My overall goals are to: (1) encourage students to read, (2) excite them about learning, and (3) help the students and teachers make real world connections.

My specific objectives for the presentation are to: (1) talk about Owney and some of the other books I've written, (2) discuss the researching, writing, and editing process, and (3) answer student questions.

I'd like a computer projection device, Internet connection, and screen. A clip-on microphone would be nice.

I can do up to 3 presentations per day with approximately 150 students in each group. I can tailor each speech from 30 to 50 minutes long. When discussing Owney, it's probably wise for me to speak to grades Kindergarten through fifth.

However, I've taught all ages, including adults, and can tailor the topic to specific needs.

Please allow students to purchase Owney at a discounted price. To order, see:

• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• Childrens Literature Booking Service
• Macmillan Publishers

• Announce visit on website or parent newsletter.
• Send home form for ordering books, including autograph instructions.
• Inform principal, teachers, and custodian that I am coming.
• Have teachers read aloud Owney to all students.
• Have students do at least one activity on Owney.

• Duplicate and distribute to teachers the Owney cards to give after visit.
• Have books ready to sign. Insert paper with autograph instructions in book.
• Remind staff that I'm coming.
• Set up cart, projection device, computer, and screen. Ensure access to Internet and YouTube or TeacherTube. Appoint a helper.
• Provide chair, small table, microphone, and water.
• After presentation, allow students to post on Owney blog, do Readers Theater, color, map Owney's route, or do online Owney jigsaw puzzles. See Owney page.

Each month, I'll donate 1 or 2 free virtual class visits. These visits will last no longer than 10 minutes. Sarah Chauncey and I have created Skype an Author Network, a list of authors willing to "virtually" visit classrooms. We've posted instructions, but here are some additional ones to consider.

1. My skype name is ramonakerby. Add me to your contact list.
2. Purchase books and sell them to students at a discount. Email me the names, and I'll snail mail personal autographed bookplates.
3. Keep the group small. Our goal is student participation.
4. Prepare the students by reading my books, doing the activities, or doing a writing project. Encourage thoughtful questions that focus on writing, revising, illustrating, publishing. Allow students the freedom to ask questions based on what they hear.
5. Since the visit is 10 minutes, have a pre or post activity.
6. Bad weather affects transmission. Have a back-up plan. Before the visit, exchange phone numbers with me so we can fix a glitch.

For visits longer than 10 minutes and with larger groups, please email me for fees.

• American Library Association, including American Association of School Librarians, Association of Library Service to Children, and Young Adult Library Services Association
• Authors Guild
• International Association of School Librarians
• Maryland Association of School Librarians
• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
• Texas Library Association
• Texas State Historical Association