Author Visits

Elana loves to connect with readers and writers!

Elana offers both in-person and virtual visits to schools, libraries, conferences, and book clubs.

To inquire about an in-person or virtual visit, please go to The Author Village .  

New Virtual Writer-in-Residence Package

Your weeklong virtual Writer-in-Residence Package will include:

  • Overview of How a Story Becomes a Book (30 minutes)

  • Lesson on three ways into a story (20 minutes)

  • Lesson on developing character through setting (20 minutes)

  • Special Art Lesson with Charles Santoso (10 minutes)

  • 5 writing/researching prompts

  • 3 20-minute LIVE Q&As with Elana K. Arnold

  • Personalized bookplates signed by Elana K. Arnold

Usable for a whole school! Discount if you’re reading BAT as a one book/one school read and have purchased books for the community of readers.

Package Cost: $4500, useable for one school community.

If you are interested in a district-wide plan, please email elana@elanakarnold.com to discuss a rate.

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Testimonials

Elana K. Arnold brings a world of insight and enthusiasm to any sort of all school or community reading event centered on one book.  She has written a sensitive and insightful trilogy about a young boy on the autism spectrum that very gently and subtly invites readers to see the world through another child’s eyes, eyes that can help each reader recognize the other in themselves. The lessons about friendship and caring for animals and learning to be considerate to others are universally useful and accessible to student readers in all grades.

Elana K. Arnold also brings a wealth of personal insight to your all school/community reading event.  She is a dynamic and intelligent presenter who knows how to reach both students and adults. She wants her own personal appearance to be able to help inspire students to become storytellers, too. She has helped us connect with thousands of students and families through our One School One Book and #OneBookConnects programs. And she is a pleasure to work with!

— Bruce Coffey Jr.

Director of Programs, Read to Them

June 2020

After careful consideration, our school district selected A Boy Called Bat for our One Book, One Community program. What drew us to Ms. Arnold’s novel was the subtle yet powerful way the story sparks meaningful conversations about not only tolerating our differences but embracing what makes us unique. Bat’s adventures with his new house guest, a recently orphaned skunk kit, had students in kindergarten through 6th grade (and their families) deeply engaged in the story.

Additionally, we were able to host Ms. Arnold for a virtual event to conclude our One Book, One Community program. She delivered an incredible presentation to our community. Her message was meaningful to attendees of all ages. It was insightful and inspiring, much like her writing. The feedback we received after the event was overwhelmingly positive, and everyone agreed it was the perfect end to our community reading program!

If your school or district is considering a community read, I would highly recommend A Boy Called Bat. Additionally, if you are able to bring in Ms. Arnold for a presentation, you will not be disappointed!

—Will Maza

Warwick School District

Lititz, Pennsylvania

I don’t think I understood just how powerful A Boy Called Bat was until Elana was there in front of our students and our wider community, distilling the essence of that book right down. Hearing her share Bat’s story was a really positive experience for all of us. Elana is a true professional, yet she doesn’t come across as someone rehearsing lines and producing a product, more like someone who really knows her craft, an authentic representative for literature, and the power of telling a good story

Elana was able to connect with our youngest (pre k) students right up to 5th grade, and would be amazing in Middle School classrooms as well as beyond. It’s rare to meet someone with such a broad writing sphere.

—Kimbra Power | Barefoot Librarian

Shanghai American School