Author Visits
Interactive author visits, engaging storytelling sessions, and inspiring writing workshops designed to help children discover the joy of reading and the power of their own imagination.
Speaking Rates 2026
Marisa offers a one-hour single-grade presentation for grades K–2 that focuses on her life as an author, fun behind-the-scenes publishing facts, and an optional writer’s workshop.
She comes prepared with interactive slides featuring her own research, drafting, and editing process so that students can see how similar their writing processes are to hers.
Every school visit includes the opportunity for pre-signed books or a signing session, and any Full Day Visit may include lunch with a group of students if desired.
Full Day Visit
$1,500 + Travel Expenses
- Up to 3 presentations
- Short Q&A session
- Lunch with students/staff
pre-signed books for purchase
Half-Day Visit
Starting at $900 + Travel Expenses
- 1 presentation
- Interactive Q&A session
pre-signed books for purchase
Virtual Visits
$250 Flat Fee
- Up to one hour
- The session can be structured formally or informally.
Library Time
Invite Marisa to read one of her books or a book of your choice for a Pay-What-You-Wish honorarium.
A Q&A session is included.
Travel Expense
Travel expenses are included for schools located within 25 miles of Marisa’s home office in Chicago. Visits beyond 25 miles are subject to a travel fee of $1.00 per mile (round trip).
Fees for traveling visits may be reduced if Marisa is able to visit multiple schools on a single trip. Two schools may split a Full Day Visit (provided both can be visited on the same day), and multiple schools may also split the cost of airfare and accommodations.
Curriculum Connections
This author visit supports Illinois Learning Standards through interactive literacy
activities focused on reading comprehension, narrative writing, creative thinking,
speaking and listening skills, and the writing/publishing process, while inspiring
students to read, write, create and dream.
✔ Interactive read-aloud discussion
✔ Character analysis and story elements
✔ Brainstorming and narrative writing
✔ Revising and editing strategies
✔ Speaking and collaboration
✔ Creativity and perseverance
Reading and Story Comprehension
Illinois Learning Standard: RL.K-2
Students will:
- Identify characters, settings, problems, and solutions
- Make predictions and connections while listening to a story
- Discuss themes and lessons learned from characters’ experiences
Writing and the Author’s Craft
Illinois Learning Standard: W.K-2
Students will:
- Explore the steps of the writing process from idea to published book
- Develop characters, settings, and story ideas
- Learn how authors revise, edit, and strengthen their writing
Speaking and Listening
Illinois Learning Standard: SL.K-2
Students will:
- Participate in discussions and share creative ideas
- Ask and answer questions about stories
- Practice communicating thoughts clearly with peers
Creativity & Creative Thinking
Cross-Curricular Connections
Students will:
- Use imagination to develop original ideas
- Discover how words and illustrations work together
- See themselves as capable creators
Social-Emotional Learning Connections
Illinois SEL Goals
Students will:
- Explore perseverance, confidence, and problem-solving
- Reflect on character choices and personal growth
- Connect story lessons to their own experiences
Author Visit Reviews
Thank you for coming to visit us! We absolutely loved it! The kids loved seeing their questions in the slides. I think it helped them stay engaged and made them feel like it was a part of the presentation. I think they loved the opportunity to see that all of us can be writers by creating a plan. This helped them apply what they learned right away. When we got back, we worked on turning our plan into a story. The kids loved seeing the book and getting to have their own copy. From the teacher perspective, the entire second grade team loved it! One teacher (that is retiring) said it is the best author visit we have ever had. We loved the organization, how you are aware of what little learners need to stay engaged, and how you timed everything so perfectly. We are so grateful that we were able to have this experience with you! You made everything fun and so easy on the teachers! THANK YOU!
-2nd Grade Teacher, Palos Heights, IL
Best author visit EVER! I have seen many author visits, and it really was amazing! You had their attention and were able to redirect when they had ants in their pants, and you definitely left an impact. They all want to write stories right now!! They will remember this forever.
-Kindergarten Teacher, Melrose Park, IL
