Event Information
School Visit Topics
Barefoot Dreams: My Family Story and the Mexican Revolution
Grades: 3 – 6; Duration 50 - 60 minutes
In this 30-minute Point Point, I show old photographs that depict my family story and the inspiration and research behind my historical novel, Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna. I follow the presentation with a Q&A and a book signing.
The Other Side: A Refugee Experience and the American Dream
Grades: 3 – 6; Duration 50 - 60 minutes
In this 30-minute Point Point, I discuss my family's refugee experience in America in 1913 and how it inspired The Other Side of the River. I show students the importance of immigrant stories and how they parallel one another. A Q&A session and book signing follow the presentation.
Follow Your Passion!
Grades 3 – 12; Duration 50-60 Minutes
English, my second language, took me years to learn. I grew up fearful of the language, and as a tween, my fear morphed into defiance. I grew up a reluctant reader but always had a fascination for family stories. I pursued careers in physics and engineering until one day, I decided to follow my heart and write. In this presentation, I encourage students to seek their passions and follow their dreams despite fears and insecurities.
In-Person Visits
Include presentation(s), a Q&A session, a book signing, and lunch with a small group of students (10 – 12).
For “local” schools (within 1-hour drive of Montgomery, Tx): $400* per single presentation
For “non-local” schools (over 1-hour drive from Montgomery, Tx): $700* for a HALF-DAY of 2 presentations (plus travel & lodging) $1,400* for a FULL DAY of 4 presentations (plus travel & lodging) Travel and lodging costs can be split between multiple schools.
Virtual Visits
Include one presentation and Q&A session. Signed bookplates provided upon request. Price: $100*
*Price is negotiable for schools with low funding
Mar 1 - Children's Immigration Law Academy, Houston, TX
Mar 2 - Read Across America, Livingston ES, NJ
Mar 4 - SW Florida Reading Fest, Fort Meyers, FL
Mar 23 - California Association for Bilingual Education, Long Beach, CA
Mar 29 - Global Read Webinar Series (Virtual)
Mar 31 - Boogie Down Books, Bronx, NY (Virtual)
Apr 1 - LCISD Spring Book Festival, Richmond, TX
Apr 1 - Battle of the Books, Humble, TX
Apr 12 - Oak Hills Rotary Club, San Antonio, TX
Apr 15 - San Antonio Book Fest, San Antonio, TX
Apr 29 - Brazos Bookstore Book Day, Houston, TX
May 17 - Duncanville Reads, Duncanville, TX
Hello! I'm Alda P. Dobbs, a Pura Belpré Honor-winning author and a Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee.
One of my passions is to connect children to their past, their communities, and nature. I encourage children to seek their own histories before they're lost forever.
I look forward to visiting with your students!
– Alda
“Alda has an immediate and positive rapport with kids while showing them how she mined historical accounts to weave nonstop action and family story on paper."
– Anne P. Neidinger, Children's librarian at Stewart-West Branch Library
“Alda 's family lore, historical photos, research, and life experiences encourage middle grade readers and adults to look at their own history."
– Anne Neidinger, Children's librarian at Montgomery County Memorial Library System
“Our author visit by Alda Dobbs engaged and thrilled my middle-school students at every turn. The presentation was interactive and provided the participants an opportunity to ask questions, learn about writing and research, pay homage to the past, and marvel at the story of Petra. It was definitely the highlight of the year!"
– Doug Keel, librarian at Marrs Middle School