These are the books I’ll be featuring in my 2025-26 author visits. Find out more about hosting me!

I’ve done 167 author presentations so far this academic year, and often at the end of a visit a school principal or other administrator will ask me how things went.

I always tell them, honestly, that my perspective is the one that matters the least — what really counts is how the students and staff feel about our time together.

That’s why after each visit my hosts receive a survey so that I can learn more about what worked well and where I might be able to make improvements. I’m not through visiting schools for this academic year, but as the 2024-25 calendar starts to wind down, I’m taking stock this week of the feedback I’ve received so far.

Yesterday’s focus was on the question, “What was the most valuable or beneficial aspect of Chris’ presentation?” Today, I’m sharing responses to the survey question, “What do you wish that Chris had done more (or less) of during his presentation(s)?”

I thought it was timed well for ample student questions, while also sharing enough for students to see the big picture of being a published author.

I liked that the sessions were interactive. I think that is something that is always in-demand for presentations. Chris did a great job with this, especially for keeping the little ones engaged. More of that is always welcome!

There isn’t anything I would have added or taken away. The next time we have him come out, we will try for a full day where he can chat more with the kids at lunch time or recess. They would really love that.

I cannot think of anything at this time that I would change!

Nothing – he did a great job!:)

Nothing!

Now, as flattering as it would be if all of my survey respondents answered this question with something along those lines, there were a few responses with a recurring theme:

I think it would be great if he can include any photos of a work in progress. With the revise and editing notes. I think that always leaves an impact on the kids to know that the first draft is not ready for publishing.

It might have been nice to see how his drafts of his books looked…Maybe show some of his current projects?

More pictures of what it is like to write, show your process

Actually show revision copies of a story so that students realize the process better.

Message received! While I’ve long talked about the importance of revision, I took that feedback to heart. Partway through this school year I added to the visual examples of revision that I show during my presentation focused on 88 Instruments.

While that book will soon be replaced in my featured titles by We Match! (which will be published this July), those who want their students to see more of what revision looks like will be glad to know that I have even more examples to share for We Match!

And this summer, as I prepare to return Dazzle Ships and What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? to the titles I feature in my presentations, you can bet that I’m going to keep an eye out for opportunities to show more of how those books changed along the way from first draft to finished product.

Please see my Author Visits page for more information about hosting me, including a video of me in action as well as details about grants and other funding tips. I’d love to visit your campus or library soon!

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Next up: responses to the survey question, “For better or for worse, what stood out about the feedback that you received after Chris’ visit?”