Steven has worked with more than 200 elementary and middle schools for assemblies, book clubs, family literacy nights, school-wide reading events, and writing workshops. Sessions can be planned for full day, half-day, or single talks with all or parts of schools or grade levels. Sessions are usually 45 minutes each in length but can be tailored based on school or teacher needs.
Virtual visits are also available for classrooms, schools, and families around the globe. While it’s not quite like being together in person, there’s a lot that can be shared through platforms like Zoom.
Presentation topics include:
- Being an author
- The history in his stories
- Key story elements
- Using description
- First drafts and the revision process
- Answering lots and lots of questions!
For more information, please click below.
Author Visit Resources
Author Visit Benefits & Obstacles
Presentation Themes and Programs
Virginia and United States History
The historical themes in the series make excellent reinforcement to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade social studies curriculum about Jamestown, George Washington, the American Revolution, Civil War, and the early 1900’s. (USI.3,8,9, VS.2,3,5,6,7,9)
Books contain strong story elements and facts from places like St. John’s Church, Jamestown, Hollywood Cemetery, Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Washington, DC, as well as key figures like Patrick Henry, George Wythe, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Pocahontas, James and Sallie Dooley, Lewis Ginter, Abraham Lincoln, and more. Kids in Virginia and beyond love learning about history in the context of exciting adventures!
Virginia Readers’ Choice
Shadows at Jamestown was named a Virginia Readers’ Choice elementary title for 2019-20 by the Virginia State Literacy Association. The book serves as an excellent complement to Social Studies unit on Jamestown and field trips. Be sure to check out these great teaching materials.
School-wide Reading Programs
Many schools have used Summer of the Woods for their One School, One Book program. You may find this page of resources valuable to make your school-wide reading program a success. As a result of many librarian requests, all Steven’s books are available in hardcover and The Virginia Mysteries and Final Kingdom Trilogy are also in audiobook.
Teacher Testimonials
“As a teacher I find it challenging to find an adventure book for students that is both engaging and suitable to share at the elementary level. Summer of the Woods is a keeper. The story is engaging, the suspense is authentic, and the characters are accessible to young readers. My entire class thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced and well-conceived novel by Mr. Smith. Both boys and girls clamored for the next book in the series, which is a huge score for any teacher or parent. We were so fortunate to have Mr. Smith come speak to our school in small groups. He captivated the students and gave them great advice on crafting their own stories. It was evident that he respects the insights and ingenuity of children, which I imagine is why his books are so enchanting.”
Heather White, 4th Grade Teacher, Jackson Davis Elementary
“Mr. Smith’s student presentation was engaging and instructional. Students were excited to not only learn about his wonderful VA mystery books but to also delve deeper into the writing process…His excitement for historical places around Richmond and Virginia was contagious.”
Diane Strait, Librarian, Springfield Park Elementary
“It’s hard to find historical fiction that is engaging for 3rd-5th graders, which is what initially drew me to Steven Smith’s books. The response was really exciting. I even had some students beg their parents to bring them to Williamsburg and Church Hill so they could see these places in person. In addition, I love that the reading level of his books match the 4th grade Social Studies standards on the SOLs. Having a local author that is accessible and willing to share his craft with students can be a valuable experience for students learning what it means to be a writer. We know we will be asking him to come visit every year!”
Sarah Takacs, Librarian, Ecoff Elementary
“Our school used Summer of the Woods, as our ‘One School, One Book’ title this year. Kids and parents alike loved the sweet adventure story of the two brothers and the mystery that results in an unexpected discovery. The local history connection provided additional learning opportunities in and out of the classroom. Steve’s willingness to come in and do writers’ workshops and book chats elevated the reading experience to a whole new level. Steve worked with us every step of the way from making the purchase process easy to providing daily trivia questions for the school to read on the morning announcements.”
Kristen Hebert, Bettie Weaver Elementary parent and PTA President
