Opening Minds to New Perspectives
- Classroom Visits
- Virtual Visits
- Book Club Visits
- Workshops for Students
- Workshops for Writers
- Author Q&As
- Custom Presentations
- Readings
- Book Signings
- Custom Events
Why me?
- I’m an award-winning author of 20 books of fiction and nonfiction published internationally. I’ve spoken to kids and adults in dozens of schools and events.
- I went from being a child growing up with a stutter to an adult who enjoys public speaking. After my sessions, children (and grownups) tell me, “If you can do it, so can I.”
- I encourage my audiences to appreciate differences, broaden horizons, and see the world through new eyes.
Testimonials
“Shruthi’s presentation was engaging, fun, and inspiring. Our students loved hearing about how an idea becomes a book.”
– Julie Chavez, Librarian, Fairlands Elementary, Pleasanton CA
“Thank you for leading two incredibly engaging sessions today! I heard from multiple students that they loved your session and wished it was twice as long.” – Passion and Purpose Day, Tessellations School, Cupertino, CA
“Shruthi Rao is as warm, sweet, and funny as her book. Her heartfelt presentation is informative and full of fun and laughter. Five stars!” – Rebecca Hanley, Librarian, Altamont Creek Elementary, Livermore CA
“The students had some great takeaways such as the importance of revising their writing… I love they felt connected and represented in the book.” – Katie Delamarter, Library Media Specialist, Forest Vista Elem, Flower Mound, TX
I’m currently booking virtual and in-person school visits.
USA: My fees start from $150 upwards (virtual) and $300 upwards (in-person) depending on the number of school sessions, location and content (see presentations below). Travel costs are extra.
Ways to raise funds for an author visit.
India: Please reach out to me for timelines and fees.
If funding is a problem, please let me know why, and let’s discuss. I want to do my best to make it happen.
Presentations
Here are the presentations I currently offer, in-person and virtual, in the US or in India. If you want something you don’t see, let’s talk!
- READ-ALOUD + Q&A (30-45 min): A fun-filled read-aloud of any of my books, Q&A, Activities (Grades 1-3, 4-7)
- HOW TO BE AN AUTHOR (45 min-90 min): Interactive presentation on the author journey, Q&A (All grades, Adults)
- BUILD A BOOK (45 min-90 min): Interactive presentation of the journey of a book from idea to publication (All grades, Adults)
- ELEMENTS OF A STORY (45-90 min): An interactive session on all that you need to write a story. We’ll have writing prompts and discussions. (All grades, Adults)
- WORKSHOP – WRITE FROM YOUR LIFE (FICTION AND NONFICTION) (45-90 min): How to dig deep into your life, family, experiences and culture, and write about it. (Grades 4-8, 9-12, Adults)
- WORKSHOP – WRITE NONFICTION THAT READS LIKE FICTION (45-90 min) How to use research and write a piece of nonfiction that reads like fiction. (Customized to Grades 4-8, 9-12, Adults)
- WORKSHOP – RESEARCH IN STORYTELLING (FICTION AND NONFICTION) (45-90 min): Why even a fictional story needs research if you want to get your facts right, with examples from books. (Grades 4-8, 9-12, Adults)
- READ LIKE A WRITER (45 min): I pick up a popular book or two (chosen by the classroom or the audience beforehand) and read the book like a writer does. Learning to observe what works in a book, and why, helps make your own writing better. (Grades 1-3, 4-8, 9-12, Adults)
