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SCHOOL VISITS 
More photos below! 
 hris (a former improvisational comedian) has put together an incredibly fun and interactive presentation called EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY that he'd love to bring to your Middle School.
Using pictures gleaned from magazines and Google, Chris demonstrates how he sometimes uses photographic inspiration to jump-start his ghost stories. Then, it's the kids' turn! Chris runs through a series of imagination-igniting pictures and together he and the students make up their own "Haunted Schoolhouse" Ghost Story—right on the spot (painlessly learning about story structure along the way). The improv game is fun, everybody gets to play, there's lot of laughs, and, best of all, the students leave the classroom (or auditorium) jazzed about how much fun writing can be. If you're interested in having Chris do an Author Visit at your school, shoot him an e-mail: author@ChrisGrabenstein.com. He and the folks at Random House will help you put together an exciting and educational day. 
Check out the NEW HANGING HILL Study Guide! 
Check out the CROSSROADS Study Guide!
Mystery Author Instructs Fourth and Fifth Graders on Writing Process Greenwich Country Day School in CT 
Award-winning mystery writer Chris Grabenstein visited the Middle School on October 20 in honor of the NCTE's National Day on Writing. Mr. Grabenstein, a former stand-up comedian, gave a rousing interactive presentation on the writing process. Working with a story map, he had the audience of fourth and fifth grade students generate the elements of an original story including characters, setting, problems, and resolution. He then used those ideas to weave a hilarious and surprisingly coherent and entertaining story. Mr. Grabenstein later joined the fifth grade for a writing workshop, where he instructed the students in mystery-writing technique and then challenged them to a mystery-writing contest. The Crossroads, a ghost story and mystery, was Mr. Grabenstein's first novel for young readers, and he has won the Agatha and the Anthony Mystery Awards for children's books. His sequel, The Hanging Hill, was recently published, and he is working on a third book.
"If you want to get ALL of your students, even your most reluctant readers, excited about reading and writing, invite Chris Grabenstein to visit your school! His book, The Crossroads, is the perfect Halloween ghost story, but the mystery and fast-paced action make it a great read any time of year. I showed Chris' book trailer to all of the students, and it generated enough interest to sell over 100 copies of his book before his visit. Chris' interactive presentation had the students on the edge of their seats, eagerly raising their hands to participate. Chris answered every question with humor and grace, and students raved about the assembly for days. As he signed countless books and bookmarks, he took a genuine interest in each student, writing thoughtful comments like, 'To Jasmine: You're the real princess.' If you have ever planned an author visit, you know that some authors can act like divas. Not Chris. Even the teachers said that he was the friendliest and most down-to-earth author that they had ever met. During the writers' workshops, Chirs tirelessly answered students questions and gave them feedback on their writing. A few students have emailed Chris to ask him for more feedback on their writing, and he quickly responded with positive input. After Chris' visit, I had to order even more books for his new fans. I cannot thank Chris enough for all that he did for the students of my school! I will definitely be inviting Chris to visit again to discuss his next book. Take my advice and plan your author visit with Chris now because he will not remain an undiscovered gem for long!" Jen Kleinknecht Media Specialist HBW Middle School Verona, NJ
"Thank you! You opened the door that enables our students to safely talk about 'books!' We loved hearing your stories. Truly motivational!" Diane Ludvigsen Principal New York City MS 053 (Brian Picollo Middle School) Far Rockaway, Brooklyn
"My class thoroughly enjoyed your visit. Thank you! If you need a referral or anything like that, let me know. I would recommend you to EVERYONE! P.S. My daughter hasn't stopped talking about you and how "awesome" you are!" Sincerely, Janet Beeler
Thanks so much for visiting Robertsville. You were perfect as a presenter, and our students (and teachers too) truly enjoyed your visit. We would love to invite you back for a visit next fall (after The Crossroads is released in paperback). Take care Scot Smith Librarian Media Specialist Robertsville Middle School
I want to thank you again for your time and generosity in your visit to Benjamin Franklin Middle School. Everyone has been so enthusiastic in their responses to your visit...students and teachers alike. Your books have a long reserve list already and they are still selling! Your facility with the crowd and your ability to be relaxed, yet in control of the audience was remarkable. I think the kids had an especially enjoyable time because of that. The excerpts that you read from your books, the stories you told about your life, your thought process in writing and your working style were an inspiration to all of us. During the workshops, students seemed very engaged and your ideas to teach them about mystery writing were very inspiring. I hope a lot of the kids return stories to you! And your generosity in both your visit and the prize offering are truly appreciated! Thank you again for a truly memorable day! Linda W. Rothschild Library Media Specialist Benjamin Franklin Middle School Ridgewood, NJ
Thank you so much for your wonderfully interactive presentation last week at Monroe-Woodbury Middle School. Your passion for writing—and sincerity toward young people was evident in the work you did during your visit. It was very well-received among students and staff and the kids were excited about writing. The teachers were impressed with your ability to take a seemingly impossible list of characters and events and tie them together—validating each response from the kids. We hope to have you visit us again soon! All the best, Laura Lerner School Library Media Specialist, M-W Middle School
See more school visit pictures here!
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