A native of Richmond, Virginia, Kathryn Starke is an elementary school literacy specialist, children's author, publisher, and public speaker.   Kathryn spends every day motivating children to read, think, and learn.  As a former first and second grade teacher in an inner city school system, Kathryn believes that motivation and a print rich environment are the two factors needed to promote literacy.   Kathryn travels to schools, libraries, museums, and bookstores to share Amy's Travels with children, parents, and teachers.   She presents literacy workshops for parents and teachers and is available for public speaking engagements.  Kathryn continues to write and share her passion for literacy with fellow educators.

Visit www.author-illustr-source.com/KathrynStarke.htm to view Kathryn Starke's calendar and booking information.

($50.00 + travel fees)

Children's author, Kathryn Starke, will introduce the story of Amy's Travels and/or read Amy's Travels. She is available to sell and sign personalized copies of Amy's Travels at every event.

($100.00 + travel fees)

Kathryn is available for speaking engagements that promote literacy at home and at school. She speaks on a variety of topics related to her role in education as well as a children's author. Some specific topics are listed below.

• literacy (early childhood, elementary, secondary level)
• elementary education
• global awareness
• multicultural literature
• reading instruction at school and at home
• writing for children
• parent and family literacy programs

"Teaching with Trade Books"
(1 hour presentation, $150.00 + travel fees)

How can a second grade teacher fully explain the concept of matter to a student who reads on a kindergarten level but is expected to pass assessments and read materials at a third grade level?  This program gives classroom teachers a variety of popular children's books that can be used in small group and whole group settings to teach a particular objective.  Amy's Travels by Kathryn Starke is one of the selected books.
*Presented at the 2009 Virginia State Reading Conference, Arlington, Virginia

"Motivating Struggling Readers into Independent Readers"
(1 hour presentation + classroom instruction, $200.00 + travel fees)

This program gives educators creative and engaging activities, lessons and hands-on learning materials that will motivate struggling readers to become independent readers.  Having worked in urban schools for seven years, Kathryn Starke shares the ideas she uses every day with her own students.  Following the presentation, she will plan with teachers and give lessons and ideas to meet individual instructional needs that correlate with their curriculum and students' learning styles.  If available, Miss Starke will spend time in the classrooms during language arts instruction to model lessons or work in small group settings with struggling readers using her strategies.

Amy's Travels
(2 thirty minute programs, $195.00 + travel fees)

Author Kathryn Starke shares Amy's Travels with students using the descriptive text and colorful illustrations of this multicultural children's book.  Amy's Travels teaches the geography, culture and diversity of our world through the eyes of a young girl.  Since this book is based on the true story of Kathryn's friend Amy, she uses the presentation to explain how true stories make the best books and how our favorite book characters represent real people.  Since the book teaches the seven continents, Kathryn uses an interactive approach by having students mark Amy's travels on a map of our world.  A book guide is available for teachers.  Presales and personalized copies of Amy's Travels are available for students and teachers.