Carmella Van Vleet

Reach For the Stars & Don’t Quit

Best suited for: Grades 3-5

Highlighting ELIZA BING IS (NOT) A BIG FAT QUITTER and its sequel, ELIZA BING IS (NOT) A STAR, I share what inspires my work and how kids can become "black belts" in whatever passion they pursue. This program includes time to ask questions about the publishing process and what it’s like to be a writer. In addition, a Lunch With The Author program for a small group of students is available.

(The presentation does not include Dr. Sullivan.)

Let's Make a Book!

Best suited for: All ages (When I'm doing a whole-school visit, I like to do this presentation with the younger grades and Reach for the Stars/Don't Quit with older students.)

Writing a book is more than just telling a story. And there are many people who work behind the scenes to bring books into libraries and bookstores. In this interactive presentation, I introduce kids to how a book is made – from idea to publication. This program includes time to ask questions. In addition, a Lunch With The Author program for a small group of students is available.

Soar Into Books - Two authors for one price!

Best suited for: All ages

I’ve teamed up with fellow Junior Library Guild and Choose to Read Ohio author Nancy Roe Pimm to offer schools a special opportunity that supports Core Curriculum standards in writing, science, math, and fine arts. Nancy is the author of numerous non-fiction books as well as the new release THE JERRIE MOCK STORY -The First Woman to Fly Solo Around the World. In addition to large presentations, Nancy and I offer fiction and non-fiction workshops for smaller groups. Our Soar Into Books programs and presentations are hands-on and interactive, and will ignite your students' interest is reading and writing and history. With fiction and non-fiction titles geared toward grades K-8, we feel we really do have something for everyone. Honorarium for the program is $1,500 ($750 per author) for a full day visit, plus travel expenses when applicable.

What teachers have said

I have had the pleasure of working with Carmella Van Vleet to arrange author visits for grades K-5 in two school districts. As a former educator, Carmella understands school logistics and worked with me to develop a schedule that worked for each school’s needs. Carmella has a range of books that are appropriate for and that appeal to students in each grade level. Students love both Eliza Bing stories and enjoy learning about Dr. Kathy Sullivan. After reading the books, they couldn’t wait to meet Carmella! The teachers I work with appreciate how Carmella kept students engaged and excited, while connecting her message to the reading and writing processes.

Deb Logan

Pleasant Elementary / Marion, OH

The dynamic duo of Nancy Roe Pimm and Carmella Van Vleet can work magic in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. They provide an entertaining and educational school visit about following your dreams and the writing process. Having two authors can provide more of a warm and cherished visit as they can utilize their time with smaller groups working simultaneously.

The children were so excited when they could purchase one of their books and had it signed by the author. Their visit to our school was a highlight of our school year. Thank you to an amazing team that works so well together and provides an extraordinary enrichment to our reading and writing program.

Kristyn Campbell
Mechanicsburg Exempted Village School District Mechanicsburg, OH

details and honorariums

I will do up to four 45-minute presentations or combination of presentations/writing workshops a day. I prefer speaking to groups divided by grades as opposed to speaking to the whole school, but I'm flexible.

I'm happy to sign books before or after the program and will do my very best to sign all books before leaving so that children can get their books returned by the end of the school day. I try to provide bookmarks for students unable to purchase book but who would still like a signature.

I am open to doing a Lunch With The Author workshop for a group of 12-15 students. This is an opportunity for especially interested students to share their work and ask more direct questions about the writing life or process. There is no extra fee for this and it up to schools to decide which students attend (for example, by contest or random drawing).

Please note: for all school visits, I request that children read at least one of my books. Visits are more meaningful for students when they are familiar with an author's work beforehand.

For schools within 1 hour drive from Columbus, Ohio:

$500 for half-day (Includes two 45 minute presentations and Lunch With The Author if desired.)

$900 for full-day (Includes up to four 45 minutes presentations or combination of presentations/workshops and Lunch With The Author if desired.)

For schools more than 1 hour drive from Columbus, Ohio or out of state:

Half-day: $650 plus travel expenses (coach airfare or mileage at .54 per mile, hotel, $40 for meals per day, car rental/gas if applicable).

Full-day: $950 plus travel expenses (coach airfare or mileage at .54 per mile, hotel, $40 for meals per day, car rental/gas if applicable).

Multiple schools are also welcome to split travel expenses.

Local Schools (For this purpose, local means any school or library within a 40-minute drive of Columbus, Ohio.)

For a 1 hour visit or workshop (for example, for a Literary Night, Enrichment Day, or other school or library event) cost is $150.