction and picture books, this author has traveled to the end of the earth (i.e. the South Pole) for research. Offering PowerPoint sessions on several subjects, this frequent Horn Book contributor also speaks at national and state conferences.
 
IL
3-7
3-7 + Adults
 

Sample Titles
The Cherokee (gr 5 up)
The Inuit (gr 5 up)
The Canals (gr 4 up)

 Comments
Orbis Pictus Honor Book author for non-fiction offers unique presentations related to photography as art.
 
OR
K-8
K-12 + Adults
 

Sample Titles
Just Call Me Stupid (gr 4-7)
Attack of the Mutant Underwear (gr 3-6)

What I Believe: Kids Talk About Faith (gr 6-8)

 Comments
Frequently on state award master lists, this author's fiction and nonfiction books and presentations are diverse, lively, and rewarding.
 
NY
K-8
K-8 + Adults
 

Sample Titles
I Face the Wind (K-3)
I See Myself (K-3)
Bangs and Twangs: Science Fun

with Sound (gr 4-7)

 Comments
Winner of a 2004 Robert F. Sibert Award Honor for I Face the Wind, this science writer's presentations fit perfectly into science curriculums.
 
NJ
4-7
4-7 + Adults
 

Sample Titles
Please Say Please! Penguin's Guide

to Manners (P-K)
Big Friends (P-4)

Battlefield Ghost (gr 2-4)

Weird Wolf (gr 4-7)

 Comments
Highly respected and versatile author and editor offers a variety of school programs that students and teachers will enjoy.
 
CO
P-3
P-3 + Adults
 

Sample Titles
City Dog, Country Dog (P-K)
All in One Hour (P-3)

 Comments
Teaches the art of writing & illustrating books by helping students create a character using cut paper, glue, and imagination.
 
DE
6-YA
6-YA + Adults
 

Sample Titles
True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet (gr 6-YA)
More Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet (gr 6-YA)

 Comments
Chick-lit queen offers adults and students alike programs on chick-lit writing and YA literature, and how the two work together.
 
CO
3-7
3-7 + Adults
 

Sample Titles
Rage of Fire (gr 4-7)
Mystery of the Vanishing Creatures

(gr 4-7)
Secrets (gr 4-7)

 Comments
IN Young Hoosier Award winner's books include informational and ecological mysteries; presentations are humorous, educational, energetic.
 
VA
5-YA
3-YA + Adults
 

Sample Titles

Ants (AnimalWays) (gr 5 up)

Gorilla (AnimalWays) (gr 5 up)

Comments
Author & educator (a pioneer in technology education) offers writing workshops & books and presentations covering a variety of science, technology, ecology, and natural history subjects.
 
FL
7-YA
7-YA + Adults
 

Sample Titles
Breathing Underwater (YA)
Breaking Point (YA)
Nothing to Lose (YA)

 Comments
Noted YA author whose edgy books have been on several award lists, including ALA's BBYA and IRA's YA Choices.