School Visits
In-person and virtual author visits for grades K–12, plus professional development for educators.
I love visiting schools and libraries to talk to kids about books! I’ve spoken at over 200 schools as well as conferences and book festivals, and I’m comfortable speaking to kids K–12 in any forum, from the classroom to an assembly.
2026–2027 Programs
Customized School Author Visits - In Person
Half day: $900* · Full day: $1,600 · Customized options available
*1/2 day only offered to schools within 25 miles or if two schools share a full day. I also offer donation options. This is for up to 120 miles. Additional fees may apply for longer trips.)
The full day includes 4 sessions, lunch, and a book signing.
I provide programs for audiences of 10-300 (large assemblies, classrooms). I also offer group discounts for multiple schools.
* Loves Science & Reading - (K-3) includes reading ANY Loves Science Book, and discussing what they learned (30 min)
* Loves Science, Reading & Writing* - (K-3) includes reading CECE and discussing three things every book needs (45 min)
* Theo TheSaurus - Logophiles love reading and writing! Includes reading Theo and discussing how to fall in love with reading.
* Shine Like a Unicorn - Great for anti-bully week! includes reading and discussion on standing out and not being afraid to be yourself.
* Writing with Humor (Penny) - Focuses on engineering and simple machines. Also touches on how to write with humor and puns.
* Keeping it Real with Research (Florence Nightingale) - A creative writing topic about researching for your fiction (and nonfiction stories). Uses Florence Nightingale.
* The Writer in You (4th-5th) - A creative writing topic about the nuts and bolts of writing. (60 min)
* Turn that Page (6th - 12th) - A creative writing topic about suspense and raising the stakes (60 min)
Every school visit includes bookmarks for every student, a 30-minute Meet/Greet for select students/teachers, and a 30-minute. signing time. The workshops include access to Study Guides, Reading Questions, and Activities that directly correlate with Common Core standards.
*These prices may change for each school year. Ask about my special offer for schools purchasing books.
Other Visits
Free Skype Visits
(First 15 min. Free)
I will read one of my books and take a short Q/A
Virtual Visits (Zoom, Google Meetings, etc)
(Starting at 200$)
* This is a great option for schools with a tight budget.
* I can visit in classrooms or libraries anywhere in the world!
* The number of kids is not limited.
* The kids must have read at least one of my books!
Professional Development ($500)
I provide professional development workshops giving educators ideas on how to use books to teach across multi-modal and multi-subjects, including science, social studies, and literature.
Some of the workshops I have taught include:
* How to teach writing to students (professional development)
* Using technology to connect readers and authors virtually
* Using Fiction to Emphasize Science or STEM topics (presented at GA Libraries NSTA, NerdCamp,
* Teaching using multi-genre/multi-modal writing (professional development) - originally presented at NCTE/Atlanta
What Schools Say
“Having this visit was the most rewarding thing I have done in my career to promote literacy. It was incredible and our students are STILL talking about it.”
“You know you had a successful assembly when a week later the students and teachers are still talking about it and asking when the author is coming back!”
“It was a magical experience for the students and staff... Shelli’s passion for writing left a lasting impression on the young minds of our Clayton Cougars.”
“Shelli visited our school, and we LOVED it! I can’t keep her books in the library since she came. It was a great visit and we will definitely have her back!”
“With savvy that usually only accompanies the most seasoned educators, S.R. Johannes captivated our students and sparked their interest in writing. Boys and girls from 9th grade to 12th were bubbling with ideas afterward.”
“Working with Shelli is a dream. Her presentation is fun and engaging, with activities and interactive elements available for schools AND bookstores.”
Where I’ve Spoken
If you are interested in having me do a story time or speak at your bookstore, festival, conference, please email me at [email protected] for prices, detailed topics/programs, and availability.
Past Events
*Including more than 100 School Visits
Abu Dhabi Book Fair
ALLA
Atlanta Young Writers Institute (Agnes Scott College)
Atlanta Writer’s Association
B&N National Storytime
Bookworm Festival (TX)
Broadleaf’s Writers Association
Brave and Kind Bookstore
Canton Arts Festival
Cavalcade - Speaker/Signing (WA)
Decatur Book Festival (GA)
Emory University
Enda’s Booktique
Forsyth Media Specialists
Georgia Council of Media Organizations (COMO)
Georgia Library Association (GLA)
GLMA Summer Institute
Georgia's Children's Literature Conference (GCBA, Athens)
Georgia Writer's Association
Forsyth Media Specialists
Fox Tales Book Shoppe (GA)
KSU – Kennesaw Conference on Literature for Children and Young Adults
The Likely Story Bookstore
LSU College of Science (LA)
NCTE author speaker (Atlanta)
NE RESA
NSTA author speaker (Atlanta)
Nerd Camp – National and Local
RJ Julia Booksellers - Madison, CT
Romantic Times Convention (RT)
Romance Writers Association (RWA) National Convention
SOKY – Southern Kentucky Book Festival
Society for Children's Books & Illustrators (SCBWI, Multiple Chapters)
Southeastern Writers Association
Social Moms for Justice (Chattanooga, TN)
SOKY Book Festival/Kentucky Writer's Conference (KY)
Square Books, JR (MS)
Star Line Books (TN)
Tallahassee Writers Association
The Book Tavern (GA)
The Story Shop (GA)
UGA Writing Class
Ya'll Festival (Charleston)